LECOM - Bradenton Discussion thread 2007-2008

[zac16125]

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Yeah, the list does seems to be moving fairly quickly. I started out as #30 on April 21st and was #24 on April 28th. Don't lose hope. I'm being optimistic, and it's looking good. My friend and I signed our lease at Colonial Grand in Lakewood Ranch today. $905 a month for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom that's literally 3 minutes from school. I'm sooooo excited! We move in July 15th! 😀

Whoa now, Colonial Grand is only 3 minutes from school? Is that true? I'm still messing around trying to pick an apartment (which I have been doing for about 2 months) and if thats true it would def help in my decision making.

 

[fabu1ous]

That is funny girls, I am not quite sure what that says about me, perhaps I am a bit of a blabbermouth. I think it comes from being an only child and an army brat, I talk to anyone, anytime about anything

Has all the makings of a well-rounded, funny, witty girl!... and maybe a little blabbermouthy, but it's all good 😛.

 

[fabu1ous]

Yeah, the list does seems to be moving fairly quickly. I started out as #30 on April 21st and was #24 on April 28th. Don't lose hope. I'm being optimistic, and it's looking good. My friend and I signed our lease at Colonial Grand in Lakewood Ranch today. $905 a month for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom that's literally 3 minutes from school. I'm sooooo excited! We move in July 15th! 😀

That's a really good price if you guys are splitting the rent 50/50... I remember when my husband and I had our first apartment, it was only $525 a month... those were the days!

Whoa now, Colonial Grand is only 3 minutes from school? Is that true? I'm still messing around trying to pick an apartment (which I have been doing for about 2 months) and if thats true it would def help in my decision making.

Zac, let's get it together buddy! 🙂 J/k, I think you still have time. Just don't wait too long before all the snazzy apartments are gone. I think I read on here that some of the apartments have waiting lists? Although I don't know if this includes Colonial... just fyi.

 

[DragonWell]

Whoa now, Colonial Grand is only 3 minutes from school? Is that true? I'm still messing around trying to pick an apartment (which I have been doing for about 2 months) and if thats true it would def help in my decision making.

Just for the record, there are NO apartments 3 minutes from school, unless you have a camper in the parking lot. 😀

Definitely double check any info you're getting about commute times from a realtor/apt. manager, either with currents students on here or w/ google maps,etc. Apt managers will say anything to rent a place...I know several people that lived close to me and were told the apartments were "5 minutes" from campus...they're actually more like 45. Also, depending on the season, time of day, construction, etc. google maps may significantly underestimate your commute time.

 

[nlax30]

Just for the record, there are NO apartments 3 minutes from school, unless you have a camper in the parking lot. 😀

Definitely double check any info you're getting about commute times from a realtor/apt. manager, either with currents students on here or w/ google maps,etc. Apt managers will say anything to rent a place...I know several people that lived close to me and were told the apartments were "5 minutes" from campus...they're actually more like 45. Also, depending on the season, time of day, construction, etc. google maps may significantly underestimate your commute time.

Yeah, Colonial Grand isn't 3 minutes away, but I would probably guess it's one of the closest apartment complexes to school. Regardless, at the most it may take like 10 minutes. Map shows it's just about 4.5 miles from school, and the speed limit is around 45 so you can do the math. And it's all on Lakewood Ranch Blvd, which just a big residential road so no real traffic "jams".

 

[LauraDO]

Has all the makings of a well-rounded, funny, witty girl!... and maybe a little blabbermouthy, but it's all good 😛.

ahhh....trying to suck up to your source of free childcare arn't you

Well it is working, you are very smooth...

 

[fabu1ous]

Was it THAT obvious?! 😉

 

[LauraDO]

Was it THAT obvious?! 😉

😀😀 I see through your mind games Missy, you forget I used to work in politics, I know how to deal with people like you😀😀

 

[scpod]

....Definitely double check any info you're getting about commute times from a realtor/apt. manager, either with currents students on here or w/ google maps,etc. ....

👍

I live 3.5 miles away and it takes me 5 or 6 minutes because I go in early-- before the highschoolers clog up Lakewood Ranch. When they are on the road....well I can't think of anything good to say, so I just won't comment about it. If you are concerned about commute times, I can't express the importance of finding a place east of I-75. If you have to cross the interstate it'll take you forever some days. If you have to travel on the interstate it can sometimes be a nightmare. Fortunately, most of the road work to widen things out was done during mine and DW's first two years, so you won't have to deal with that anymore.

 

[LauraDO]

Question< I am going to be living in the Tara Country Club area, would I be able to bike to school? If so how long would it take?

 

[scpod]

Question< I am going to be living in the Tara Country Club area, would I be able to bike to school?

I can't remember if there are bike lanes the whole way or not, but I'm pretty sure there are sidewalks. It would be a pretty easy route because you just go east on 70 and take a left. Keep in mind that it rains in the afternoon in the summertime a bunch, so you might have to wait out a few showers. They don't usually last long, though. The problem would be carrying your books, unless you left them in your locker and just studied at school.

If so how long would it take?

Depends on how fast you ride...LOL.

Ummmm...you might even make it quicker than by driving a car if you just ignore all the traffic signals like most of the bikers do 🙂.

 

[nlax30]

Question< I am going to be living in the Tara Country Club area, would I be able to bike to school? If so how long would it take?

I'm in the Harborage, just about a mile west of the Tara subdivision off SR-70 and I think it's just over 7 miles to school from me, so probably around 6 miles for you. I usually try and allow at least 15 minutes in the morning because there can be a good amount of traffic on 70 during the morning work commute, but it usually thins out some once you get past I-75.

I'm sure you could bike the 6 miles, though in the heat while dressed up I'm not sure you'd want to. There are a couple students though with motorcycles and those vespa scooter things.

 

[Kateb4]

😍

ahhh....trying to suck up to your source of free childcare arn't you

Well it is working, you are very smooth...

Woahhhhh... free childcare??? I can kiss up pretty darn good!!😍

 

[LauraDO]

Thank nlax and scpod, as always very helpful. The book thing is no big deal, I have big 'bike bags' that I carry grocery and what not in, the dressed up thing will be my biggest problem, I would say I would just change there, but I don't think the will even let me on the premises (aka-go into a ladies room) if I am not in proper clothing. In general in shouldn't be a problem, but I am sure in the summer months I won't be wanting to ride in what I am wearing to school

I hate traffic and will do any and everything I can to avoid it at all costs

 

[digitlnoize]

😍

Woahhhhh... free childcare??? I can kiss up pretty darn good!!😍

Not as good as me. LauraDO is the BEST!!!!

See?!?

I was thinking that all of us with kids can kind of pool our resources and share the duties...If one of us wants to go out one of the others can keep the kids with their kids (they'll keep each other busy!) and we'll all be happy.

As long as no one abuses the system😡😀

 

[LauraDO]

Not as good as me. LauraDO is the BEST!!!!

See?!?

I was thinking that all of us with kids can kind of pool our resources and share the duties...If one of us wants to go out one of the others can keep the kids with their kids (they'll keep each other busy!) and we'll all be happy.

As long as no one abuses the system😡😀

Kissing up is good in all forms, I also take gifts, flowers, visa, mastercard and discover....

How about I offer LauraDO Daycare once a month- 10 dollars a head

Of course children would need to be pre-approved, I don't want any hoodlums or democrats running around, too much liability

 

[digitlnoize]

I don't want any hoodlums or democrats running around, too much liability

Wow. That was funny. No worries here!

 

[AmandaL444]

I swear LECOM was 5 minutes from Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch. When you get out of the complex, you make a left onto Lakewood Ranch and pass like 2 or 3 stoplights and LECOM is on your right hand side. Definitely THE closest you could possibly get to the school (unless you rent a house in Lakewood Ranch). I drove from the Yacht Club to LECOM yesterday, and it took me 15 minutes. Don't even waste your time looking at 210 Watermark, Fountain Lake, Village at Cortez, or Tuscany Lakes. All those places were sooooo far from LECOM when I checked them out (and some were a lot more ghetto looking than the Southwest Apt Guide made them appear..haha). You can't beat the price @ Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch either, so I definitely say it's a win-win.🙂

P.S. I called today and found out I'm #19 now on the LECOM accepted list. Whoo hoo! That list keeps moving and I'm getting excited!

 

[FLpk1girl86]

not

 

[DragonWell]

I swear LECOM was 5 minutes from Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch....

I really wasn't trying to start a debate on the exact distance of Colonial Grand from LECOM, LOL, just saying that 3 minutes may be a little on the optimistic side, especially, as scpod mentioned above, when the high school madness is happening. Let's just say that for some of these kids the road is just a "suggestion"...you'll see.

I'm also a notoriously slow driver (I have to be gentle with my old truck), so your 3 minutes may be more like 10 for me. 😉

 

[LauraDO]

Not to be a spoil sport or anything.. but is there anyone who's not totally ecstatic about going to LECOM-B? I mean this school was my last choice but the only one I got into so I'm kind of bummed... I'm sure I'll grow to like it.. just feeling kind of depressed about it... anyone??

Frankly, no, I think the consensus is that if you do not really LOVE LECOM and the program set up, you shouldn't go. Based on reading your past posts, it is obvious that you are pretty negative about the whole LECOM thing. My advice to you is don't go. If you are so unhappy you won't do as well as you can, plus you will be a burden to you PBL classmates.

Med school is suppose to be an exciting experience, it is worth waiting a year to try to get into Nova or a school you like better. You will be happier and so will those around you

 

[BCLumas]

Not to be a spoil sport or anything.. but is there anyone who's not totally ecstatic about going to LECOM-B? I mean this school was my last choice but the only one I got into so I'm kind of bummed... I'm sure I'll grow to like it.. just feeling kind of depressed about it... anyone??

Wow.. I haven't posted on these threads in a long long while.

In response to your question, I am sure there are SOME other people like you, but not the majority. I remember them saying in their introduction of PBL that if you did not like the school, do not go there.. even if it is your last choice.

That makes sense. Why would you want to pay $54,000 a year (loans) to go somewhere you are miserable? I am hopeful that you will grow to love it, just like many of us already are.

As for my growing list of party people, I still need names. If you do not know what I am talking about, let me quickly summarize. I am going to be getting together a party for all current and incoming students sometime before July 28 in Bradenton. I have posted about it in our facebook group and on the SGA site, but I am missing a ton of names and whatnot. If you have not contacted me about the party and might wish to attend, send me a PM or and instant message at BrewCrewLumas. If you respond to me, please provide your: Name, Date Moving Down to Bradenton, Number of Guests.

Again, this is tentative, as I will be looking for a place to party once July nears. The more people that reply, the more of an idea I can as of the size of the place I will need to reserve.

Sorry for hi-jacking your response post, but I felt like this was a good time to plug the party.

 

[Kateb4]

Frankly, no, I think the consensus is that if you do not really LOVE LECOM and the program set up, you shouldn't go. Based on reading your past posts, it is obvious that you are pretty negative about the whole LECOM thing. My advice to you is don't go. If you are so unhappy you won't do as well as you can, plus you will be a burden to you PBL classmates.

Med school is suppose to be an exciting experience, it is worth waiting a year to try to get into Nova or a school you like better. You will be happier and so will those around you

Totally agree with this one. Another year is worth it if you can improve your application and go to a school that you like. I didn't even apply to schools that I didn't feel that I could really enjoy going to and do well at (ok, I applied to one I wasn't thrilled about, but didn't return the secondary)

 

[nlax30]

Not to be a spoil sport or anything.. but is there anyone who's not totally ecstatic about going to LECOM-B? I mean this school was my last choice but the only one I got into so I'm kind of bummed... I'm sure I'll grow to like it.. just feeling kind of depressed about it... anyone??

I'm sure you won't be the only one. If it's just because of the location or some other variable like that, then I think that can be overcome and for the most part you just get soo busy with school that not much else matters. I'm sure Bradenton, FL is not going to be everyone's ideal location but in the end it won't really matter that much.

BUT, if it has something to do with PBL then I would seriously consider whether you should attend here or not. I think there's always just a few students who attend but just, for whatever reason, don't understand PBL or the work involved and end up struggling quite a bit and just are not happy with the particular curriculum.

 

[AmandaL444]

I really wasn't trying to start a debate on the exact distance of Colonial Grand from LECOM, LOL, just saying that 3 minutes may be a little on the optimistic side, especially, as scpod mentioned above, when the high school madness is happening. Let's just say that for some of these kids the road is just a "suggestion"...you'll see.

I'm also a notoriously slow driver (I have to be gentle with my old truck), so your 3 minutes may be more like 10 for me. 😉

Haha!! I hear ya, Dragonwell. I do remember being told about all the high school students and the traffic. Good call. 🙂

 

[zac16125]

Haha!! I hear ya, Dragonwell. I do remember being told about all the high school students and the traffic. Good call. 🙂

Well you all have pretty much talked me into living at Colonial Grand, and since I am not going to get a chance to go down to Bradenton again before I have to sign a lease I'm taking your word for it. You better not be letting me down!

 

[AmandaL444]

Well you all have pretty much talked me into living at Colonial Grand, and since I am not going to get a chance to go down to Bradenton again before I have to sign a lease I'm taking your word for it. You better not be letting me down!

Yeah, you definitely should. But make sure it's the Colonial Grand @ LAKEWOOD RANCH. The Colonial Grand at Palma Sola is in that Southwest Apartment Guide that they gave us at LECOM, and I'm not sure how far away that one is from the school. I know it's farther than the one at Lakewood Ranch, but the Palma Sola one is closer to the beach, so I hear.

 

[avalon18217]

My mom and other people were asking what to get me for graduation. I was thinking that getting some of the required equipment would be cool. Could any students let me know what (other than books) is required to purchase our first year?
Thanks

 

[DragonWell]

My mom and other people were asking what to get me for graduation. I was thinking that getting some of the required equipment would be cool. Could any students let me know what (other than books) is required to purchase our first year?
Thanks

Stethoscope, Opthlamoscope, couple tuning forks, BP Cuff, reflex hammer, penlight.

You'll be offered a deal on these things from Welch-Allyn at some point during the year when their rep comes to campus, so I'm not sure if you want to get this stuff in advance. Maybe nlax or somebody knows how good the deal is - at least from what I remember, it didn't seem that great. I already had a BP and steth, so I just picked up a scope for cheap online - Steele's or somewhere. There's also some different types of scopes you might want to learn about before you buy one. You can drop a lot of dough if you want a fancy one.

A good bookbag, maybe one with wheels if you like to bring a library, is something you'll definitely use.

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

Yeah, you definitely should. But make sure it's the Colonial Grand @ LAKEWOOD RANCH. The Colonial Grand at Palma Sola is in that Southwest Apartment Guide that they gave us at LECOM, and I'm not sure how far away that one is from the school. I know it's farther than the one at Lakewood Ranch, but the Palma Sola one is closer to the beach, so I hear.

Before I called the Lakewood Ranch property I had called the Palma Sola one.. the woman told me I may rather like to live at LR because Palma Sola is about a 40 minute drive to LECOM. I thought that was very nice of her to warn me about that, and not just try to sell her property..

 

[Kateb4]

My mom and other people were asking what to get me for graduation. I was thinking that getting some of the required equipment would be cool. Could any students let me know what (other than books) is required to purchase our first year?
Thanks

I told my family that I need clothing (actually gift certificates becuase most of my family has horrible taste)! My previous jobs I always wore scrubs, and it was just jeans for school here, so I need a new wardrobe!

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

I told my family that I need clothing (actually gift certificates becuase most of my family has horrible taste)! My previous jobs I always wore scrubs, and it was just jeans for school here, so I need a new wardrobe!

me too! i absolutely have ZERO professional outfits.. hopefully my family will buy me some for my bday!

 

[Kateb4]

me too! i absolutely have ZERO professional outfits.. hopefully my family will buy me some for my bday!

Yeah, I had a few outfits, but I also just had a baby, so unfortunately those things do not fit me anymore. Lucky for us there's an outlet mall near Bradenton! Actually, we're both right by the one here. Unfortunate for me I have no money to spend until we sell our house!

You may all be seeing me in the same two outfits come July/Aug!

 

[fabu1ous]

Yeah, I had a few outfits, but I also just had a baby, so unfortunately those things do not fit me anymore. Lucky for us there's an outlet mall near Bradenton! Actually, we're both right by the one here. Unfortunate for me I have no money to spend until we sell our house!

You may all be seeing me in the same two outfits come July/Aug!

Lol, that's what I asked for, too. I rarely dress professionally unless I get called into court, which I avoid at all costs! 😱

Just switch out accesories and use Dawn, it'll be alright!! 😀 And 2 weeks after school, we'll get our student loan checks. Must... splerge... on... cute... outfits... hey, it's a school requirement and fab excuse to go shopping!

 

[fabu1ous]

me too! i absolutely have ZERO professional outfits.. hopefully my family will buy me some for my bday!

When's your b-day coming up? Happy pre-birthday wishes... may all your professional outfit dreams come true! 😉

 

[nlax30]

Stethoscope, Opthlamoscope, couple tuning forks, BP Cuff, reflex hammer, penlight.

You'll be offered a deal on these things from Welch-Allyn at some point during the year when their rep comes to campus, so I'm not sure if you want to get this stuff in advance. Maybe nlax or somebody knows how good the deal is - at least from what I remember, it didn't seem that great. I already had a BP and steth, so I just picked up a scope for cheap online - Steele's or somewhere. There's also some different types of scopes you might want to learn about before you buy one. You can drop a lot of dough if you want a fancy one.

A good bookbag, maybe one with wheels if you like to bring a library, is something you'll definitely use.

Yea, some reps will come in first semester so you can look at the equipment and they'll let you know exactly what you need. Basically what DragonWell mentioned above.

I'll see if I can find my order sheet to get an idea of the price discount. I think it's just Welch Allyn's typical price for med students. I don't remember it being outstanding, it was cheaper than retail though. I just went that route 'cause I wanted some decent equipment that I would hold onto for a long time and also just didn't want to go searching around on ebay.

Here are some of what the diagnostic sets look like:
http://www.welchallyn.com/apps/student/product_category.jsp?catcode=MED

Everyone's required to get all the equipment, but it's basically up to you whether you go find a cheap set on ebay or splurge and get the fancy panoptic Ophthalmoscope and a good ($$$) stethoscope.


Some other misc ideas:
- Clothes (I've definitely had to round out my dress clothes ensemble since we have to "dress up" every day, at least I have a collection of nice shirts now)

- Rolling suitcase: Ok, Ok... it's not the "coolest" fashion statement, but I won't injure my back carrying books and I always have all my books with me. I really just leave it in my trunk and I have access to the books wherever I happen to be studying.

 

[LauraDO]

Yea, some reps will come in first semester so you can look at the equipment and they'll let you know exactly what you need. Basically what DragonWell mentioned above.

I'll see if I can find my order sheet to get an idea of the price discount. I think it's just Welch Allyn's typical price for med students. I don't remember it being outstanding, it was cheaper than retail though. I just went that route 'cause I wanted some decent equipment that I would hold onto for a long time and also just didn't want to go searching around on ebay.

Here are some of what the diagnostic sets look like:
http://www.welchallyn.com/apps/student/product_category.jsp?catcode=MED

Everyone's required to get all the equipment, but it's basically up to you whether you go find a cheap set on ebay or splurge and get the fancy panoptic Ophthalmoscope and a good ($$$) stethoscope.


Some other misc ideas:
- Clothes (I've definitely had to round out my dress clothes ensemble since we have to "dress up" every day, at least I have a collection of nice shirts now)

- Rolling suitcase: Ok, Ok... it's not the "coolest" fashion statement, but I won't injure my back carrying books and I always have all my books with me. I really just leave it in my trunk and I have access to the books wherever I happen to be studying.

Price of the set is $760 vs. $1126 retail. I filled out the student price request form for LECOM and class of 2012 and that is what it gave me

This is so exciting

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

Price of the set is $760 vs. $1126 retail. I filled out the student price request form for LECOM and class of 2012 and that is what it gave me

This is so exciting

I just went and checked out that website... i really hope they are including that cost in our financial aid packages.. because honestly.. thats more than one of my paychecks.. and that isn't even all the tools we need!

 

[avalon18217]

Thanks Dragonwell and nlax,
When do we need to have all the equipment?

 

[DragonWell]

Thanks Dragonwell and nlax,
When do we need to have all the equipment?

Don't worry, you've got plenty of time. They'll let you know well in advance, but I don't think you need it till second semester.

Price of the set is $760 vs. $1126 retail. I filled out the student price request form for LECOM and class of 2012 and that is what it gave me

This is so exciting

What's that get you exactly? Even with the discount that sounds like a lot.

 

[AmandaL444]

What exactly is the dress code at LECOM for girls? What do they usually wear there? I don't want to be underdressed or overdressed.

 

[Dr. Josh]

Lol, that's what I asked for, too. I rarely dress professionally unless I get called into court, which I avoid at all costs! 😱

Just switch out accesories and use Dawn, it'll be alright!! 😀 And 2 weeks after school, we'll get our student loan checks. Must... splerge... on... cute... outfits... hey, it's a school requirement and fab excuse to go shopping!

what is the required dress code? I'm thinking of applying there.

Also someone said it costs? $54,000 a year?? 😱 I thought I read it was closer to $25,000? 😕

 

[digitlnoize]

what is the required dress code? I'm thinking of applying there.

Also someone said it costs? $54,000 a year?? 😱 I thought I read it was closer to $25,000? 😕

54k is the total budget...with living expenses and everything included...the Cost of Attendance, so to speak.

The tuition is around 25k. The rest is up to you...how much Ramen do you want to eat?

 

[Dr. Josh]

Anyonje care to tell me their stats or what they think is acceptable for a pretty good chance of getting in. I haven't taken my MCAT yet, but taking it in a week and I know I will not do well. otherwise have around a 3.9 science and 3.7 other, research, volunteer (clinicaland research), shadowing DO experience.

 

[BCLumas]

Josh.. sorry to scare you. I have the Cost of Attendance sheet right here in front of me. Basically it is $54,070 for tuition, class fees, insurance, rent, utilities, food, supplies, etc. You will see once you interview.

As for your stats, they seem fine right now. Don't have so little faith in your MCAT-ability. If you have been practicing and studying, you should do fine. Don't panic, stay calm, and read carefully. You have a more than solid GPA for your application, but a lot hinges upon your MCAT score.

Good luck!

 

[Dr. Josh]

54k is the total budget...with living expenses and everything included...the Cost of Attendance, so to speak.

The tuition is around 25k. The rest is up to you...how much Ramen do you want to eat?

I can eat ramen if i have to, P & J too.

 

[Dr. Josh]

Josh.. sorry to scare you. I have the Cost of Attendance sheet right here in front of me. Basically it is $54,070 for tuition, class fees, insurance, rent, utilities, food, supplies, etc. You will see once you interview.

As for your stats, they seem fine right now. Don't have so little faith in your MCAT-ability. If you have been practicing and studying, you should do fine. Don't panic, stay calm, and read carefully. You have a more than solid GPA for your application, but a lot hinges upon your MCAT score.

Good luck!

thanks, but I don't have mmuch faith in my MCAT ability. With my gpa (I know other things are important too), what do you think the lowest score I can get and have a half way decent chance of getting in?

 

[avalon18217]

Here are some of what the diagnostic sets look like:
http://www.welchallyn.com/apps/student/product_category.jsp?catcode=MED

I had to say I was going for "Doctor of Osteopathy" to get LECOM... just thought that was weired.

 

[scpod]

....Basically it is $54,070 for tuition, class fees, insurance, rent, utilities, food, supplies, etc. You will see once you interview....

Note that your cost of attendance is higher in the first year than any other year because they include a new laptop, medical equipment purchase and all of your books in the first year's budget. You won't have to buy any of those things again.

 

[LauraDO]

Did you all recieve a 'confirmation' email when they recieved your $15K?