DMU-COM Discussion Thread 2008-2009

[Boner]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I got a quick question for any current students at DMU.

Do all first and second year classes only have DO students or do they contain students from other programs such as PA, PT, or podiatry. Thanks.

First year, most classes are integrated with Pod students. Anatomy has Pod and PT.
Second year, Pods and PAs take pharm with us, but that's pretty much it. Pods will go off to their "systems-lite" courses. PAs take a couple of blocks with DOs (resp, renal).

 

[tbucky]

Just got my interview invite today, too! So excited! Unfortunately, I had to schedule it for Feb 20, because I'm gone for work in early Feb. Think there's any chance that they would respond favorably to a "in the area" request for Jan 15th? (I have an interview at KCOM on the 16th)

 

[primadonna22274]

Hey all,

I found out today that the alternate list is not ranked until the adcom meets in MAY. Then, depending on where you're ranked, you end up in a quartile; obviously being at the top quartile increases your chance of being called if a position opens up. I have no idea how many folks are on the waitlist though. The advice from Danessa was that anyone placed on the alternate list is strongly encouraged to accept any other offers or pursue other opportunities as the waitlist is unpredictable.

Fortunately for me I had made my decision before I found this out so I feel pretty good about it. I went ahead and took the PA faculty job at Medical College of Georgia. I'm excited about it and looking forward to starting something new. I can't say I won't be excited if I AM called for a waitlist spot (which could be in June or July) but I'm not putting my life on hold until then at this point. I'm ready to live a little (at nearly 35).

Congrats to all accepted, and good luck to those who are interviewing soon. I was incredibly impressed with DMU and would be very proud to attend DO school there. Its reputation is well-earned.

Take care,

Lisa

 

[ejay1518]

to all of those people that just got an interview invite for February...when was your file complete at DMU?

 

[tbucky]

to all of those people that just got an interview invite for February...when was your file complete at DMU?

I was complete 11/26

 

[Spooner13]

to all of those people that just got an interview invite for February...when was your file complete at DMU?

I was complete December 3.

 

[dani042]

to all of those people that just got an interview invite for February...when was your file complete at DMU?

I was complete 11/20

 

[rjf]

Alright, let me start by saying that I loved DMU and I am very grateful that I was accepted there. Now I have to decide if I want to go there. My problem is that it almost seems too good to be true. Did anyone else get the impression that you were almost being recruited by them rather than just applying to their school? For example, the fastrac application, the impressive tours, the follow-up letters from professors/deans, the multiple emails, etc. I just feel like they are almost begging me to come (not bragging) and I can tell by previous posts on the forum that others are experiencing the same thing. I feel that many things they do are rather classy, yet does this make anyone nervous that applying there almost feels like they are trying to sell you something? I'm not trying to offend anyone that is already committed there...just looking for some other opinions.

 

[High Rolla]

I was complete on 11/26.

 

[Dissected]

Alright, let me start by saying that I loved DMU and I am very grateful that I was accepted there. Now I have to decide if I want to go there. My problem is that it almost seems too good to be true. Did anyone else get the impression that you were almost being recruited by them rather than just applying to their school? For example, the fastrac application, the impressive tours, the follow-up letters from professors/deans, the multiple emails, etc. I just feel like they are almost begging me to come (not bragging) and I can tell by previous posts on the forum that others are experiencing the same thing. I feel that many things they do are rather classy, yet does this make anyone nervous that applying there almost feels like they are trying to sell you something? I'm not trying to offend anyone that is already committed there...just looking for some other opinions.

I think they are just trying not to lose qualified applicants to other schools. Highly qualified applicants who apply to the DO route often get accepted to more than one place, and it seems like they really choose who they interview very carefully at DMU. This means they have a reason to show a lot of interest in students who they feel will make a great addition to the student body. Don't judge the quality of education or student body by what the the admissions office does.. Trust your own judgement about the facilities, faculty, students and academics. I personally don't think its too good to be true, its just a great school and you are lucky enough to be receiving a lot of interest from them! Good luck on deciding, its a hard thing to have to do 👍

 

[iowafarmstud]

Alright, let me start by saying that I loved DMU and I am very grateful that I was accepted there. Now I have to decide if I want to go there. My problem is that it almost seems too good to be true. Did anyone else get the impression that you were almost being recruited by them rather than just applying to their school? For example, the fastrac application, the impressive tours, the follow-up letters from professors/deans, the multiple emails, etc. I just feel like they are almost begging me to come (not bragging) and I can tell by previous posts on the forum that others are experiencing the same thing. I feel that many things they do are rather classy, yet does this make anyone nervous that applying there almost feels like they are trying to sell you something? I'm not trying to offend anyone that is already committed there...just looking for some other opinions.

Hey there!! I agree with the Dok's quote above...DMU has been around a LONG time, and their reputation alone sells them. What you are seeing is what you get...the students I have contacted have been VERY happy to help in whatever way they could, staff has been very friendly, and the faculty has been more than supportive to answer questions and offer support. I was at my KCOM interview and the interviewer asked what other schools I had been accepted at...among those I said DMU and he said, "Now that is a great school I could recommend to anyone...I have lectured their before and they have a very strong program." So...even other schools that are reputable agree that DMU is strong.
Good luck with your decisions you will have to make!!! In the end, you can be a great doctor no matter where you go...but I must forewarn you...once DMU sends that bumper sticker it is awfully hard to say no!!!😍

 

[beerog2003]

Hey all,

I found out today that the alternate list is not ranked until the adcom meets in MAY. Then, depending on where you're ranked, you end up in a quartile; obviously being at the top quartile increases your chance of being called if a position opens up. I have no idea how many folks are on the waitlist though. The advice from Danessa was that anyone placed on the alternate list is strongly encouraged to accept any other offers or pursue other opportunities as the waitlist is unpredictable.

Fortunately for me I had made my decision before I found this out so I feel pretty good about it. I went ahead and took the PA faculty job at Medical College of Georgia. I'm excited about it and looking forward to starting something new. I can't say I won't be excited if I AM called for a waitlist spot (which could be in June or July) but I'm not putting my life on hold until then at this point. I'm ready to live a little (at nearly 35).

Congrats to all accepted, and good luck to those who are interviewing soon. I was incredibly impressed with DMU and would be very proud to attend DO school there. Its reputation is well-earned.

Take care,

Lisa

Your story sounds very inspirational and sincere. I hope and pray that you don't give up on your dream. What I do know is that God places us where we are supposed to be. Having a faculty position at a Medical School is no small feat. I hope that whatever is best for you will happen in the coming months. I am going to be interviewing a DMU in January. I am currently on two wait lists which I am very grateful for and I will be like you, hoping for a call. I think that it will happen though.

 

[primadonna22274]

Thanks! I feel good about it. For now it's fun to watch you guys vicariously and think of exam questions to torture my PA students.... KIDDING!

Your story sounds very inspirational and sincere. I hope and pray that you don't give up on your dream. What I do know is that God places us where we are supposed to be. Having a faculty position at a Medical School is no small feat. I hope that whatever is best for you will happen in the coming months. I am going to be interviewing a DMU in January. I am currently on two wait lists which I am very grateful for and I will be like you, hoping for a call. I think that it will happen though.

 

[BabyKangaroo]

Alright, let me start by saying that I loved DMU and I am very grateful that I was accepted there. Now I have to decide if I want to go there. My problem is that it almost seems too good to be true. Did anyone else get the impression that you were almost being recruited by them rather than just applying to their school? For example, the fastrac application, the impressive tours, the follow-up letters from professors/deans, the multiple emails, etc. I just feel like they are almost begging me to come (not bragging) and I can tell by previous posts on the forum that others are experiencing the same thing. I feel that many things they do are rather classy, yet does this make anyone nervous that applying there almost feels like they are trying to sell you something? I'm not trying to offend anyone that is already committed there...just looking for some other opinions.

Diddo on Dok and IAfarmstud. Something to add... I shadowed a DMU resident, and talked to another in practice, and don't forget all of the students that go there currently. They don't seem to have been "let down" whatsoever. Still all have great things to say. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[glam88]

Hi everyone! So I got accepted to DMU, so glad....but I wanted to know what you guys felt were the pros and cons of DMU.

 

[ejay1518]

I was complete at DMU on 12/5...do you guys know/have insight on what my chances of getting in are if I interview in mid-late February or early March? I have a 30 MCAT (11P,10V,9B) and a 3.53 cGPA. I also have good ECs and LORs...but interviewing that late in the cycle...

 

[AmyWho]

Anyone knows good hotels that provide free shuttle from/to airport and school? Thank you.

 

[BabyKangaroo]

This is to glam, ejay, and amy in that order...
Pros:
110 yr. history (solid foundation)
Good reputation (word of mouth)
Great campus, very conducive to learning
Good quality of life from vibe of students and my interview experience
Global health program
4th year is all but 8 wks of electives (pro/con?)
Tuition is reasonable among D.O. schools
Surgery skills laboratory
Multiple health degrees offered so you are surrounded by future colleagues
Scholarship opportunities seem more than any other D.O. school
Curriculum is well done for the most part
Students like it very much there. I have not heard any negative comments about DMU.
Cons:
Iowa? Weather?
For me, a class size of 200-230 seems large for a medical school, but some schools are like that, and some are not.
Not in my home state
No mountains
Cannot comment much on the curriculum, rotations, etc. b/c I don't go there. But this is the general vibe from my side of spectrum.

Ejay, those are great scores etc. If you get an interview, they like you and you are obviously competing for a spot there (unless they say otherwise). If you interview in Sept. when they started, you do have a better chance. However not as competitive later in the season, you still are competing for a spot. Don't get too worried!

Amywho, here is a site from DMU and their suggestions.
http://www.dmu.edu/visit_campus/hotels/
I personally used the Heartland Inn. I think it was the cheapest? I would recommend getting a reservation for two nights prior to your interview so you could spend a day or two in the area!

 

[BabyKangaroo]

One more thing I forgot about pros and cons... The obvious, albeit ambiguous, statement "it is what you think of the school and what works best for you." DMU worked well for me, and I have faith they have the environment for me to succeed in. Also, check out the Pros/Cons thread in the medical student forum. Here is a link to the fourth page that has DMU on it, but there is some on the 3rd page as well. Browse through each page and use a "find" function on your computer to find key words on the page so you don't have to read all of the threads. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=407104&page=4
If the link doesn't work, go to "medical" forums, drag down to "medical students" and find the thread "pros/cons of your D.O. school."

 

[beerog2003]

You guys wish me luck. I will be interviewing here on January 8th. I am just taking in all the great things you guys are saying about the school and really getting excited. I think that I will appreciate the large class size, b/c it gives you more opportunities to form diverse study groups. However, I do have to get in first. Congrats to all those who have already been accepted!!!

I don't like cold weather or being away from home, but all of that means better focus and more study time (always look at the brighter side of life!!!).

 

[primadonna22274]

I stayed at the Renaissance hotel on 4th street downtown. Gorgeous, and the DMU rate is like $82/night 😎 Shuttle to/from interview, and I'm pretty sure they'll pick you up & drop you off at the airport. Wonderful service (make sure to have some tip money, there's somebody to tip everywhere you look). Enjoy!

Anyone knows good hotels that provide free shuttle from/to airport and school? Thank you.

 

[BabyKangaroo]

You guys wish me luck. I will be interviewing here on January 8th. I am just taking in all the great things you guys are saying about the school and really getting excited. I think that I will appreciate the large class size, b/c it gives you more opportunities to form diverse study groups. However, I do have to get in first. Congrats to all those who have already been accepted!!!

I don't like cold weather or being away from home, but all of that means better focus and more study time (always look at the brighter side of life!!!).

Haha, thanks Polyanna! J/K. I actually told myself the same thing, but nothing is perfect and I would be lying if I didn't have anything I didn't like about the school/location. In reality, there are always going to be cons about lots of things in life. How we look at them determines our enthusiasm in all we do. I would actually think that if one didn't have a con about this school, they should check their pulse. It is important to have things to critique and improve on.

 

[BabyKangaroo]

And if someone asked for my brighter perspective, I will give it to them, but they asked for my cons 😀 Thanks for the reminder though!

 

[ejay1518]

Does DMU have a pre-matriculation program like some of the other med schools? Also when does the first semester start and end?

 

[Boner]

Does DMU have a pre-matriculation program like some of the other med schools? Also when does the first semester start and end?

If by pre-matriculation program, you mean SMP, then no. We have several masters degree programs, but none that are officially "post-bac" or "special masters" programs.
If by pre-matriculation program, you mean early acceptance, then yes. DMU has an early acceptance program for college juniors. Details are on the DMU website.

First semester for firsties starts around the second or thrid week in August and ends the week before X-mas.

 

[ejay1518]

I meant neither...some medical schools have a program for incoming students (mostly for those who do not come form a science background or have been out of school for a while) where they take first year classes during june and july to get a refresher for the sciences. Some schools like western allow certain ppl to take anatomy in the summer and give them credit for it. While others like UMDNJ have a program where students can take a few first year courses but not give them credit for it...basically taking a few first year courses wether it is with or without credit to get adjusted to med school life...

also does DMU have pass, fail, honors or pass, fail, high pass, and honors?

 

[Medicinewarrior]

I'm a 4th year dmu student applying to internal med allopathic residencies right now aspiring to be a cardiologist. I would be happy to answer any questions you guys may have.

 

[Boner]

I meant neither...some medical schools have a program for incoming students (mostly for those who do not come form a science background or have been out of school for a while) where they take first year classes during june and july to get a refresher for the sciences. Some schools like western allow certain ppl to take anatomy in the summer and give them credit for it. While others like UMDNJ have a program where students can take a few first year courses but not give them credit for it...basically taking a few first year courses wether it is with or without credit to get adjusted to med school life...

also does DMU have pass, fail, honors or pass, fail, high pass, and honors?

Gotcha - no prematric program of that nature.

DMU has a straight percentage grading system. Your grades for classes are given to the nearest whole percent and overall GPA is given to the nearest 1/100 of a percent.

 

[ejay1518]

Can anyone tell me DMU's first time board passing rate and their average board scores? Also, how much time do you get off before the boards?

 

[Medicinewarrior]

Can anyone tell me DMU's first time board passing rate and their average board scores? Also, how much time do you get off before the boards?

I know for the class of 2009 the average comlex step 1 pass rate was 94%.

The average comlex step 1 score for class 2008 was 514, for class of 2009 520.

You typically end school somewhere around the middle of may and have until july 26 to take your step 1. You may get a special exception if you have a good excuse to take it after that date, but need to pass or else you may have to drop from your rotations.

 

[slick27]

I heard Iowa's bars are smoke free, another positive most people don't consider.

 

[Medicinewarrior]

well after obsessing for the last 3 weeks I got put on the Alternate list. 🙁 🙁 According to this thread there wasn't a lot of movement last year...so I guess it's a no go on DMU. I can't say that I'm not upset by this.I thought my interview went well.

from what I know from the admissions dept, their general approach regarding waiting list is that:
1. They may have been more likely to accept you had you applied earlier and entered their rolling admissions modus,
or
2. If you apply for the next year cycle early, you will very likely be accepted.

This is coming from only one admission staff so take it for what it is.

 

[Lithium311]

from what I know from the admissions dept, their general approach regarding waiting list is that:
1. They may have been more likely to accept you had you applied earlier and entered their rolling admissions modus,
or
2. If you apply for the next year cycle early, you will very likely be accepted.

This is coming from only one admission staff so take it for what it is.

Thanks! Thankfully I will not be reapplying anywhere next year since I got accepted at KCOM. I really liked DMU though.I did AACOMAS app in July and got my secondary Sept 16 and submitted the same day. I didn't think I was that late. I had my interview first week of Nov so I thought I was in good shape. I'll keep waiting though. I still consider DMU high on my list.

 

[slick27]

What were your stats Lithium311? I too was waitlisted my first time applying to DMU even though I interviewed early (oct. as I remember) and felt like my interview went well. But, I was accepted upon reaplication to DMU and will be attending next year. So its very true that they consider reapplicants to their program seriously.

 

[Lithium311]

What were your stats Lithium311? I too was waitlisted my first time applying to DMU even though I interviewed early (oct. as I remember) and felt like my interview went well. But, I was accepted upon reaplication to DMU and will be attending next year. So its very true that they consider reapplicants to their program seriously.

I think my MCAT score and medical experience are holding me back. My post-bacc program was 2 years and I guess I should have packed in more.


I think the only weakness in my interview is that we got onto the topic of politics since I did a lot of campaign work both in 2004 and 2008 and one of the interviewers really liked this and kept asking my question. However the student interviewer did not seem pleased to be on this topic and while I tried to keep my politics neutral maybe I did not do a great job. He really reamed me after changing the topic by saying "well let's get back to the real interview." I didn't want to talk politics but when a professor is asking me questions I wasn't sure what to do.

 

[Deepa100]

Pl. see the title. Also, how many students per cadaver?

 

[Boner]

Pl. see the title. Also, how many students per cadaver?

DMU uses dissection. 5 students/cadaver (one navigating the digital dissector, 4 people dissect). Very strong anatomy lab program.

 

[PipiChen]

just interviewed on Jan 8th. it was a positive experience and the interviewers were very nice! Very diverse and supportive environment!!

anyone else here interviewed with me on the same day??!!

 

[Irish37]

For those that have Interviewed, when was the day over, i am trying to link to another interview and the latest flight that's convienient leaves @ 3:15, wondering if i'll have to wait till the next day and leave super early or if i'll have time to bolt and make it to DSM in time!?!

I'll be interviewing Feb 13th, if anyone else will be there then hope to meet you!

 

[johnniewalker11]

.

 

[PipiChen]

For those that have Interviewed, when was the day over, i am trying to link to another interview and the latest flight that's convienient leaves @ 3:15, wondering if i'll have to wait till the next day and leave super early or if i'll have time to bolt and make it to DSM in time!?!

I'll be interviewing Feb 13th, if anyone else will be there then hope to meet you!

Hey, you can request for the interview that starts at 1.15pm. you will be done by 2pm. Then quick rush to airport and you will have no prob. Airport is about 15 minutes away from where DMU is! Good luck and have fun at DMU!

 

[beerog2003]

just interviewed on Jan 8th. it was a positive experience and the interviewers were very nice! Very diverse and supportive environment!!

anyone else here interviewed with me on the same day??!!

Yeah, I interviewed on the 8th also.

 

[Chi786]

I interviewed the 8th too! Youre right..everyone was really nice and supportive. The interview was very laid back too

 

[PipiChen]

Yeah, I interviewed on the 8th also.

I interviewed the 8th too! Youre right..everyone was really nice and supportive. The interview was very laid back too

good to meet you folks here again! I was the only the east Asian in the grp so I guess you know who I am haha. Hope all your interviews went well!

a quick question, did u all send a "thank-you" note to your 3 interviewers? If you did, did they respond? I sent them one with some followup questions and discussions, so far only one responded. I am a little concerned because of my previous experience. and yes I could be paranoid but DMU is a great school, I just don't want to mess it up post interview haha!

thanks!

 

[medfool24]

good to meet you folks here again! I was the only the east Asian in the grp so I guess you know who I am haha. Hope all your interviews went well!

a quick question, did u all send a "thank-you" note to your 3 interviewers? If you did, did they respond? I sent them one with some followup questions and discussions, so far only one responded. I am a little concerned because of my previous experience. and yes I could be paranoid but DMU is a great school, I just don't want to mess it up post interview haha!

thanks!

Hey guys, I interviewed on the 8th as well. DMU was pretty impressive.

I did send a thank you note to my interviewers and have not gotten any responses yet.

 

[cliquesh]

Thank you cards are not needed.

 

[BabyKangaroo]

Thank you cards are not needed.

I agree, but depending on different factors in the letter (voice, length, content, the fact that you aren't sounding like you are begging for an acceptance), it could be mildly appreciated. Treat it like your interview. Sound/be genuine. I sent one to the admissions committee in general, not to my interviewers, and I hand-wrote it. I felt like I was really thankful of the interview day, just like most of everyone else is. Just remembered their names and things that we talked about during the day (I was lucky I remembered anything during that day). Des Moines sends out letters after your acceptance that politely suggest you to attend, with a hand-written note on the bottom describing something specific they remembered you by during the interview day. They are looking for those who will fit in their school. Maybe three lines of a hand-written "thank you" will put you over the top in a tough decision? Couldn't hurt.

 

[tbucky]

Anyone interviewing tomorrow (1/15)? Just hoping that the weather cooperates in regard to my drive this afternoon...

 

[BabyKangaroo]

Did anyone else get their username and password for the DMU student portal? I guess it just hit me that we have 6 or 7 months left until school starts (it said orientation was Aug. 4-7 I believe).

 

[meganmarie]

Did anyone else get their username and password for the DMU student portal? I guess it just hit me that we have 6 or 7 months left until school starts (it said orientation was Aug. 4-7 I believe).

I got mine a couple days ago too 👍