First Acceptance, Need to cancel some interviews though

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Laddertomed

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Hey SDNers, Just got my first acceptance to AZCOM today and have interviewed at TCOM (TX resident) recently as well! I have however other interviews (all DO btw) and would like to know which to cancel out of respect for other's seats and also because of the expenses of traveling.

The other interviews are:
ACOM
TOURO-CA
WesternU-Lebanon
WesternU-Pomona
Lake Erie-Seton Hill
Lake Erie-Bradenton
MSUCOM
Kansas City
WVSOM
SOMA


I am leaning towards attending MSUCOM (heard it was a great school, tuition is pretty high though), Kansas City (heard it was great) and WVSOM (heard post int acceptance was something like 95 percent so doesn't seem like a waste to check it out)

Question is, are there any schools that I would be withdrawing from out of these that would make for a major mistake? Thank you!
 
NTfunk101 said:
Hey SDNers, Just got my first acceptance to AZCOM today and have interviewed at TCOM (TX resident) recently as well! I have however other interviews (all DO btw) and would like to know which to cancel out of respect for other's seats and also because of the expenses of traveling.

The other interviews are:
ACOM
TOURO-CA
WesternU-Lebanon
WesternU-Pomona
Lake Erie-Seton Hill
Lake Erie-Bradenton
MSUCOM
Kansas City
WVSOM
SOMA


I am leaning towards attending MSUCOM (heard it was a great school, tuition is pretty high though), Kansas City (heard it was great) and WVSOM (heard post int acceptance was something like 95 percent so doesn't seem like a waste to check it out)

Question is, are there any schools that I would be withdrawing from out of these that would make for a major mistake? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Have you not applied to MD schools? Do not cancel until you have most of the cards on the table.

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If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats/experiences? It seems that your application was very strong!
 
I have applied to a handful of state schools (MD) and a few out of state, but no love :/. No worries though.

And thank you! 509 Mcat, 3.55 cgpa, 3.67 sgpa. maybe 200 hours non clinical volunteering, 100 hours research, 100 clinical, 100 shadowing.
 
GradStudentToPhysician said:
If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats/experiences? It seems that your application was very strong!
Click to expand...
It us in many ways-- 3.6/ 507......it I have had major university volunteering turned into Shadowing and Research..with teaching as Instructor in CPR/ACLS/PALS for 2 years and international Flyingdoc Inc. Teaching with Downs Syndrome Founddtion work...etc etc. Major points were the secondaries and never gave a chance to the interviewers to ask any more questions..simply by leadingbthrm to my stories and experiences ....and letters from DO docs. No matter what they ask......you need to insinuate your stories! You DON'T NEED THEM! They need you approach!

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NTfunk101 said:
Hey SDNers, Just got my first acceptance to AZCOM today and have interviewed at TCOM (TX resident) recently as well! I have however other interviews (all DO btw) and would like to know which to cancel out of respect for other's seats and also because of the expenses of traveling.

The other interviews are:
ACOM
TOURO-CA
WesternU-Lebanon
WesternU-Pomona
Lake Erie-Seton Hill
Lake Erie-Bradenton
MSUCOM
Kansas City
WVSOM
SOMA


I am leaning towards attending MSUCOM (heard it was a great school, tuition is pretty high though), Kansas City (heard it was great) and WVSOM (heard post int acceptance was something like 95 percent so doesn't seem like a waste to check it out)

Question is, are there any schools that I would be withdrawing from out of these that would make for a major mistake? Thank you!
Click to expand...
How soon are these interviews and how long ago was TCOM? I feel like if you get an acceptance from TCOM, you shouldn't attend any interviews besides the MD schools you have applied to (just good school in general and the tuition is nice).
 
drhop said:
Definitely keep POMONA!

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I'd keep away from Touro , CA. Know the school very well --- The ONLY school I would skip and head for the Caribbean: IF you know what I mean.

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Yea the MSUCOM tuition is the most expensive one I have :/, and why do you say Pomona?

Also TCOM was last week, but for TX residents the earliest I can find out is November 15th.
 
crazymedguy123 said:
Why is that? I have not heard anything systematically negative about the school
Click to expand...
Large classes, poor acceptance standards, Residency options extremely limited.Techjng faculty is good but unable to keep up with class size....simevif the important considerations

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Personally I would swap MSUCOM for Seton Hall because LECOM tuition<<<<<<MSU’s

I’m at a state MD but had they not pulled me off their WL I would be at KCU, it’s a solid Med school.
 
Yea I guess the MSUCOM tuition is a bit of a turnoff I just heard their academics and rotation were superb.
 
MSUCOM is expensive but scandal aside it offers the most of all the schools on the list because it is a state funded medical school. The others being private dont nearly have the same quality rotations/research that MSU offers. Definitely go to MSUCOM.

I got into KCU last year and it was really nice. The people were awesome, KC is cool too. One drawback is their clinical rotations aren't the best. Just be aware of this. I'd still go though.

A friend is at WVSOM and loves it. Dont have anything else to add though.

I'd prob keep Pomona too.

RNthenDoc said:
Personally I would swap MSUCOM for Seton Hall because LECOM tuition<<<<<<MSU’s

I’m at a state MD but had they not pulled me off their WL I would be at KCU, it’s a solid Med school.
Click to expand...

I get the tuition thing, but LECOM seton hall wont provide OP with anything close to the opportunities MSUCOM would. I would definitely cut out all LECOM campuses. I've heard way too many bad things from alumni from the main campus.

The tuition sucks, but MSU will offer you the most comprehensive education (clinically and otherwise) for your money.
 
NTfunk101 said:
Hey SDNers, Just got my first acceptance to AZCOM today and have interviewed at TCOM (TX resident) recently as well! I have however other interviews (all DO btw) and would like to know which to cancel out of respect for other's seats and also because of the expenses of traveling.

The other interviews are:
ACOM
TOURO-CA
WesternU-Lebanon
WesternU-Pomona
Lake Erie-Seton Hill
Lake Erie-Bradenton
MSUCOM
Kansas City
WVSOM
SOMA


I am leaning towards attending MSUCOM (heard it was a great school, tuition is pretty high though), Kansas City (heard it was great) and WVSOM (heard post int acceptance was something like 95 percent so doesn't seem like a waste to check it out)

Question is, are there any schools that I would be withdrawing from out of these that would make for a major mistake? Thank you!
Click to expand...
I suggest deleting the LECOMs for their dress codes and mandatory lecture attendance policies.

Also SOMA for the way they handle their clinical education.

I'm on the fence for MSUCOM.

The others are fine schools.
 
Thank you for your reply!

If say I wanted to budget it and just pick 3 out of the list, what would you suggesf? Thanks!

Goro said:
I suggest deleting the LECOMs for their dress codes and mandatory lecture attendance policies.

Also SOMA for the way they handle their clinical education.

I'm on the fence for MSUCOM.

The others are fine schools.
Click to expand...
 
NTfunk101 said:
I have applied to a handful of state schools (MD) and a few out of state, but no love :/. No worries though.

And thank you! 509 Mcat, 3.55 cgpa, 3.67 sgpa. maybe 200 hours non clinical volunteering, 100 hours research, 100 clinical, 100 shadowing.
Click to expand...
toedrag said:
I'd steer clear of MSUCOM because of the Larry Nassar case and their ridiculous tuition
Click to expand...
Ridiculous tuition is noted; however, the Larry Nasser case was an individual who was simply crazy/mentally unstable (whatever fits your imagination). But I think it is unfair to associate Larry Nasser with a 50 year old institution which has been constantly ranked as one of the best medical schools in the nation. Just my opinion though.
 
econpremed said:
Ridiculous tuition is noted; however, the Larry Nasser case was an individual who was simply crazy/mentally unstable (whatever fits your imagination). But I think it is unfair to associate Larry Nasser with a 50 year old institution which has been constantly ranked as one of the best medical schools in the nation. Just my opinion though.
Click to expand...

For the record, the Dean of MSU was at least partially aware of what Nasser was doing and is now on trial himself. Also, the more you look into it, the more it seems like some of the med faculty either knew about Nasser or were deliberately ignoring what he was doing. He was bringing underage gymnasts in through the back door of the clinic after hours for "treatment", no scheduled appointments because it could compromise their NCAA eligibility. I find it difficult to believe no one noticed this during the many years he was there.
 
AZCOM is solid enough, you're safe. Try to fet in the cheapest one, honestly. You'll mostly learn from First Aid book, Uworld, Pathoma anyways, the school matters less.
 
If you get into MSU or TCOM then you need to go to one of those two. Forget Larry Nassar, it's a talking point that has literally no effect on your education. MSU has the largest (by a huge margin) amount of home GME and everyone who is saying to forgo MSU because of tuition or Larry Nassar is being very short sighted. They often give their OOS acceptees a scholarship that lowers the tuition to about AZCOM level from what I've heard as well so their sticker price may not actually be what you pay.

Not applying to TCOM is the one thing I regret about my application cycle. TCOM is excellent with extremely cheap tuition.

Those two options>>>>>>> all others.
 
I think tuition comes first priority for me. 2nd would be schools board scores and match rate. You are getting an opportunity to transform yourself into a great residency candidate, plus a degree. Most schools can provide this. Cost of med education is outrageous and physician income is not rising in comparison. Paying back 350k at 6-8 % is quite a burden. People get sticker shock when they get their payment book in the mail. Tuition would be my first concern, dress code and class attendance, not so much.
 
MS1 currently attending TCOM and would just like to vouch for my school. Everything's very organized and the professors are all great. I feel like I'm getting a really good education here, and you can't beat the tuition!
 
hmug said:
For the record, the Dean of MSU was at least partially aware of what Nasser was doing and is now on trial himself. Also, the more you look into it, the more it seems like some of the med faculty either knew about Nasser or were deliberately ignoring what he was doing. He was bringing underage gymnasts in through the back door of the clinic after hours for "treatment", no scheduled appointments because it could compromise their NCAA eligibility. I find it difficult to believe no one noticed this during the many years he was there.
Click to expand...
Definitely, and I agree that Nasser's "medical technique" and inappropriate behavior was known to an extent by some of the faculty members including the deen, but for whatever reason (prestige, relationship, money??) they did not expose him. Still, nothing we are talking about is related to what MSUCOM has to offer to its student -great residency matches, amazing facility, big ten schools (the only DO one), and top US news medical school ranking. Just my opinion tho
 
econpremed said:
Definitely, and I agree that Nasser's "medical technique" and inappropriate behavior was known to an extent by some of the faculty members including the deen, but for whatever reason (prestige, relationship, money??) they did not expose him. Still, nothing we are talking about is related to what MSUCOM has to offer to its student -great residency matches, amazing facility, big ten schools (the only DO one), and top US news medical school ranking. Just my opinion tho
Click to expand...
I guess there's just the nagging thought in the back of my mind that there's still information missing, and until we know all the facts we have no way of assessing the future of MSUCOM. I'm not saying it's likely anything would happen, but there is still that slim chance.
 
drhop said:
Major points were the secondaries and never gave a chance to the interviewers to ask any more questions..simply by leadingbthrm to my stories and experiences ....and letters from DO docs. No matter what they ask......you need to insinuate your stories! You DON'T NEED THEM! They need you approach!
Click to expand...

As someone who has interviewed med school candidates and residency candidates, I cringed when I read this. Anyone who goes into interview this way with me immediately gets scored down. The point of the interview is for me to learn about you by asking questions *I* want the answer to, not hearing "your stories" over and over that you've probably rehearsed and nailed by time of interview. Also the "you don't need them, they need you" approach comes off as arrogant 99% of the time. Definitely a turn-off.
 
Mass Effect said:
As someone who has interviewed med school candidates and residency candidates, I cringed when I read this. Anyone who goes into interview this way with me immediately gets scored down. The point of the interview is for me to learn about you by asking questions *I* want the answer to, not hearing "your stories" over and over that you've probably rehearsed and nailed by time of interview. Also the "you don't need them, they need you" approach comes off as arrogant 99% of the time. Definitely a turn-off.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much!
I have been interviewing for more than 3 decades at two major west coast med schools!
I have been costing for more then 5 years.
The understanding here is " Folks! This is your Showtime ". If you are on the fence with the Scores,and you have a vast experience in working shadowing and teaching with research, THIS IS YOUR TIME!
Of course it does not apply to anyone and everyone!
It is a Master technique that requires sizing up your interviewers before you embark on this.
However you raise a good point.
It's all a question of where you stand and what strategy to apply in an interview.






Sent from my SM-J730GM using SDN mobile
 
drhop said:
Thank you so much!
I have been interviewing for more than 3 decades at two major west coast med schools!
I have been costing for more then 5 years.
The understanding here is " Folks! This is your Showtime ". If you are on the fence with the Scores,and you have a vast experience in working shadowing and teaching with research, THIS IS YOUR TIME!
Of course it does not apply to anyone and everyone!
It is a Master technique that requires sizing up your interviewers before you embark on this.
However you raise a good point.
It's all a question of where you stand and what strategy to apply in an interview.
Click to expand...

Of course you should talk about your experiences (and for the record, I rarely, if ever ask about scores) that qualify you to be a med student, but if I ask you "how do you handle failure?" and you launch into a story about how you're so qualified to be here based on teaching CPR, I'm marking you down. Now, if you actually do share a story about how you've handled failure in the past, that's when I realize you can have a conversation and actually respond to the question asked.
 
drhop said:
Thank you so much!
I have been interviewing for more than 3 decades at two major west coast med schools!
I have been costing for more then 5 years.
The understanding here is " Folks! This is your Showtime ". If you are on the fence with the Scores,and you have a vast experience in working shadowing and teaching with research, THIS IS YOUR TIME!
Of course it does not apply to anyone and everyone!
It is a Master technique that requires sizing up your interviewers before you embark on this.
However you raise a good point.
It's all a question of where you stand and what strategy to apply in an interview.






Sent from my SM-J730GM using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
drhop said:
Thank you so much!
I have been interviewing for more than 3 decades at two major west coast med schools!
I have been costing for more then 5 years.
The understanding here is " Folks! This is your Showtime ". If you are on the fence with the Scores,and you have a vast experience in working shadowing and teaching with research, THIS IS YOUR TIME!
Of course it does not apply to anyone and everyone!
It is a Master technique that requires sizing up your interviewers before you embark on this.
However you raise a good point.
It's all a question of where you stand and what strategy to apply in an interview.






Sent from my SM-J730GM using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
I also have interviewed med school and resident applicants. I really dont care for a rehash of the application, which I have already read. I want to find out how you,(applicant) think, handle difficult topics, and get an idea of how you will interact with nursing, co residents/students, and other faculty. Trying to filibuster me wont work, I'll interrupt you.The reality is "I dont need you". I dont need a student who will end up in front of discipline committee or a resident who constantly annoys nurses, faculty and co residents. Better to be humble, answer MY questions, and try to connect with me. We want someone we can teach and will represent our programs well down the road.
 
drhop said:
Large classes, poor acceptance standards, Residency options extremely limited.Techjng faculty is good but unable to keep up with class size....simevif the important considerations

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Click to expand...

Class of 2020 just got 100% comlex level 1 passing rate. Only 1 person failed USMLE. Lectures are almost all non-mandatory, but the labs are divided into 3 groups (40ish students each). The class size seems fine. The faculty are great. The thing about Touro that is special is the sense of community. Students help each other out. Gunners are rare. I thought the 2018 match list was very good. There are numerous fantastic individual matches if you look at the last 10 matches. You have to consider that a large percentage of people stay in California for residency where it is very competitive. 4 weeks of dedicated board study. About half the students get an extra 4 weeks (8 weeks total) since they take a study block as their 1st rotation block. Like any DO, match success will center around your USMLE. Board success is largely dependent on individual board prep.
 
iforget2 said:
MS1 currently attending TCOM and would just like to vouch for my school. Everything's very organized and the professors are all great. I feel like I'm getting a really good education here, and you can't beat the tuition!
Click to expand...
How many non-Texans in your Class? This is one thing about TCOM that's a black box for me...how much IS vs OOS bias.
 
hmug said:
I guess there's just the nagging thought in the back of my mind that there's still information missing, and until we know all the facts we have no way of assessing the future of MSUCOM. I'm not saying it's likely anything would happen, but there is still that slim chance.
Click to expand...
LOL no. We can assess the future of MSUCOM. It's going to continue to be one of the best DO schools. The scandal has nothing to do with current students or future students. No one's going to shut down a respected med school that produces a ton of primary care physicians.

I understand the scandal was horrible and its an emotional topic but OP asked for informed advice and yours is just absolutely ridiculous. OP, go to your MSUCOM interview.
 
Goro said:
How many non-Texans in your Class? This is one thing about TCOM that's a black box for me...how much IS vs OOS bias.
Click to expand...

I've met 1 Californian and 1 Canadian and I think I've spoken to a quarter of the class.
 
workaholic181 said:
LOL no. We can assess the future of MSUCOM. It's going to continue to be one of the best DO schools. The scandal has nothing to do with current students or future students. No one's going to shut down a respected med school that produces a ton of primary care physicians.

I understand the scandal was horrible and its an emotional topic but OP asked for informed advice and yours is just absolutely ridiculous. OP, go to your MSUCOM interview.
Click to expand...
I understand, I think I will go I have a few weeks to decide. Thank you all for your replies !
 
toedrag said:
I'd steer clear of MSUCOM because of the Larry Nassar case and their ridiculous tuition
Click to expand...
Nobody cares or remembers Nassar anymore. We live in 24 hour news cycles. That news disappeared decades ago by internet standards.

The tuition is ridiculous, but they also have a waiver for high cost.

Since modifying the curriculum, I can now say that Western is a good school to interview.
 
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