Lake Erie (LECOM) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

[Maverick626]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Anyone here from the November 21st interview day get accepted?

 

[defyingtheodds_MJ]

Hey everyone.. I don't usually participate in these forums and usually just read read read. But because these forums have been most helpful for me I would like to contribute my 2 cents 🙂

First I applied really late in the cycle... Primary app submitted: 12/4
Secondary request: 12/5
Secondary submit: 12/5
Interview invite: 12/30 today! Yay!

 

[WishingAndWaiting]

Thanks for responding to me 🙂

The acceptance comes in a large envelope right? After they update your online portal to: "You will receive a decision in the mail within 10 days" etc?

Just checking, i heard a horror story about someone getting their rejection without having their online portal updated. Mine still hasn't updated and it's been a while. I have a feeling it will be updated by next week or I'll just get mail out of nowhere which is super scary.

Have you gotten the decision has been made update? Sorry, I'm nosy

 

[MedicineFTW]

Accepted!! Feels so incredible to finally make this post and could not be more thankful for this admission! Here's to hope for all those who haven't heard back in months (completed and placed under review end of June, did not hear a word until end of October), to all those who bombed a couple science classes along the way, to all those who had to live through retaking the MCAT, and anyone else still waiting to hear back.

 

[silvermecca]

Thanks for responding to me 🙂

The acceptance comes in a large envelope right? After they update your online portal to: "You will receive a decision in the mail within 10 days" etc?

Just checking, i heard a horror story about someone getting their rejection without having their online portal updated. Mine still hasn't updated and it's been a while. I have a feeling it will be updated by next week or I'll just get mail out of nowhere which is super scary.

The envelope is a regular legal sized envelope. If it looks like there is more than one letter in it, accepted. Just one letter, wait listed or rejected. Look for a thicker white envelope! My online portal was right on the money. Switched messages as stated above and 10 days later received my acceptance. We have slow mail where I live. Some probably got their acceptance sooner!

 

[Fedxup]

.

 

[DoctahB]

Just fishing for opinions on here: I have an interview with ATSU-KCOM in less than a month after I've already been accepted here - should I cancel the interview?

Some background info on me: Cleveland native with undergrad nearby (4 hours east). Interests of ER med, family med, and anesthesia (but open to anything given rotation exposure). Accepted LDP - I personally don't mind (I actually will kind of enjoy) the dress code, as well as the mandatory classes considering I attended just about every class recently in undergrad and didn't skip a day of work at my summer volunteer position that would sometimes start as early as 6 am and go until 6 pm or so.

 

[RunGently]

Just fishing for opinions on here: I have an interview with ATSU-KCOM in less than a month after I've already been accepted here - should I cancel the interview?

Some background info on me: Cleveland native with undergrad nearby (4 hours east). Interests of ER med, family med, and anesthesia (but open to anything given rotation exposure). Accepted LDP - I personally don't mind (I actually will kind of enjoy) the dress code, as well as the mandatory classes considering I attended just about every class recently in undergrad and didn't skip a day of work at my summer volunteer position that would sometimes start as early as 6 am and go until 6 pm or so.

If you could see yourself going there over LECOM I would go. KCOM is a good school and I would personally go to the interview if I had any doubts. With that said, I interviewed at LECOM and really liked the school so either way you're in a great position.

 

[scorpioking12]

Accepted!! Feels so incredible to finally make this post and could not be more thankful for this admission! Here's to hope for all those who haven't heard back in months (completed and placed under review end of June, did not hear a word until end of October), to all those who bombed a couple science classes along the way, to all those who had to live through retaking the MCAT, and anyone else still waiting to hear back.

Hey there! First of all, congrats on the acceptance! I can't even imagine how you feel...A decision has been made for me, but not letter yet. I was just wondering how you felt about your interview...thanks!

 

[Osteopathic_App]

Has anyone heard back from the 12/12 interview date yet?

 

[hallowmann]

Has anyone heard back from the 12/12 interview date yet?

Its been break pretty much since a week after you're interview. I would at least wait another week before getting antsy.

Just fishing for opinions on here: I have an interview with ATSU-KCOM in less than a month after I've already been accepted here - should I cancel the interview?

Some background info on me: Cleveland native with undergrad nearby (4 hours east). Interests of ER med, family med, and anesthesia (but open to anything given rotation exposure). Accepted LDP - I personally don't mind (I actually will kind of enjoy) the dress code, as well as the mandatory classes considering I attended just about every class recently in undergrad and didn't skip a day of work at my summer volunteer position that would sometimes start as early as 6 am and go until 6 pm or so.

I'm of the opinion that you should always go to interviews, but given the extra cost and your background, I might reconsider that rule. The thing is KCOM is THE school. The first, tons of alums, it's in a very DO-centric location, etc. It'll be a different experience, and maybe it's best to see what it has to offer.

That said, you're from Cleveland, and if you plan to practice there, LECOM is very close by, they have 3rd and 4th year rotations in Cleveland with UH hospitals, there will be plenty of opportunities to do auditions in Cleveland and OH in general, etc. I don't know if that will be the case with KCOM.

Tough call, and obviously it's up to you, but hopefully that gives you some things to think about.

Also, keep in mind that every (and I really mean EVERY) DO school, or med school in general, will have things you don't like, policies that annoy you, etc. I have yet to meet ANY physician or med student that didn't complain about something. And honestly you won't know what those things are until you attend. The bottom line is finding that school where you know you can succeed and that will give you what you need to do so.

 

[docmartin99]

Apparently, the committee has already made a decision on my admission status and it has only been 11 days since I interviewed...is that bad or good? lol. Anyone else have that happen? Thanks

Honestly, I don't think it is either good or bad. I think it is just a matter of when the committee met. Best of luck.

 

[Osteopathic_App]

I haven't and I am from that interview date. They have been on break since around Christmas through January 5th. I am thinking that we might be getting a portal update this week maybe. Fingers crossed.

Its been break pretty much since a week after you're interview. I would at least wait another week before getting antsy.

Thanks!

 

[Maverick626]

I haven't and I am from that interview date. They have been on break since around Christmas through January 5th. I am thinking that we might be getting a portal update this week maybe. Fingers crossed.

What Hallowman said. I interviewed 11/21 and only just got my letter about a week ago.

 

[HuskyPride149]

Interviewing on Thursday! WIsh me Luck!!!

 

[GARNET2014]

I interviewed 11/7 and was wait listed.

Can anyone speculate how many LDP spots are available still? When should we expect wait list movement?

 

[Pooverdam]

Anyone staying at the springhill suites want to share a cab tomorrow morning?

 

[Clinicall]

.

 

[silvermecca]

Anyone know if LECOM is relatively easy as far as calling them and asking about your admission status? I have the "admissions has not yet made a decision on your file". I've heard some schools are nicer than others when you call admissions...

I think Lecom is very approachable. I would call them.

 

[futdoc251989]

Does anyone know if admission to the Bradenton campus is more competitive (lower acceptance rate) than the Erie campus? I was rejected quickly by the Bradenton campus without an interview invite (complete on 11/2/14 and rejected 12/8/14). Here are my stats:

cgpa: 3.02
sgpa: 2.89
MCAT: 30 (12 PS 10 BS, 8 VR)
grad gpa: 3.50

So considering I was rejected so quickly by Bradenton, I'm getting worried about Erie now since I've yet to hear anything from them. I've also heard that LECOM is a "safety" school for many applicants with sub-par stats so my self-esteem is starting to take a nosedive. Whelp!

 

[Clinicall]

.

 

[futdoc251989]

My 0.02 is that your GPA is extremely low for any DO school and was probably rejected based on that

Would you suggest that I apply to an SMP like LECOM's MBS program? Do they have linkage to their osteopathic school?

 

[lmw312]

Would you suggest that I apply to an SMP like LECOM's MBS program? Do they have linkage to their osteopathic school?

Someone from admissions said during my interview day that you automatically get an interview for their DO program if you get a 3.0 or higher in their post bacc program, if that helps.

 

[UMDZete]

Hey Everyone!

I don't post on this site much, more of a lurker than anything. Just had my first interview in my two years of applying at LECOM yesterday! Thought it went really well, the group interview was quite laid back in my opinion. For everyone with questions about acceptance letter dates and whatnot, my understanding is as follows: Apparently there are admissions meetings every Wednesday, where the admissions committee decides on all recent (complete) applicants. Decisions are made that day. Also that day letters are generated, signed, and sent out to students!

I am a bit worried about how many seats are available at the school at this point. I feel like the interview was great, but I wonder if there are few enough seats that I will get wait listed regardless of my performance. For reference, here are my stats:

cGPA 3.36 sGPA 3.30 MCAT 31 (first take) 36 (second take).

Cheers, and congrats to those already admitted!

 

[HuskyPride149]

So for anyone that itnerviewed this past thursday like to share their thoughts on the school?

As someone who also interviewed yesterday I thought the school was impressive and definitely not what I expected since there wasn't much favorable things about the school.

Pros
Impressive Board passing rate
Seems to ensure that their students are prepared and doing well

Cons
Bleak looking building inside and out
Feel like LECOM is kind of like a factory - making sure all their students are perfect and ready to pass the boards or else not letting them
Always supervising and keeping a close eye on you (can be good or bad)
Doesn't seem like they help their students for exams (ie no reviews held) - the guy that answered my question seemed very "matter of fact" and was liek you wont need a review since you are required to be in class and studying everyday.

IDK how i feel about the school. Academically - they seem pretty sound and good, but the feel of freedom or individuality doesn't seem there. What do other people think?

 

[silvermecca]

Does anyone know if admission to the Bradenton campus is more competitive (lower acceptance rate) than the Erie campus? I was rejected quickly by the Bradenton campus without an interview invite (complete on 11/2/14 and rejected 12/8/14). Here are my stats:

cgpa: 3.02
sgpa: 2.89
MCAT: 30 (12 PS 10 BS, 8 VR)
grad gpa: 3.50

So considering I was rejected so quickly by Bradenton, I'm getting worried about Erie now since I've yet to hear anything from them. I've also heard that LECOM is a "safety" school for many applicants with sub-par stats so my self-esteem is starting to take a nosedive. Whelp!

I have never considered LECOM a "safety school". My family members who are graduates of other osteopathic schools and allopathic never described LECOM as a "safety school". Obviously it must not be "too safety" because not everyone with great stats gets in. Based on your above...... Great stats..............one thing stands out is your sgpa being only a 2.89. My advice and 2 cents also is to wait it out for this semester until the race is over. It is NOT over for you yet! It is not over until every seat is filled. Immediate family members told me that they have heard of seats filling up the day before classes begin and they are not graduates of LECOM. Of course you NEED to get an interview. Your other stats look very good. If you would not get in this year, I would bite the bullet and apply to an MBS somewhere. That would make your science gpa look better having those classes under your belt. The year that you are in an MBS program, apply again to medical schools. You will also be given the opportunity to do research and shadow doctors in the MBS program. Just my thoughts and hope I helped you!

 

[silvermecca]

So for anyone that itnerviewed this past thursday like to share their thoughts on the school?

As someone who also interviewed yesterday I thought the school was impressive and definitely not what I expected since there wasn't much favorable things about the school.

Pros
Impressive Board passing rate
Seems to ensure that their students are prepared and doing well

Cons
Bleak looking building inside and out
Feel like LECOM is kind of like a factory - making sure all their students are perfect and ready to pass the boards or else not letting them
Always supervising and keeping a close eye on you (can be good or bad)
Doesn't seem like they help their students for exams (ie no reviews held) - the guy that answered my question seemed very "matter of fact" and was liek you wont need a review since you are required to be in class and studying everyday.

IDK how i feel about the school. Academically - they seem pretty sound and good, but the feel of freedom or individuality doesn't seem there. What do other people think?

You think the building looks bleak inside and out????? Not my impression at all. All of the schools I interviewed with had their pros and cons. All students that I talked to at each of the schools had their likes and dislikes. Everyone in my family who graduated from Medical schools had their likes and strong dislikes. The moral of the story............. pick where you feel the most comfortable and realize that the school is not going to be "heaven" in every way. You are there to complete your goal of becoming a doctor. Everyone will have gripes in the four plus years. Just remember, many are called, but few are chosen. On a side note, how could one not find favorable things about LECOM??? I have been on five interviews to date and found favorable things at each school that invited me. Perhaps I am not that easy to please?

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Hey!!!! I am interviewing Jan 29, I have a rental car and a hotel room. Anyone wanting to share and split the costs PM me!

 

[silvermecca]

Hey Everyone!

I don't post on this site much, more of a lurker than anything. Just had my first interview in my two years of applying at LECOM yesterday! Thought it went really well, the group interview was quite laid back in my opinion. For everyone with questions about acceptance letter dates and whatnot, my understanding is as follows: Apparently there are admissions meetings every Wednesday, where the admissions committee decides on all recent (complete) applicants. Decisions are made that day. Also that day letters are generated, signed, and sent out to students!

I am a bit worried about how many seats are available at the school at this point. I feel like the interview was great, but I wonder if there are few enough seats that I will get wait listed regardless of my performance. For reference, here are my stats:

cGPA 3.36 sGPA 3.30 MCAT 31 (first take) 36 (second take).

Cheers, and congrats to those already admitted!

I really admire someone who gets a 36 on the MCAT! Great Job and hope it all works out for you!

 

[Pooverdam]

So for anyone that itnerviewed this past thursday like to share their thoughts on the school?

As someone who also interviewed yesterday I thought the school was impressive and definitely not what I expected since there wasn't much favorable things about the school.

Pros
Impressive Board passing rate

Passing rates (to me) mean nothing. You don't graduate until you pass the boards. What matters more is average board scores, which seems to be a harder statistic to find.

I was there Thursday as well and agree with most of what you had to say. Good luck to you.

 

[Leighis Capall]

Interviewing this Thursday, the 15th. I sure hope there are seats left; this is a really expensive trip for me.

 

[UMDZete]

I really admire someone who gets a 36 on the MCAT! Great Job and hope it all works out for you!

Thank you very much, it was pretty much one of the happiest moments of my life when I saw that score on the MCAT THx screen!

 

[Osteopathic_App]

Hey I interviewed 12/12 and my portal was updated to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days."
I think this may have been asked before, but how long after seeing this did it take to receive your letter?

 

[doapplicant2015]

Hey I interviewed 12/12 and my portal was updated to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days."
I think this may have been asked before, but how long after seeing this did it take to receive your letter?

A couple of days, assume they just mailed your letter so it will take 3-5ish days depending on how far you are from Erie/how fast the post office is moving now/etc.

Anyone have any idea when matriculation packets or more info is supposed to come?

 

[Leighis Capall]

Will candidates be taught in more detail about the pathways on interview day? I still have questions, and don't feel I will know for sure how to rank my options yet. (Interviewing in 2 days). Thanks!

 

[HuskyPride149]

Will candidates be taught in more detail about the pathways on interview day? I still have questions, and don't feel I will know for sure how to rank my options yet. (Interviewing in 2 days). Thanks!

Yes they go over the pathways and you don't have to turn in the sheet until the end of the day.

 

[stickshifthonda]

Yes they go over the pathways and you don't have to turn in the sheet until the end of the day.

Will candidates be taught in more detail about the pathways on interview day? I still have questions, and don't feel I will know for sure how to rank my options yet. (Interviewing in 2 days). Thanks!

I still felt pressured for time on such a huge decision! Take your sheet to lunch and discuss with the students before turning it in.

 

[Osteopathic_App]

Hey did you just get the portal update today? I also interviewed 12/12 and have been anxiously waiting for the portal to update.

I'm assuming the portal change was yesterday, but honestly I haven't checked recently so it could've been before that. Most likely was yesterday though. Don't worry it'll happen soon, I've been very anxious, and even more so now knowing the letter is in the mail!

 

[hallowmann]

I still felt pressured for time on such a huge decision! Take your sheet to lunch and discuss with the students before turning it in.

So you guys know, you can change your pathway ranking later if you feel so inclined. It's really not a big deal, but getting it right the first time will save you time trying to get in touch with someone to change it.

 

[stickshifthonda]

So you guys know, you can change your pathway ranking later if you feel so inclined. It's really not a big deal, but getting it right the first time will save you time trying to get in touch with someone to change it.

They made it sound like switching from PBL into LDP would be much easier than LDP into PBL or any other pathway for that matter. It's purely a numbers game right?

 

[Osteopathic_App]

They made it sound like switching from PBL into LDP would be much easier than LDP into PBL or any other pathway for that matter. It's purely a numbers game right?

Yeah this sounds right, that's what I remember.

 

[hallowmann]

They made it sound like switching from PBL into LDP would be much easier than LDP into PBL or any other pathway for that matter. It's purely a numbers game right?

I meant you can change your rank order after you submit it, not after you're accepted. Obviously you can change after you're accepted, but that would be after you're already placed into a pathway, and by then the seats will be full. It's all about demand. DSP and PBL have much fewer seats than LDP, which is why it's easier to transfer from them to LDP as compared to switching from LDP to PBL or DSP.

What I meant was, say the day after the interview you decide you want to make DSP your top rank, but put PBL on your sheet, you can contact them and change the rank order.

 

[roarkhunter]

I have an interview scheduled for Feb. 20th. Where have most people stayed the night before? I'm flying in on the 19th. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BlackbirdFly]

I interviewed 12/5 and got my DO letter to them by 12/18, so I know they didn't review me until after the new year. Or maybe haven't reviewed me at all yet.... still no portal change. Is this normal?

 

[med candidate]

2/29 Interview. Finally, feels oh so good

 

[twerkalerk]

Hey guys,

II last week, il be interviewing next week.

Sorry if this question was already asked...

So I already have 4 physician letters (2 DO 2 MD) and a committee letter that was written when I graduated in 2012. Will these fit the letter requirements? Or do I have to literally ask these physicians/professors to write me a letter for LECOM with the instructions that they provide in the portal. Im not sure how comfortable I feel asking my my premed committee to write me a letter as Ive been out for 2 years now

 

[NoNameTX]

Hey guys,

II last week, il be interviewing next week.

Sorry if this question was already asked...

So I already have 4 physician letters (2 DO 2 MD) and a committee letter that was written when I graduated in 2012. Will these fit the letter requirements? Or do I have to literally ask these physicians/professors to write me a letter for LECOM with the instructions that they provide in the portal. Im not sure how comfortable I feel asking my my premed committee to write me a letter as Ive been out for 2 years now

I interviewed already and did not have "specific LECOM letters" written. Also, after my interview I was able to follow up regarding my application and I was told that I am 100% complete. Good luck, hope that helps.

 

[HuskyPride149]

JUST AN FYI for everybody that has already interviewed!!
I asked them at my interview if I was complete and they said I was all set, then the following wednesday after my interview I got an E-mail saying they need my FALL 2014 Grades in order to review my file. (This was not mentioned when I asked if I was considered complete). Now I'm delayed a week. So just a heads up for anyone still in school to update your transcripts.

 

[Leighis Capall]

The group interview was much more laid back than I expected.The candidates didn't interrupt each other or talk too long. Unless I was the oblivious jerk in the group... Anyway, I found the group interview to actually be easier than individual ones. Each candidate only had to answer about 3 questions, and there was only enough time to make 1 or 2 points during the group discussion. In sum: No awkward silences, no hard questions, and fewer opportunities to embarrass yourself in a group setting. Everyone had interesting things to say; the only thing that stood out was how nervous some people were. So relax! Also, we were told that LECOM should be offering seats until about February- so we are NOT interviewing for wait list spots yet. Good luck everyone!

 

[Osteopathic_App]

Anyone from the 12/12 interview hear anything besides the user "osteopathic_app?" My portal still hasn't changed and I'm thinking about calling LECOM.

I still haven't received anything in the mail from Erie, however, I did receive a letter (pre-interview rejection) from LECOM Bradenton, with no portal change on the LECOM bradenton. I'm wondering if there was a mix-up and they updated it on the wrong part of portal. Any thoughts?