I'm likely going to a school with mandatory attendance, which isn't my learning style...any ideas?

[skeletor06]

So, I'm probably going to a school with mandatory attendance. I've heard horror stories on SDN of schools like that, and no one seems to like required attendance. I'm a non-trad with a graduate degree, and I've never learned well from the "large lecture, Power Point slide" model. I know that for me that a PBL or at least non-required attendance school would probably be better.

The problem is, I don't think I'll have a choice. I have one acceptance, and I've heard back from almost everywhere else. Had a couple of interviews, no other acceptances. I do very much like the school in every other way, and felt VERY comfortable with everything else about the school on my interview day. It felt like the professors and administration really wants to put the students first, and I appreciate that.

With that info, does anyone have any help on how to get by in a school that requires attendance every day, if you already know your learning style doesn't fit that paradigm? I'm just worried that I've really shot myself in the foot here.

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[medickdb]

So, I'm probably going to a school with mandatory attendance. I've heard horror stories on SDN of schools like that, and no one seems to like required attendance. I'm a non-trad with a graduate degree, and I've never learned well from the "large lecture, Power Point slide" model. I know that for me that a PBL or at least non-required attendance school would probably be better.

The problem is, I don't think I'll have a choice. I have one acceptance, and I've heard back from almost everywhere else. Had a couple of interviews, no other acceptances. I do very much like the school in every other way, and felt VERY comfortable with everything else about the school on my interview day. It felt like the professors and administration really wants to put the students first, and I appreciate that.

With that info, does anyone have any help on how to get by in a school that requires attendance every day, if you already know your learning style doesn't fit that paradigm? I'm just worried that I've really shot myself in the foot here.

I go to a school with mandatory attendance. That aspect sucks. Very few people pay attention, and you're often exhausted at the end of the day from just sitting there for hours.
I thought I would need it to keep me on top of things, but instead I've found it's hindered my learning if anything. It's frustrating to know that nothing can be done about it, but oh well, it's not forever, right?

We are allowed to miss a certain number of classes. That's better than nothing. But, honestly, I can go through the recorded lectures twice as fast and with better retention.

You can always put in headphones.

The amount of information presented in school isn't what's stressing me out most of the time. It's the waking up knowing I'll have to sit in one place for 4 hours. It's also a little annoying having to dress up every day only to change into scrubs or gym clothes 4 hours into most days.

I don't know what else to tell you.

 

[skeletor06]

I go to a school with mandatory attendance. That aspect sucks. Very few people pay attention, and you're often exhausted at the end of the day from just sitting there for hours.
I thought I would need it to keep me on top of things, but instead I've found it's hindered my learning if anything. It's frustrating to know that nothing can be done about it, but oh well, it's not forever, right?

We are allowed to miss a certain number of classes. That's better than nothing. But, honestly, I can go through the recorded lectures twice as fast and with better retention.

You can always put in headphones.

The amount of information presented in school isn't what's stressing me out most of the time. It's the waking up knowing I'll have to sit in one place for 4 hours. It's also a little annoying having to dress up every day only to change into scrubs or gym clothes 4 hours into most days.

I don't know what else to tell you.

Given the threads you've posted in before, the school you describe is eerily similar to the school I am likely going to attend, as well. I mean, they could almost be the SAME school. And to be honest, your reply makes my soul hurt a little bit. Oh well, guess I'll have to learn to grind it out! Embrace the suck.

 

[Beargryllz]

We've got mandatory attendance (80% for classroom stuff, I think)

I just attend class and take notes. I would be there whether it was mandatory or not because medical school is really expensive and I want something to show for all the time and money. I did miss one hour of lecture last semester when an appointment went way too long, but this isn't something I plan for.

If that isn't your style, you still have all afternoon/evening to do whatever it is you think is optimal for you. You'll still email professors, use office hours, and read/review the subjects thoroughly. I just can't actually understand how attending a lecture on the subject is actually detrimental or considered a disadvantage. If anything, I know much more now than I did before medical school because I've been exposed to a ton of material in lectures.

 

[medickdb]

We've got mandatory attendance (80% for classroom stuff, I think)

I just attend class and take notes. I would be there whether it was mandatory or not because medical school is really expensive and I want something to show for all the time and money. I did miss one hour of lecture last semester when an appointment went way too long, but this isn't something I plan for.

If that isn't your style, you still have all afternoon/evening to do whatever it is you think is optimal for you. You'll still email professors, use office hours, and read/review the subjects thoroughly. I just can't actually understand how attending a lecture on the subject is actually detrimental or considered a disadvantage. If anything, I know much more now than I did before medical school because I've been exposed to a ton of material in lectures.

I get the same information watching the recorded lectures. I can stop, start, rewind, fast forward, etc. whenever I want.

It's a disadvantage because it wastes time and energy, especially if you're familiar with the material being presented. Also, sitting there for hours is not healthy.

 

[Beargryllz]

I get the same information watching the recorded lectures. I can stop, start, rewind, fast forward, etc. whenever I want.

It's a disadvantage because it wastes time and energy, especially if you're familiar with the material being presented. Also, sitting there for hours is not healthy.

I agree. The recordings are great. I suspect the mandatory attendance is to foster more interaction which doesn't really happen as often as it should even with 160 people being exposed to new and often confusing material.

Being familiar with the material is good. I try to prepare by reading the material before lecture but this doesn't always happen.

If you don't want to sit, stand. We're well aware of ergonomics and the importance of posture.

 

[skeletor06]

All I know is, for the pre-req courses that were mandatory attendance and NOT recorded I didn't feel that I got as much out of the class as I would have if the lecture was recorded. I was lost during lecture, and using the tools that recorded lectures provide would have allowed me to digest the material. For the recorded courses, I could watch the lectures at my leisure and stop and figure things out or look them up if I needed clarification. I guess I just don't see why I need the middleman, unless the lecturer is very good, in which case I would probably choose to go.

Of course this is all a moot point anyways, because I'm going to a school that requires attendance. No use crying over spilled milk. The point of the thread was to see if anyone had any ideas on how to make the required attendance less onerous.

 

[67552931811]

.

 

[Omppu27]

Mandatory attendance in medical school just makes NO sense to me.... The student government should be all over the administration's ass about it. Same goes with dress codes (eg LECOM).

 

[medickdb]

Mandatory attendance in medical school just makes NO sense to me.... The student government should be all over the administration's ass about it. Same goes with dress codes (eg LECOM).

It is. The response is, "That's just the way it is. It won't change."

Sometimes, I feel like I'm in elementary school.

 

[Omppu27]

It is. The response is, "That's just the way it is. It won't change."

Sometimes, I feel like I'm in elementary school.

Just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it's right. Your administration sounds like a bunch of 5 year olds.

 

[skeletor06]

Don't get me wrong, I am incredibly excited about everything else regarding this school, and the opportunity in general. I am just worried that with the difficulty of medical school, not being able to learn in a way that's best for me is going to put me behind the eight ball. It just seems like it's going to be a lot of added stress. Oh well! I put myself in this position, so I'll make the best of it.

And maybe...JUST maybe, the required attendance will help.

Talladega Nights reference, anyone? 10 points to whoever gets that one. 😉

 

[skeletor06]

It is. The response is, "That's just the way it is. It won't change."

Sometimes, I feel like I'm in elementary school.

Did they give an answer for WHY they chose to implement the policy? I know that a lot of the faculty and administration have come over from schools like VCOM, which has a similar attendance policy, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[jhu6569]

Just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it's right. Your administration sounds like a bunch of 5 year olds.

Hmm> As a medical school professor with over 40 years of teaching experience at multiple medical schools - I might just suggest that you, as a neophyte, might not have considered issues of how YOU become a professional. It starts with small steps; sometimes including things like dress codes.

But, I know, YOU think that you are already professional. NOT. All medical students need to understand that they have a lot to LEARN during medical school. And a lot of this learning is not limited to factual memorizing of basic science/clinical science data. Equally important are concerns "outside" of your textbook, didactic lecture material.

 

[medickdb]

Just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it's right. Your administration sounds like a bunch of 5 year olds.

I just don't like being told, "That's just the way it is." I need a better reason than that.

I don't mind having to dress up, but I fail to see the point when we're just going to change after a few hours. We also have people in other programs walking around in less than business attire. Also, some of the females need to learn how to dress professionally. For example, there are a few whose dresses end above their white coats.

I feel like if you've made it into medical school, you understand the time, energy, and resources you have to put into your education. Look at schools that don't have an attendance policy. Are their scores any different than those that do have one?

It's not like any of us would suddenly become bums. I'd like to use the time saved for other things (i.e. club activities, shadowing, potential research, taking a mid-week break, etc.)

Thing is, multiple people/classes have brought these issues and more up. But, "that's just the way it is." Just have to get through it.

Hmm> As a medical school professor with over 40 years of teaching experience at multiple medical schools - I might just suggest that you, as a neophyte, might not have considered issues of how YOU become a professional. It starts with small steps; sometimes including things like dress codes.

But, I know, YOU think that you are already professional. NOT. All medical students need to understand that they have a lot to LEARN during medical school. And a lot of this learning is not limited to factual memorizing of basic science/clinical science data. Equally important are concerns "outside" of your textbook, didactic lecture material.

I understand this point. We do have labs and clinical cases that correlate the lecture material to its real world, clinical application. I think those should absolutely be mandatory. When it comes to the morning lectures which are almost always taken from texts, then that's a different story.

 

[Omppu27]

Hmm> As a medical school professor with over 40 years of teaching experience at multiple medical schools - I might just suggest that you, as a neophyte, might not have considered issues of how YOU become a professional. It starts with small steps; sometimes including things like dress codes.

But, I know, YOU think that you are already professional. NOT. All medical students need to understand that they have a lot to LEARN during medical school. And a lot of this learning is not limited to factual memorizing of basic science/clinical science data. Equally important are concerns "outside" of your textbook, didactic lecture material.

LOL I'm the furthest thing from a professional at anything... And I understand that training to become a physician is much more than what you learn in the classroom. However, I don't think being told that you need to wear business attire just to step onto campus is necessary (I've been told that this was the case at LECOM. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.).

 

[ananasmed]

LOL I'm the furthest thing from a professional at anything... And I understand that training to become a physician is much more than what you learn in the classroom. However, I don't think being told that you need to wear business attire just to step onto campus is necessary (I've been told that this was the case at LECOM. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.).

It's not just LECOM -- the professional dress policy seems particularly common at DO schools in the south (I believe ACOM, WCUCOM, CUSOM...) though perhaps that's just coincidence.

 

[Omppu27]

It's not just LECOM -- the professional dress policy seems particularly common at DO schools in the south (I believe ACOM, WCUCOM, CUSOM...) though perhaps that's just coincidence.

That's right. I knew it was at others schools but I wasn't sure which ones.

 

[skeletor06]

I just read an article about Stanford's new medical school curriculum, and checked out the school's website. It looks amazing. Granted, many DO schools do not need or would want the research requirement Stanford has, given the differing missions. However, the emphasis on at least the bit of flexibility in curriculum is nice. They also have a P / F curriculum. And, not for nothing, but the pictures on their website show students in class, wearing scrubs. I doubt anyone would say that Stanford medical students cannot be professional. But maybe the point is that they can do that BECAUSE they're Stanford. They don't have to prove themselves.

I read somewhere that many new programs use a graded scale instead of Pass / Fail because they don't have a body of work (i.e., graduated physicians) that will show residency programs and the public they're worth anything. Maybe they feel that a mandatory attendance policy is needed for a similar reason, because they want to or feel they need to "keep watch" over their first few classes of students and make sure they do well? Whether that helps or hinders is up for debate, but it might be one theory for the reasoning behind the rule.

And @Omppu27, I think you are correct, at least during business hours. They're not the only one, though. The other three just mentioned are all newer schools though, so maybe that speaks to what I wrote a few lines up.

 

[medickdb]

I know it's frustrating, but everything's going to be alright in the end.

 

[skeletor06]

I know it's frustrating, but everything's going to be alright in the end.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I know that likely a big part of it is just nerves at this point. 🙂

 

[Beargryllz]

I read somewhere that many new programs use a graded scale instead of Pass / Fail because they don't have a body of work (i.e., graduated physicians) that will show residency programs and the public they're worth anything. Maybe they feel that a mandatory attendance policy is needed for a similar reason, because they want to or feel they need to "keep watch" over their first few classes of students and make sure they do well? Whether that helps or hinders is up for debate, but it might be one theory for the reasoning behind the rule.

It isn't the school. It's mandated by the accrediting body. I believe that if your school opened within the last 7 years, you have mandatory attendance. These statistics are reported to the accrediting body, as are many other data points. Grades are obviously a big part of this as well.

It's COCA (commission on osteopathic college accreditation) that determines whether you have mandatory attendance, not your school administration.

**** rolls downhill. You're the medical student so it falls on you.

If you don't want mandatory attendance, try contacting one or all of the people on this list

http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/accreditation/predoctoral accreditation/Pages/coca-members-and-staff.aspx

 

[acapnial]

I just read an article about Stanford's new medical school curriculum, and checked out the school's website. It looks amazing. Granted, many DO schools do not need or would want the research requirement Stanford has, given the differing missions. However, the emphasis on at least the bit of flexibility in curriculum is nice. They also have a P / F curriculum. And, not for nothing, but the pictures on their website show students in class, wearing scrubs. I doubt anyone would say that Stanford medical students cannot be professional. But maybe the point is that they can do that BECAUSE they're Stanford. They don't have to prove themselves.

I read somewhere that many new programs use a graded scale instead of Pass / Fail because they don't have a body of work (i.e., graduated physicians) that will show residency programs and the public they're worth anything. Maybe they feel that a mandatory attendance policy is needed for a similar reason, because they want to or feel they need to "keep watch" over their first few classes of students and make sure they do well? Whether that helps or hinders is up for debate, but it might be one theory for the reasoning behind the rule.

And @Omppu27, I think you are correct, at least during business hours. They're not the only one, though. The other three just mentioned are all newer schools though, so maybe that speaks to what I wrote a few lines up.

My school doesn't have mandatory attendance but the educational research people pleaded with us not to skip class when we were in first year. They swear up and down that all the research says people do better and are less likely to fail if they attend every lecture.

Personally I think mandatory attendance is totally antiquated now that we have the internet and recorded lectures, and it's a terrible idea in the modern age.

 

[medickdb]

It isn't the school. It's mandated by the accrediting body. I believe that if your school opened within the last 7 years, you have mandatory attendance. These statistics are reported to the accrediting body, as are many other data points. Grades are obviously a big part of this as well.

It's COCA (commission on osteopathic college accreditation) that determines whether you have mandatory attendance, not your school administration.

**** rolls downhill. You're the medical student so it falls on you.

If you don't want mandatory attendance, try contacting one or all of the people on this list

http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/accreditation/predoctoral accreditation/Pages/coca-members-and-staff.aspx

That's not true. MUCOM doesn't have mandatory lecture.

 

[Beargryllz]

That's not true. MUCOM doesn't have mandatory lecture.

True. Their handbook states this is by discretion of the instructor.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes to maximize their educational experience by
participating in and following their discussions first-hand. Individual course directors may set
attendance standards for their course, including the designation of mandatory lectures, and may
implement in-class quizzes or record attendance. Thus, attendance may be a factor in
determining the final grade in a course, at the discretion of the course director.
One-hundred percent attendance is required in clinical clerkships, remedial assignments,
laboratory sessions, small-group sessions, clinical correlations and standardized patient
exercises.
Serious excuses for missed attendance, which must be documented, should be reported to the
assistant dean of student affairs for first and second year DO students or to the Office of Clinical
Affairs for third and fourth year DO students, who in turn will advise the course or clerkship
director for his or her consideration. Final determination to accept an excuse remains with the
course or clerkship director.
Extended absences for illness, family emergencies, etc., must always be documented by the
assistant dean of student affairs, clinical education, or the office of the specific academic
program.

The 100% attendance for everything that isn't lecture and "discretion" for lecture attendance seems to be the norm

 

[user3]

So, I'm probably going to a school with mandatory attendance. I've heard horror stories on SDN of schools like that, and no one seems to like required attendance. I'm a non-trad with a graduate degree, and I've never learned well from the "large lecture, Power Point slide" model. I know that for me that a PBL or at least non-required attendance school would probably be better.

The problem is, I don't think I'll have a choice. I have one acceptance, and I've heard back from almost everywhere else. Had a couple of interviews, no other acceptances. I do very much like the school in every other way, and felt VERY comfortable with everything else about the school on my interview day. It felt like the professors and administration really wants to put the students first, and I appreciate that.

With that info, does anyone have any help on how to get by in a school that requires attendance every day, if you already know your learning style doesn't fit that paradigm? I'm just worried that I've really shot myself in the foot here.

are you waitlisted anywhere? are you complete at any other schools but haven't heard back?

If you aren't averse to spending extra money, you could try your luck applying late to some other schools that don't require attendance.

 

[IslandStyle808]

It's not just LECOM -- the professional dress policy seems particularly common at DO schools in the south (I believe ACOM, WCUCOM, CUSOM...) though perhaps that's just coincidence.

You can wear scrubs at ACOM for the basic sciences lectures.

 

[skeletor06]

are you waitlisted anywhere? are you complete at any other schools but haven't heard back?

If you aren't averse to spending extra money, you could try your luck applying late to some other schools that don't require attendance.

Yeah, haven't heard back from a few, but it's pretty much looking like this is the end of the cycle for me. I have applied to most places that I reasonably have a shot at, especially this late in the cycle. No waitlists, and the other interviews I had or were offered all have required attendance and dress code.

 

[user3]

Yeah, haven't heard back from a few, but it's pretty much looking like this is the end of the cycle for me. I have applied to most places that I reasonably have a shot at, especially this late in the cycle. No waitlists, and the other interviews I had or were offered all have required attendance and dress code.

you could still try Touro-NV, Marian, LMU, and others if you haven't. If it means that much to you, then be willing to spend extra money and potentially ride out waitlists.

 

[skeletor06]

you could still try Touro-NV, Marian, LMU, and others if you haven't. If it means that much to you, then be willing to spend extra money and potentially ride out waitlists.

Already applied. 😛 I feel like I'm being all doom and gloom here, and I'm not trying to. I really am excited about this particular school, just not the attendance policy. I really was just trying to get some hints or advice on how to make the most of my time in class, since I'm going to be required to be there.

 

[jqueb29]

So, I'm probably going to a school with mandatory attendance. I've heard horror stories on SDN of schools like that, and no one seems to like required attendance. I'm a non-trad with a graduate degree, and I've never learned well from the "large lecture, Power Point slide" model. I know that for me that a PBL or at least non-required attendance school would probably be better.

The problem is, I don't think I'll have a choice. I have one acceptance, and I've heard back from almost everywhere else. Had a couple of interviews, no other acceptances. I do very much like the school in every other way, and felt VERY comfortable with everything else about the school on my interview day. It felt like the professors and administration really wants to put the students first, and I appreciate that.

With that info, does anyone have any help on how to get by in a school that requires attendance every day, if you already know your learning style doesn't fit that paradigm? I'm just worried that I've really shot myself in the foot here.

That sucks, I feel horrible for you. Attendance is optional at my school thankfully, and not attending while watching recordings at home is definitely a much more efficient use of time. I still do go to lecture every once in a while though when the mood strikes, and have noticed some things that may be helpful to you. When I go to lecture without having read over the slides the night before, I am completely lost and am unable to retain anything; it is just a total waste of time. However, if I look over the material prior to lecture, it helps me get a decent base, and then listening to the lecture fills things in to where I can understand most of it after one exposure. So, since you have no choice, I would recommend going over the material as much as you can beforehand, that way lecture is a somewhat efficient use of your time instead of a total waste.

 

[midweststudent1]

Hmm> As a medical school professor with over 40 years of teaching experience at multiple medical schools - I might just suggest that you, as a neophyte, might not have considered issues of how YOU become a professional. It starts with small steps; sometimes including things like dress codes.

But, I know, YOU think that you are already professional. NOT. All medical students need to understand that they have a lot to LEARN during medical school. And a lot of this learning is not limited to factual memorizing of basic science/clinical science data. Equally important are concerns "outside" of your textbook, didactic lecture material.

OMG....this made me laugh. Offended much?
...........

There are things that should obviously be mandatory (lab, case presentations, guest lecturers.). Being in class at 8 am til 3 pm? That does absolutely NOTHING to instill professionalism. Thankfully, we have the faculty and administration who look at us as the adults and professionals that we are, and don't treat us like we are in undergrad any longer. I would say that up to 20-30% of my class has had a full time job in a CAREER setting before coming to med school. We know what the professionalism standards are. Mandatory attendance is out of touch with your students

(And FYI i go to 90% of my lecturers)

 

[DopaDO]

I have no doubt that if my school had an attendance policy I would not have been able to match into my desired specialty. My friend (who goes to an MD school) and I have a saying... "Attending lecture isn't just a bad idea, it's actually irresponsible." I'm not trying to be a huge downer here, but I would seriously look into other schools or options if you have them. Mandatory attendance is a massive handicap.

 

[skeletor06]

That sucks, I feel horrible for you. Attendance is optional at my school thankfully, and not attending while watching recordings at home is definitely a much more efficient use of time. I still do go to lecture every once in a while though when the mood strikes, and have noticed some things that may be helpful to you. When I go to lecture without having read over the slides the night before, I am completely lost and am unable to retain anything; it is just a total waste of time. However, if I look over the material prior to lecture, it helps me get a decent base, and then listening to the lecture fills things in to where I can understand most of it after one exposure. So, since you have no choice, I would recommend going over the material as much as you can beforehand, that way lecture is a somewhat efficient use of your time instead of a total waste.

Thanks for the advice! I also have to realize that pre-clinicals are only two years. I CAN make it work, even if it's not an optimal situation. I put myself in a position where I wouldn't have any other options, so I can't really complain. I am still very excited about this school and the opportunity it represents. I guess I'm just worried that the lack of my preferred learning style, the difficulty of medical school and my non-trad (read: non-science-major) background will get me kicked out in the first week! 😛

 

[skeletor06]

I have no doubt that if my school had an attendance policy I would not have been able to match into my desired specialty. My friend (who goes to an MD school) and I have a saying... "Attending lecture isn't just a bad idea, it's actually irresponsible." I'm not trying to be a huge downer here, but I would seriously look into other schools or options if you have them. Mandatory attendance is a massive handicap.

As I said in an earlier post, I don't have an option. I'm a non-trad who can't afford to wait another year, and I realistically have no other options this cycle. I didn't want this to turn into a "Mandatory attendance SUCKS, go elsewhere!" thread, but more of a "I HAVE mandatory attendance, what do I do to help myself with that?" thread.

 

[user3]

I have no doubt that if my school had an attendance policy I would not have been able to match into my desired specialty. My friend (who goes to an MD school) and I have a saying... "Attending lecture isn't just a bad idea, it's actually irresponsible." I'm not trying to be a huge downer here, but I would seriously look into other schools or options if you have them. Mandatory attendance is a massive handicap.

do you think you wouldn't have performed as well on boards?

 

[user3]

As I said in an earlier post, I don't have an option. I'm a non-trad who can't afford to wait another year, and I realistically have no other options this cycle. I didn't want this to turn into a "Mandatory attendance SUCKS, go elsewhere!" thread, but more of a "I HAVE mandatory attendance, what do I do to help myself with that?" thread.

looking at your post history, your stats were decent. Where did you apply?

 

[DopaDO]

do you think you wouldn't have performed as well on boards?

I definitely would not have done as well on boards. It's a huge handicap. By skipping class, I was able to focus on boards the first couple weeks of a block then cram the last week for my block exam. Listening to lectures double speed, or sometimes just reading the lecture notes was really all I needed to feel prepared for the exam. There were some blocks where I crammed 4 weeks of lectures into the weekend before the exam. While those types of weekends may have been stressful and intense, it really allowed me to focus boards the rest of the time. Couldn't have done it with mandatory attendance.

As I said in an earlier post, I don't have an option. I'm a non-trad who can't afford to wait another year, and I realistically have no other options this cycle. I didn't want this to turn into a "Mandatory attendance SUCKS, go elsewhere!" thread, but more of a "I HAVE mandatory attendance, what do I do to help myself with that?" thread.

My advice to you would be to try to make the most of it. Try to really get something out of the time you are in lecture. Just go into it knowing you will have to work much harder than people without mandatory attendance to do as well as them. If you can come to terms with that, you'll be ok.

 

[skeletor06]

looking at your post history, your stats were decent. Where did you apply?

LECOM-SH
LECOM-B
AZCOM
ACOM
LMU
VCOM x 3
CUSOM
ATSU-SOMA

Didn't meet the course pre-reqs for several COMs due to non-trad status, and a couple of others wouldn't let me substitute a required undergrad professor LOR with one from a boss in a healthcare-related field AT a research university. They wanted undergrad professors, even though I graduated college >5 years ago.

 

[skeletor06]

I definitely would not have done as well on boards. It's a huge handicap. By skipping class, I was able to focus on boards the first couple weeks of a block then cram the last week for my block exam. Listening to lectures double speed, or sometimes just reading the lecture notes was really all I needed to feel prepared for the exam. There were some blocks where I crammed 4 weeks of lectures into the weekend before the exam. While those types of weekends may have been stressful and intense, it really allowed me to focus boards the rest of the time. Couldn't have done it with mandatory attendance.

My advice to you would be to try to make the most of it. Try to really get something out of the time you are in lecture. Just go into it knowing you will have to work much harder than people without mandatory attendance to do as well as them. If you can come to terms with that, you'll be ok.

Awesome. Now my soul REALLY hurts. 🙁 Oh well, I put myself in this position. Up to me to work hard enough to make up for my past mistakes, I suppose.

 

[user3]

LECOM-SH
LECOM-B
AZCOM
ACOM
LMU
VCOM x 3
CUSOM
ATSU-SOMA

Didn't meet the course pre-reqs for several COMs due to non-trad status, and a couple of others wouldn't let me substitute a required undergrad professor LOR with one from a boss in a healthcare-related field AT a research university. They wanted undergrad professors, even though I graduated college >5 years ago.

contact LMU and ask for a status update. I remember people last year doing this and subsequently receiving ii's.

 

[user3]

Awesome. Now my soul REALLY hurts. 🙁 Oh well, I put myself in this position. Up to me to work hard enough to make up for my past mistakes, I suppose.

anyway...if this is the school you end up at, I would recommend trying to study other material during lecture-- with maybe some headphones on.

 

[skeletor06]

anyway...if this is the school you end up at, I would recommend trying to study other material during lecture-- with maybe some headphones on.

Wasn't trying to be a downer. Headphones seems to be the go-to answer. 😛

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

It is. The response is, "That's just the way it is. It won't change."

Sometimes, I feel like I'm in elementary school.

When I interviewed at your school I kinda got the feeling that some students felt that way. Also security system style identification sensors and calling you if you missed class is kinda creepy.

I mean don't get me wrong, the school wowed me majorly. But it did seem like it was created as a narrow path to producing physicians the way the school wanted it to be done.

 

[user3]

When I interviewed at your school I kinda got the feeling that some students felt that way. Also security system style identification sensors and calling you if you missed class is kinda creepy.

I mean don't get me wrong, the school wowed me majorly. But it did seem like it was created as a narrow path to producing physicians the way the school wanted it to be done.

FWIW, jhu6569 is from WCU...there seems to be a bit of drama going on in that school's thread right now.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

FWIW, jhu6569 is from WCU...there seems to be a bit of drama going on in that school's thread right now.

Summarize it a bit for me haha

 

[medickdb]

Summarize it a bit for me haha

I'll make the popcorn.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I'll make the popcorn.

Yes please lol.

 

[user3]

Summarize it a bit for me haha

several students have come out and posted frank, mainly very unsatisfied comments on their experience at WCU. One, their attendance policy which requires more class hours than any other DO school. Two, high attrition/dismissal/repeat/remediation rates-- 18 of ~110 MS1's will be leaving, dismissed, or repeating. Another "15+" had to remediate a class (and potentially repeat the year if they failed).

Plugging in headphones in class is also strictly forbidden-- students are expected to pay attention and answer if called on. If caught with them on, they can be disciplined. Professors often do not post lecture notes until the morning of class, leaving students unable to prepare ahead of time.

Also, complaints that the admin is unsympathetic to struggling students and "looks for any way to not promote them". Apparently, students suffering depression, family death, or even car accidents, were not shown leniency after failing or even missing classes. For example, a student missed >20% of classes due to illness, but passed all of their exams-- yet were forced to repeat the year due to not meeting the 80% requirement in multiple classes.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

several students have come out and posted frank, mainly very unsatisfied comments on their experience at WCU. One, their attendance policy which requires more class hours than any other DO school. Two, high attrition/dismissal/repeat/remediation rates-- 18 of ~110 MS1's will be leaving, dismissed, or repeating. Another 15 had to remediate a class (and potentially repeat the year if they failed).

Plugging in headphones in class is also strictly forbidden-- students are expected to pay attention and answer if called on. If caught with them on, they can be disciplined. Professors often do not post lecture notes until the morning of class, leaving students unable to prepare ahead of time.

Also, complaints that the admin is unsympathetic to struggling students and "looks for any way to not promote them". Apparently, students suffering depression, family death, or even car accidents, were not shown leniency after failing classes. For example, a student missed >20% of classes due to illness, but passed all of their exams-- yet were forced to repeat the year due to not meeting the 80% requirement in multiple classes.

To sum it up--issues over rigid class attendance requirements and inflexible administration.

As I've said before, outside of LUCOM which I don't wish to believe exists, WCU is the worst DO school in the country.