DMU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[123165]

---

Members do not see this ad.

WOW Kevon, that is a bummer. I was at the Nova interview w you and you seemed so confident DMU. That makes me really nervous bc my stats aren't good...which they called out btw then questioned my study habits. Even with all of that I feel like my interview went great. I am in shock you got waitlisted. Sorry man.

Haha, that sounds like my interview. I am sure you did fine, and I got into NSU so I am OK with it. Now I am trying to figure out what I might do if I get in off the waitlist at DMU.

 

[wishintobedoc]

Yes, I got the acceptance letter yesterday for DMU-COM. Looking at the profiles of some of the waitlisted people, I am surprised. Some of the students have an excellent GPA and above average MCAT scores. (MCAT scores greater than DMU-COM's stated average of 27)

It really must be a crapshoot. Looking forward to attending school!

I think once you get to the interview, it's not about your gpa and mcat score. Those things only got you there. I mean I am sure that they take them into consideration during the final decision, but its mostly based on the interview itself. In my interview the doctor even said that he was looking at those who were well rounded and could relate to people. Then he said he wanted those who could communicate well and that the mcat is a POOR indicator of how well someone will do in school. This interviewer at DMU-COM had been in medical education since the 80's. During my interview he basically told me I was accepted and I did in fact end up getting accepted.

So in my opinion if someone is waitlisted or denied, it is more likely because of the inteview. They wouldn't invite someone if they didn't like their gpa and mcat score.

 

[premed541]

Congrats to all those who were accepted! For those of you were were accepted, could you post your stats? I'm interviewing in about a week!

 

[MN premed]

I think once you get to the interview, it's not about your gpa and mcat score. Those things only got you there. I mean I am sure that they take them into consideration during the final decision, but its mostly based on the interview itself. In my interview the doctor even said that he was looking at those who were well rounded and could relate to people. Then he said he wanted those who could communicate well and that the mcat is a POOR indicator of how well someone will do in school. This interviewer at DMU-COM had been in medical education since the 80's. During my interview he basically told me I was accepted and I did in fact end up getting accepted.

So in my opinion if someone is waitlisted or denied, it is more likely because of the inteview. They wouldn't invite someone if they didn't like their gpa and mcat score.

I'm going to have to disagree with this... I was waitlisted (29 mcat, 3.82 cgpa). They said that it was because they wished i had more medical exposure. So my numbers and my interview were fine, they just wanted more exposure. Which thankfully is something I can work on during the upcoming year fairly easily...

 

[RRTinCO]

I'm going to have to disagree with this... I was waitlisted (29 mcat, 3.82 cgpa). They said that it was because they wished i had more medical exposure. So my numbers and my interview were fine, they just wanted more exposure. Which thankfully is something I can work on during the upcoming year fairly easily...

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to improve your app quickly and send an update letter before the waitlist is ranked👍

 

[MN premed]

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to improve your app quickly and send an update letter before the waitlist is ranked👍

Absolutely! I need to get a little more variety in my experiences...

 

[BassCaster]

Absolutely! I need to get a little more variety in my experiences...

Good luck!

 

[BassCaster]

Can a current DMU student answer this question...?

I read that I will need comprehensive health insurance prior to matriculating. I'm thinking about using DMU's student health insurance plan. If they do not give us all the information until orientation... how can I show proof of insurance prior to matriculation? Also, I'm looking at BCBS's PPO and it's about $230-260/month for the plan I chose. How much is the premium for DMU student insurance? Thanks in advance! DMU 2014 BABY!

 

[123165]

I'm going to have to disagree with this... I was waitlisted (29 mcat, 3.82 cgpa). They said that it was because they wished i had more medical exposure. So my numbers and my interview were fine, they just wanted more exposure. Which thankfully is something I can work on during the upcoming year fairly easily...

Did you call and ask why you were waitlisted?

 

[MN premed]

Did you call and ask why you were waitlisted?

PMed you

 

[gobucks4life]

Congrats to all who are accepted and interviewing. I was accepted on September 18 the day of a CCOM interview. I would say I have average stats, but I am an EMT, CNA, Pharm Tech, and a number of volunteer hours. I think this exposure is truly the most important thing. In the end academics will only get you so far. Anyways, DMU was great and I look forward to making a final decision as I continue on my interviews. Good Luck to all.

 

[Spooner13]

Can a current DMU student answer this question...?

I read that I will need comprehensive health insurance prior to matriculating. I'm thinking about using DMU's student health insurance plan. If they do not give us all the information until orientation... how can I show proof of insurance prior to matriculation? Also, I'm looking at BCBS's PPO and it's about $230-260/month for the plan I chose. How much is the premium for DMU student insurance? Thanks in advance! DMU 2014 BABY!

you will get all this information well before orientation. i'm not sure exactly when, but you'll get access to your DMU portal. everything that you need to do before orientation is (including health insurance info) is included on your portal.

My numbers might be a little off, but I think that the DMU plan is about $1,900 per year. also, you can only be exempted from getting the dmu if you are covered under your parents' or spouse's plan, and this plan has to be similar to dmu's . you cannot have your own personal insurance.

hope that answered your question

 

[BassCaster]

you will get all this information well before orientation. i'm not sure exactly when, but you'll get access to your DMU portal. everything that you need to do before orientation is (including health insurance info) is included on your portal.

My numbers might be a little off, but I think that the DMU plan is about $1,900 per year. also, you can only be exempted from getting the dmu if you are covered under your parents' or spouse's plan, and this plan has to be similar to dmu's . you cannot have your own personal insurance.

hope that answered your question

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question thoroughly! That's a great deal for a yearly, comprehensive plan. Also, I have 1 more question for you... Would I get DMU's plan early enough to use at my required physical prior to matriculation? Thanks in advance!

 

[Dissected]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question thoroughly! That's a great deal for a yearly, comprehensive plan. Also, I have 1 more question for you... Would I get DMU's plan early enough to use at my required physical prior to matriculation? Thanks in advance!

That would be very tricky. My advice would be to call and ask about that one. Mine didn't activate until August 1st.

And yes, health insurance is a screaming deal through the school. Get the dental and vision plans also (if you wear glasses) because they are even better deals.

 

[BassCaster]

That would be very tricky. My advice would be to call and ask about that one. Mine didn't activate until August 1st.

And yes, health insurance is a screaming deal through the school. Get the dental and vision plans also (if you wear glasses) because they are even better deals.

lol, DMU hospitality. This school is ridiculously unreal; great staff/students/faculty/facilities and now unbeatable health insurance rates? Does it ever end? 🙂 Thanks for the heads up and advice!

 

[Sandey]

Accepted last Friday. DMU is an awesome school and to get acceptance in 1 week. So excited. I am going to go visit again and take my wife.

 

[p1acebo]

Accepted last Friday. DMU is an awesome school and to get acceptance in 1 week. So excited. I am going to go visit again and take my wife.

What were your stats if you don't mind me asking?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

What were your stats if you don't mind me asking?

Check his profile

 

[fattymangox03]

THE WAIT IS KILLING ME! i cant stop playing the interview over and over in my head.................

 

[Sandey]

What were your stats if you don't mind me asking?

If you click on my MDAPPS profile its mostly all there. Somethings left out to maintain some annonymity.

 

[Francon]

Accepted last Friday. DMU is an awesome school and to get acceptance in 1 week. So excited. I am going to go visit again and take my wife.

Yay!! I'm so happy for you! I knew you'd do great. M and I really hope you and D decide on DMU!!!! Big whoop whoop!!👍👍
Good luck to the rest of you at your interviews!

 

[Dissected]

M and I really hope you and D decide on DMU!!!!

 

[Spooner13]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question thoroughly! That's a great deal for a yearly, comprehensive plan. Also, I have 1 more question for you... Would I get DMU's plan early enough to use at my required physical prior to matriculation? Thanks in advance!

Yeah, I think Doktor B is right. you probably won't be able to use your DMU insurance until about a week or so before orientation, and your health requirements (physical, immunizations, etc) will be due long before this. and i too would definitely go for the eye insurance. well, its not really insurance. it's just a one time fee of $25 and it acts as a coupon. the deals you will get for this are ridiculous. its like 10-20% glasses, contacts, and eye exams--definitely worth it.

 

[Sandey]

Yay!! I'm so happy for you! I knew you'd do great. M and I really hope you and D decide on DMU!!!! Big whoop whoop!!👍👍
Good luck to the rest of you at your interviews!

Thanks, DMU was amazing. D and I started our pro and con list for the schools I've interviewed at and there were very few if any cons for DMU. We'll see. The $500 deposit will be the challenge, and right before christmas. I will just have to pick up an extra shift.

 

[916to619]

Perhaps a current DMU-COM student can answer this question for me. Does that initial deposit reserve the seat for me until May 1st? I have already decided on DMU. Also, I have sent my official transcript to DMU and I was wondering what else, at this point, do I do to further complete the admission requirements? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone 🙂

 

[salazaar]

I just got back from my interview at DMU and was totally BLOWN AWAY. This school is amazing on so many levels. The student body seemed happy and relaxed despite taking 26 credits; the facilities are confortable new and high tech; and the curriculum seems to be committed to producing competent caring proffesionals. what more can you ask for? DMU is now my first choice. Scrumtrelecent.

 

[Dissected]

Perhaps a current DMU-COM student can answer this question for me. Does that initial deposit reserve the seat for me until May 1st? I have already decided on DMU. Also, I have sent my official transcript to DMU and I was wondering what else, at this point, do I do to further complete the admission requirements? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone 🙂

Show them the money, you've got yourself a seat (the full $1000, that is). You can send in your transcript if you want. It's only september..don't really worry about anything else until like..may. Congrats again, its nice to know where you'll end up this early in the game!

 

[916to619]

Show them the money, you've got yourself a seat (the full $1000, that is). You can send in your transcript if you want. It's only september..don't really worry about anything else until like..may. Congrats again, its nice to know where you'll end up this early in the game!

Thank you, DoktorB 🙂

I have sent the first deposit ($500) already. I'm working on the second on right now and I am hoping to send it sometime next week So after sending the trascript that is it? I mean I know there are other requirements but that is not until early next year. Once again, thank you. It is nice to know that this is the school I want to end up in.

 

[p1acebo]

Hey, my interview is next week and I have a question for people that have already interviewed this year. Did they ask you a lot about Obama's health care reform at all? And if so, did they ask anything specific or just vague questions? I want to be prepared for anything at this point so the interview goes well. Thanks!

 

[BassCaster]

Hey, my interview is next week and I have a question for people that have already interviewed this year. Did they ask you a lot about Obama's health care reform at all? And if so, did they ask anything specific or just vague questions? I want to be prepared for anything at this point so the interview goes well. Thanks!

Surprisingly not. I prepared for it, but no one asked 🙂

 

[RRTinCO]

Hey, my interview is next week and I have a question for people that have already interviewed this year. Did they ask you a lot about Obama's health care reform at all? And if so, did they ask anything specific or just vague questions? I want to be prepared for anything at this point so the interview goes well. Thanks!

nope....good luck👍

 

[kbrinsky1]

Hey, my interview is next week and I have a question for people that have already interviewed this year. Did they ask you a lot about Obama's health care reform at all? And if so, did they ask anything specific or just vague questions? I want to be prepared for anything at this point so the interview goes well. Thanks!

Other interviews have asked about it, but this one skirted around it. However, the Doc that was interviewing, who is a practicing physician in the area said something about the public option being not the way to go...I just let him talk, but it was all a side note to the interview. It is something to be aware of before you start giving really one wing opinions though.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I can't remember (and I'm to lazy to search), is there an option to do all of your rotations in Des Moines? Are they solid rotations? or Is it better to rotate outside of Des Moines?

 

[Dissected]

I can't remember (and I'm to lazy to search), is there an option to do all of your rotations in Des Moines? Are they solid rotations? or Is it better to rotate outside of Des Moines?

you don't really get a whole lot of choice in the matter for third year...its more of a lottery, and if you get chosen early you might get your top choices. So, theoretically you could do all/most of your rotations in the area. As for solidness, I'll let a 3rd/4th year answer that question.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

you don't really get a whole lot of choice in the matter for third year...its more of a lottery, and if you get chosen early you might get your top choices. So, theoretically you could do all/most of your rotations in the area. As for solidness, I'll let a 3rd/4th year answer that question.

Thanks DoktorB.

 

[Spooner13]

you don't really get a whole lot of choice in the matter for third year...its more of a lottery, and if you get chosen early you might get your top choices. So, theoretically you could do all/most of your rotations in the area. As for solidness, I'll let a 3rd/4th year answer that question.

I'm trying to remember the stats they gave us. it was something like 85% of students get their first or second choice in the lottery system for their rotations. I can't really remember. Do you remember the percentages they gave us?

Here's all I really know about the rotation lottery: it's really two lotteries. the first one is for a region (like ohio, central iowa, etc). the second lottery is for a hospital or hospital system within that region. Also, i think they want to start keeping students around Des Moines (or at least central Iowa) more. Someone said that they are going to try to get our class (of 2013) more spots around here.

Also, in case anyone is interested, almost your entire 4th year here consists of electives, so you can go where you want (of course there are some limitations).

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I'm trying to remember the stats they gave us. it was something like 85% of students get their first or second choice in the lottery system for their rotations. I can't really remember. Do you remember the percentages they gave us?

Here's all I really know about the rotation lottery: it's really two lotteries. the first one is for a region (like ohio, central iowa, etc). the second lottery is for a hospital or hospital system within that region. Also, i think they want to start keeping students around Des Moines (or at least central Iowa) more. Someone said that they are going to try to get our class (of 2013) more spots around here.

Also, in case anyone is interested, almost your entire 4th year here consists of electives, so you can go where you want (of course there are some limitations).

That's really good. THank you for your input.

 

[Dissected]

I'm trying to remember the stats they gave us. it was something like 85% of students get their first or second choice in the lottery system for their rotations. I can't really remember. Do you remember the percentages they gave us?

Here's all I really know about the rotation lottery: it's really two lotteries. the first one is for a region (like ohio, central iowa, etc). the second lottery is for a hospital or hospital system within that region. Also, i think they want to start keeping students around Des Moines (or at least central Iowa) more. Someone said that they are going to try to get our class (of 2013) more spots around here.

Also, in case anyone is interested, almost your entire 4th year here consists of electives, so you can go where you want (of course there are some limitations).

can't remember the percentage, but yea, I think most people end up being pretty content with where they go. I think the people that end up being disappointed the most are the ones that want to get specific spots in like Michigan because they are gunning for hospitals with surgery residencies or whatever.

But yea, they are trying to keep students more local 3rd year. 4th year is way less constricted. That's audition time.

 

[BassCaster]

Just withdrew the rest of my applications. It's official... DMU Class of 2014, 100%. See you guys in less than a year!!! 😀

 

[swamprat]

Has anyone gotten anything official in the mail yet?

 

[BassCaster]

Has anyone gotten anything official in the mail yet?

I received an acceptance letter and vinyl window decal 9/25.

 

[916to619]

Just withdrew the rest of my applications. It's official... DMU Class of 2014, 100%. See you guys in less than a year!!! 😀

Hey BassCaster,

I have decided on DMU-COM as well. I have already sent my initial $500 deposit. Did you send the entire deposit already? Also, what else have you done as far as the admission requirements are concerned? I am curious because I sent in my transcript already. I am planning on sending the next $500 deposit this coming week. Thank you!

 

[BassCaster]

Hey BassCaster,

I have decided on DMU-COM as well. I have already sent my initial $500 deposit. Did you send the entire deposit already? Also, what else have you done as far as the admission requirements are concerned? I am curious because I sent in my transcript already. I am planning on sending the next $500 deposit this coming week. Thank you!

I did not send in anything yet. Just changed from a 99% DMU mentality to 100% 12 hours ago. Pretty excited... Can't wait to meet more DMU 2014 SDNers and join a facebook group.

 

[Grey Wind]

http://www.dmu.edu/visit_campus/hotels/

anyone know which of these hotels is closest to campus? anyone have any other hotel recommendations?

 

[Roberie]

http://www.dmu.edu/visit_campus/hotels/

anyone know which of these hotels is closest to campus? anyone have any other hotel recommendations?

I stayed at the Airport Heartland Inn. No complaints. 10-15 minutes from school. As the name implies, right next to the airport. Perkins next door, so I could get my omelette fix. Pool, small exercise room and nice people. ~50$ per night.

However, I've heard the downtown Marriot is quite nice. Unfortunately, their DMU discount was sold out when I went.

Good luck. DMU is my first choice and I'm anxiously waiting to hear back.

 

[p1acebo]

I stayed at the Airport Heartland Inn. No complaints. 10-15 minutes from school. As the name implies, right next to the airport. Perkins next door, so I could get my omelette fix. Pool, small exercise room and nice people. ~50$ per night.

However, I've heard the downtown Marriot is quite nice. Unfortunately, their DMU discount was sold out when I went.

Good luck. DMU is my first choice and I'm anxiously waiting to hear back.

Sold out?! When I reserved a room they told me that I could still receive the DMU discount? What did they say to you exactly?!

 

[Grey Wind]

Sold out?! When I reserved a room they told me that I could still receive the DMU discount? What did they say to you exactly?!

I think he means it was sold out when he was there. It is almost a 50% discount, so I'm sure they keep a limit on the amount of rooms they give away at that price. Anyway, they have the discount rate available now because I just called. However, the discounted rate is 95$ a night plus tax, plus parking fee, plus internet fee. I opted for a different hotel.

 

[lokiperson]

Interview on Nov. 12! ... Sad day, though.. Oct. 23 was open which is what I would have rather had, but as I clicked to confirm the date, it said that there were no more available spots.. Someone sniped me 😡. Oh well, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to interview here!

 

[fattymangox03]

I stayed at the Airport Heartland Inn. No complaints. 10-15 minutes from school. As the name implies, right next to the airport. Perkins next door, so I could get my omelette fix. Pool, small exercise room and nice people. ~50$ per night.

However, I've heard the downtown Marriot is quite nice. Unfortunately, their DMU discount was sold out when I went.

Good luck. DMU is my first choice and I'm anxiously waiting to hear back.

I stayed at the Heartland Inn. I think with tax and everything, it came out to be ~$60-70. They have a shuttle from airport to hotel, from hotel to DMU, then you can take a cab (the number provided at the front desk of hotel) from DMU back to hotel (to change etc) and if you ask the front desk, they will give your cab driver a voucher so it's cost-free for you 🙂 then they will provide shuttle from hotel to airport.

Everyone at the hotel was super friendly, and I would definitely recommend it. 👍

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Interview on Nov. 12! ... Sad day, though.. Oct. 23 was open which is what I would have rather had, but as I clicked to confirm the date, it said that there were no more available spots.. Someone sniped me 😡. Oh well, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to interview here!

See ya there on the 12th too 🙂 I cant wait. This is my second interview so hopefully I'll be nice and ready for this one when it comes.