LECOM-Bradenton Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[youreokandimok]

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Is anyone interviewing on 9/28? Message me!


I asked this on an earlier posting, but no one responded! That was a while ago. Just wondering if any new SDNers were coming to LECOM on 9/28 as well.

 

[123165]

I'm just trying to clear up a mis-communication somewhere. We have exams that we have to pass before we can move on. Our school does not keep you from taking the COMLEX based off of one diagnostic exam. We have several exams that we must pass just like every other school. I don't know who came up with this "one test" to determine if you are ready for boards thing.

It's like nlax said. We take several diagnostics. These diagnostics do not determine whether or not you get to take your boards. Your exam average excluding the diagnostics determines if you get to take your boards. Which is not different from any other school.

nlax and I are both LECOM-B students, so in terms of knowing what is expected of us, I think we have an advantage 🙂

Thanks for clarifying, I am positive that is not how it was explained on my interview date, but I am sure that you guys would know exactly what is going on because you are students (If this sounds sarcastic, I 100% don't mean it, I am sure my group got bad information, or strange wording).

 

[Sophie17]

I got a phone call today from Heather and I am going for an interview Oct 2nd!!!! I am so excited 🙂

 

[Mochajonz]

Its all good in the hood Kevon. 👍

 

[MSUSpartan642]

I got a phone call today from Heather and I am going for an interview Oct 2nd!!!! I am so excited 🙂

When I talked to Heather the closest date was Oct 30th. Nice job getting a date that is so soon. Wish I could have.

 

[youreokandimok]

Can any current lecom students tell me about how many hrs a day students actually spend in class? Certainly it's not like 8 hrs a day, right? Any info is appreciated

 

[Mochajonz]

Your first ten weeks you spend a good deal of time in lecture (2 -6 hrs) depending on the day.

After that you have pbl for 2 hrs 3x a week and you have two one hours lectures on Tuesdays. Thursdays you will have 2 hours of OMM lab.

 

[golfin87]

So it's official...I got the acceptance letter in the mail today! I am canceling all but 3 interviews, and I'm going to have to be reaaalllly impressed to change my mind about LECOM-B. I really liked the school. Good luck everyone

 

[droogdoc]

Waitlisted at LECOM-Bradenton. got the letter today. Doesnt surprise me and I was expecting this, considering how my interview went.

Oh, well. At least I have an acceptance to Nova under my belt!!!

 

[swamprat]

got accepted, although idk if pbl is really for me. we'll see how my last couple interviews turn out and then its decision time

 

[swamprat]

Waitlisted at LECOM-Bradenton. got the letter today. Doesnt surprise me and I was expecting this, considering how my interview went.

Oh, well. At least I have an acceptance to Nova under my belt!!!

sorry to hear droog, i know you liked pbl. but nova is awesome you have to admit lol

 

[ERPAC]

Hello, I came from very diverse schools for undergrad and grad, what are the stats on diversity(caucasion, african american, hispanic, male, female, etc...)? and how many students are in the class for this year??


🙂

 

[Exalya]

Does anyone know how selective the interview process is? Like, I interviewed at TCOM, and they say they only invite about 30% of the people whose applications they get.

 

[GHLBC]

Does anyone know the ratio of people interviewed to people accepted?

 

[drfosho]

Hello, I came from very diverse schools for undergrad and grad, what are the stats on diversity(caucasion, african american, hispanic, male, female, etc...)? and how many students are in the class for this year??


🙂

From what I see in my 1st year class, it doesn't seem that diverse. I'm part Vietnamese, so that's diverse right? Couldn't give percents on diversity. There's 169 students.

 

[drfosho]

Your first ten weeks you spend a good deal of time in lecture (2 -6 hrs) depending on the day.

After that you have pbl for 2 hrs 3x a week and you have two one hours lectures on Tuesdays. Thursdays you will have 2 hours of OMM lab.

This isn't true, the most lecture you have per day during the first 10 weeks is 3 hours. It's 1-3 hours per day of lecture the first 10 weeks.

 

[Mochajonz]

Fosho is right: I included lab time and the first week of orientation where you get all the insurance lectures and what not.

 

[ERPAC]

Diversity is a good thing, as patients will be diverse, that is why I am hoping someone has a rough picture to paint in my mind. Asian, white, black, hispanic, and male/female ratio etc...I don't know where I could find this on the LECOM-B site????

 

[Exalya]

Diversity is a good thing, as patients will be diverse, that is why I am hoping someone has a rough picture to paint in my mind. Asian, white, black, hispanic, and male/female ratio etc...I don't know where I could find this on the LECOM-B site????

Try this. http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/cib2010/2010-lecom-bradenton.pdf

 

[ERPAC]

Now this is what I am talking about, you are on the money, thanks, you rock!

 

[Exalya]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but it's hard to sift through all the posts with "interview" in them. I saw on the interview feedback that LECOM does closed-file interviews... and sometimes they do panel interviews. Is it closed file, as in, they know nothing about you? Or do they have your personal statement and such?

 

[ERPAC]

yes, please, I was wondering about this myself. It is good to know

 

[golfin87]

I think it was completely closed file for me. They may have read through some of my file before the interview, but I got the impression that the purpose of the interview was to find out if you're a good fit in the curriculum. All the interviews are 2 on 1...I had a faculty doctor and an admissions officer. They started the interview off with the generic "tell me about yourself" question, which tells you that they don't know about your background. This interview was very laid back...expect questions like why osteopathic medicine, tell me what you know about PBL and why it would suit you, talk about how you've handled a conflict before...etc.

 

[Exalya]

I think it was completely closed file for me. They may have read through some of my file before the interview, but I got the impression that the purpose of the interview was to find out if you're a good fit in the curriculum. All the interviews are 2 on 1...I had a faculty doctor and an admissions officer. They started the interview off with the generic "tell me about yourself" question, which tells you that they don't know about your background. This interview was very laid back...expect questions like why osteopathic medicine, tell me what you know about PBL and why it would suit you, talk about how you've handled a conflict before...etc.

Thank you so much. 🙂

 

[DocHomer]

Got my acceptance letter on Saturday!

 

[golfin87]

Congrats! I know it's early but do you think you'll go here?

 

[Altruist]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but it's hard to sift through all the posts with "interview" in them. I saw on the interview feedback that LECOM does closed-file interviews... and sometimes they do panel interviews. Is it closed file, as in, they know nothing about you? Or do they have your personal statement and such?

To my knowledge, LECOM-Bradenton only does closed-file interviews where there are 2 faculty members with 1 student. The interviews up north (LECOM-Erie/LECOM-Seton Hill campuses) seem to be panel-style this year, which may be where things get confusing.

 

[droogdoc]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but it's hard to sift through all the posts with "interview" in them. I saw on the interview feedback that LECOM does closed-file interviews... and sometimes they do panel interviews. Is it closed file, as in, they know nothing about you? Or do they have your personal statement and such?

LECOM-B does 2 interviewers to 1 applicant. When I interviewed they had none of my personal info in front of them. But some other people I interviewed with said that interviewers brought up certain questions, like about specific research, that they could not have known without looking at their file beforehand.

I wouldnt be surpised if they browse people's essays, etc. before the interview, even though it is supposedly closed file.

 

[devlyyn]

I distinctly remember them commenting on my GPA last year during my interview. It seemed they either had glanced over it beforehand or had my file in front of them.

 

[Exalya]

So basically be prepared for anything, eh? 😛 It sounds like it's generally not too intense. I really think that PBL would work for me, so I'm hoping it goes well. Would it be bad to mention that I homeschooled myself during middle school/high school? I met with a teacher once a month, and otherwise I just taught myself everything, which is part of why I think I would do well with PBL... however, I'm afraid it might sound silly.

 

[droogdoc]

So basically be prepared for anything, eh? 😛 It sounds like it's generally not too intense. I really think that PBL would work for me, so I'm hoping it goes well. Would it be bad to mention that I homeschooled myself during middle school/high school? I met with a teacher once a month, and otherwise I just taught myself everything, which is part of why I think I would do well with PBL... however, I'm afraid it might sound silly.

How is it silly if it's the truth? Sounds like a strength to me. Talk it up. Don't be shy about your uniqueness or accomplishments. I know I never would have had that discipline in high school, much less middle school!!!!

 

[devlyyn]

I think it sounds like a strength too. Just be careful because we always hear a lot about how PBL is different from independent study. Emphasize how you are self motivated and like the challenge of figuring things out for yourself; but also keep it in the context about how you like the opportunity to discuss it with other people and how you find you understand things so much better when you have a chance to teach it/ discuss it with someone else. They love that stuff 😉 (of course, only if its the truth!)

 

[KG216]

Just a tip for people who haven't interviewed yet and are thinking about renting a car. I searched like crazy, and still couldn't find anything under $39/day for economy PLUS young renter fees (Primary driver is 24). I went to priceline and named my own price...if they accept it, you won't be charged any extra fees for being under 25. I called and checked at the car rental place too...no fees for booking that way. I ended up getting $46/day for a midsize, so $7 higher per day over an economy but without the fees the economy would have added ontop of everything. It was for Tampa, btw.

Sorry it's so long, hope it helps someone!🙂

 

[Exalya]

Just a tip for people who haven't interviewed yet and are thinking about renting a car. I searched like crazy, and still couldn't find anything under $39/day for economy PLUS young renter fees (Primary driver is 24). I went to priceline and named my own price...if they accept it, you won't be charged any extra fees for being under 25. I called and checked at the car rental place too...no fees for booking that way. I ended up getting $46/day for a midsize, so $7 higher per day over an economy but without the fees the economy would have added ontop of everything. It was for Tampa, btw.

Sorry it's so long, hope it helps someone!🙂

That is SUPER helpful, thank you!

 

[scpod]

Not quite the same thing. It is a screening tool to see who can sit on the Comlex, not just another exam.....

Sorry, Kevon, but like has been mentioned there is no screening tool that prevents you from taking COMLEX. Your grades are the only thing that can do that. If you pass every class, you can take it. No school will allow you to take it if you don't pass all of your classes. My class (2010) only had a 97% first time pass rate.... but that was 2nd in the nation. The four who failed the first time passed it on the 2nd try,easily.

The reason, IMHO, that everyone from Bradenton does so well is that PBL teaches you the basic sciences in a clinical context. COMLEX tests you the basic sciences in a clinical context. Every test is a mixture of subjects which jump back and forth-- just like COMLEX does. In fact, I tend to believe that PBL tests are pretty close to what you'll see on COMLEX-- just harder.

Our students do equally well on the second step, partly because we have to come back to school and take six NBME subject exams during third year. You have to pass them in order to continue, so you spend a lot of time third year studying your buns off. But, it pays off when the boards roll around again. They also make you come back to school at the end of thrid year for a mock step two physical exam. It is run as close as possible to COMLEX PE and you get "graded" on it. They send you a copy in the mail and you can see all of your mistakes and get hints from the "graders". There is no actual score, though, and even if you fail it you are not stopped from scheduling the exam. It's just like the diagnostic tests. They are there to help you.

The final piece of the puzzle, though, is that our students also match very well. They get great residencies in competitive places because they excel in the clinical aspect of medicine. That's the bottom line.

 

[JRod72]

Sorry, Kevon, but like has been mentioned there is no screening tool that prevents you from taking COMLEX. Your grades are the only thing that can do that. If you pass every class, you can take it. No school will allow you to take it if you don't pass all of your classes. My class (2010) only had a 97% first time pass rate.... but that was 2nd in the nation. The four who failed the first time passed it on the 2nd try,easily.

The reason, IMHO, that everyone from Bradenton does so well is that PBL teaches you the basic sciences in a clinical context. COMLEX tests you the basic sciences in a clinical context. Every test is a mixture of subjects which jump back and forth-- just like COMLEX does. In fact, I tend to believe that PBL tests are pretty close to what you'll see on COMLEX-- just harder.

Our students do equally well on the second step, partly because we have to come back to school and take six NBME subject exams during third year. You have to pass them in order to continue, so you spend a lot of time third year studying your buns off. But, it pays off when the boards roll around again. They also make you come back to school at the end of thrid year for a mock step two physical exam. It is run as close as possible to COMLEX PE and you get "graded" on it. They send you a copy in the mail and you can see all of your mistakes and get hints from the "graders". There is no actual score, though, and even if you fail it you are not stopped from scheduling the exam. It's just like the diagnostic tests. They are there to help you.

The final piece of the puzzle, though, is that our students also match very well. They get great residencies in competitive places because they excel in the clinical aspect of medicine. That's the bottom line.

Great info!!!!!

 

[123165]

Sorry, Kevon, but like has been mentioned there is no screening tool that prevents you from taking COMLEX. Your grades are the only thing that can do that. If you pass every class, you can take it. No school will allow you to take it if you don't pass all of your classes. My class (2010) only had a 97% first time pass rate.... but that was 2nd in the nation. The four who failed the first time passed it on the 2nd try,easily.

The reason, IMHO, that everyone from Bradenton does so well is that PBL teaches you the basic sciences in a clinical context. COMLEX tests you the basic sciences in a clinical context. Every test is a mixture of subjects which jump back and forth-- just like COMLEX does. In fact, I tend to believe that PBL tests are pretty close to what you'll see on COMLEX-- just harder.

Our students do equally well on the second step, partly because we have to come back to school and take six NBME subject exams during third year. You have to pass them in order to continue, so you spend a lot of time third year studying your buns off. But, it pays off when the boards roll around again. They also make you come back to school at the end of thrid year for a mock step two physical exam. It is run as close as possible to COMLEX PE and you get "graded" on it. They send you a copy in the mail and you can see all of your mistakes and get hints from the "graders". There is no actual score, though, and even if you fail it you are not stopped from scheduling the exam. It's just like the diagnostic tests. They are there to help you.

The final piece of the puzzle, though, is that our students also match very well. They get great residencies in competitive places because they excel in the clinical aspect of medicine. That's the bottom line.

Thanks for clarifying again, I am still trying to figure out why they heck we were told differently. I am not the only person from my interview date, or others, that got the same reputation. I am not debating PBL at all, I know it works amazingly.

I actually got waitlisted at Bradenton, and am a little irritated that I did. At my interview date, they told us THAT MORNING that there would be no PBL session, which I was really looking forward to. Instead we got a powerpoint on why it works from one of the curriculum directors. At the end of the day, I asked the Dean if I could schedule a day to come back and see a PBL session. He looked really mad, and went on to tell me how big of a deal it would be to set this up, and how no one has ever asked this before. I was thinking to myself, no one has asked because they have never had to. And it is me who will incur the expenses of another freaking plane ticket and hotel to give myself the most information I can about the school.

If I had known beforehand, I would have rescheduled for a day with the PBL session.

I kid you not, he looked pissed. He then said "IF you get an acceptance, we will see what we can do, but it would have to be special arrangements." At that moment, I figured I did not get in. I thought my interview went wonderfully.

My question is, why was he so offended by this? If seeing a PBL session is not that important, why include it in the interview day?

 

[KG216]

That is SUPER helpful, thank you!

You are very welcome! I called and double checked with everyone involved just to be sure I didn't pass along any bad tips 🙂

 

[Sohc sleeper]

So I thought I decided to take the year off and retake the MCAT and apply next year. But I really do not want to do that at all and am having second thoughts. I have a 9,8,4 O (21O) the 4 coming in Verbal! (Shoot me now). It is too late to take it now, plus I am not ready to anyway. The only weakness in my app is that verbal score. Both GPAs are about 3.6, tons of clinical, tons of research, and quite a bit of volunteering. Do you think I should take a chance and apply? Any advice on any schools that I could apply to? Bradenton would be my top choice...

Last year I applied with pretty much the same stats but I had a 22O...and was offered an interview, so yes you should try and apply. My advice would be to get the interview...start studying for the January MCAT. Most likely if you get an interview you will be waitlisted and they will request that you retake your MCAT...if you score well I almost guarantee you will be taken off the waitlist and will be accepted for 2010. Best of luck.

 

[Sophie17]

Last year I applied with pretty much the same stats but I had a 22O...and was offered an interview, so yes you should try and apply. My advice would be to get the interview...start studying for the January MCAT. Most likely if you get an interview you will be waitlisted and they will request that you retake your MCAT...if you score well I almost guarantee you will be taken off the waitlist and will be accepted for 2010. Best of luck.

If you don't mind answering, I'm curious to know if you took the MCAT again? And, if so, what did you get the 2nd time? I think I saw in a previous post, that you were told to score above a 24 on the Jan 08 MCAT... but I may be confusing you with someone else? I'm curious because I have an interview this Friday and the only negative on my application that I can think of is my MCAT. I apologize if I'm being nosy.... I know each situation is unique but it seems liek we have some similarities, at least on a very basic level.

 

[Mochajonz]

Thanks for clarifying again, I am still trying to figure out why they heck we were told differently. I am not the only person from my interview date, or others, that got the same reputation. I am not debating PBL at all, I know it works amazingly.

I actually got waitlisted at Bradenton, and am a little irritated that I did. At my interview date, they told us THAT MORNING that there would be no PBL session, which I was really looking forward to. Instead we got a powerpoint on why it works from one of the curriculum directors. At the end of the day, I asked the Dean if I could schedule a day to come back and see a PBL session. He looked really mad, and went on to tell me how big of a deal it would be to set this up, and how no one has ever asked this before. I was thinking to myself, no one has asked because they have never had to. And it is me who will incur the expenses of another freaking plane ticket and hotel to give myself the most information I can about the school.

If I had known beforehand, I would have rescheduled for a day with the PBL session.

I kid you not, he looked pissed. He then said "IF you get an acceptance, we will see what we can do, but it would have to be special arrangements." At that moment, I figured I did not get in. I thought my interview went wonderfully.

My question is, why was he so offended by this? If seeing a PBL session is not that important, why include it in the interview day?

Kevon, I would not take it too personally. You have every right to want to see a PBL session and I can say I would be just as upset if I were in your shoes. Honestly, it shouldn't have been a big deal for you to come and sit in on a PBL session especially since you are doing all the traveling. I'm not going to make excuse for whatever dean you spoke with, he obviously needs a lesson in communication. If you get in and really want to see a PBL session PM me we'll make it happen.

FYI right now only 2nd years only have PBL on m w f so if you interview on a day that isn't m w f then chances are you will miss seeing a pbl session.

Oh and another tip. Not all, but most 2nd years would prefer if you just hung back during the pbl session (i.e. regardless of your background don't try to contribute) By now groups have a good chemistry going. Having an interviewee or even a facilitator intervene during PBL throws of the chemistry. Also, everything we get tested on comes out of our books, so even if you say something, most people will tune you out because we cannot use you as a resource.

Good luck on your interviews!

 

[Sophie17]

Kevon, I would not take it too personally. You have every right to want to see a PBL session and I can say I would be just as upset if I were in your shoes. Honestly, it shouldn't have been a big deal for you to come and sit in on a PBL session especially since you are doing all the traveling. I'm not going to make excuse for whatever dean you spoke with, he obviously needs a lesson in communication. If you get in and really want to see a PBL session PM me we'll make it happen.

FYI right now only 2nd years only have PBL on m w f so if you interview on a day that isn't m w f then chances are you will miss seeing a pbl session.

Oh and another tip. Not all, but most 2nd years would prefer if you just hung back during the pbl session (i.e. regardless of your background don't try to contribute) By now groups have a good chemistry going. Having an interviewee or even a facilitator intervene during PBL throws of the chemistry. Also, everything we get tested on comes out of our books, so even if you say something, most people will tune you out because we cannot use you as a resource.

Good luck on your interviews!

Thanks for the advice regarding expected behavior in the PBL session. I had a feeling that it is best to not say anything, but I have seen on previous posts that some people on occasion do add their two cents. I'm looking forward to observing a PBL session on Friday.

 

[farnesylatedDO]

I just found out that I am accepted to LECOM-B for class of 2014. First interview for my number one choice. LECOM-B, hear I come !!!!

 

[MSUSpartan642]

i just found out that i am accepted to lecom-b for class of 2014. First interview for my number one choice. Lecom-b, hear i come !!!!

congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[devlyyn]

Nice job! It's a great feeling isnt it?

 

[JRod72]

Thanks for clarifying again, I am still trying to figure out why they heck we were told differently. I am not the only person from my interview date, or others, that got the same reputation. I am not debating PBL at all, I know it works amazingly.

I actually got waitlisted at Bradenton, and am a little irritated that I did. At my interview date, they told us THAT MORNING that there would be no PBL session, which I was really looking forward to. Instead we got a powerpoint on why it works from one of the curriculum directors. At the end of the day, I asked the Dean if I could schedule a day to come back and see a PBL session. He looked really mad, and went on to tell me how big of a deal it would be to set this up, and how no one has ever asked this before. I was thinking to myself, no one has asked because they have never had to. And it is me who will incur the expenses of another freaking plane ticket and hotel to give myself the most information I can about the school.

If I had known beforehand, I would have rescheduled for a day with the PBL session.

I kid you not, he looked pissed. He then said "IF you get an acceptance, we will see what we can do, but it would have to be special arrangements." At that moment, I figured I did not get in. I thought my interview went wonderfully.

My question is, why was he so offended by this? If seeing a PBL session is not that important, why include it in the interview day?

WOW!!!!!!!! I am speechless! Well, I hear that they take about 60% of the class from the waitlist but if you are blacklisted by the dean then you don't stand a chance. Sorry to hear that!!!!

 

[farnesylatedDO]

Nice job! It's a great feeling isnt it?

Oh yes, weight off the sholders, chronic pain stopped. It's like getting OMM treatment 😉.

 

[Exalya]

EDIT: Solved my transportation issues!

 

[digitlnoize]

Wow. I didn't even realize this thread was here. 2nd year (Class of 2012) LECOM-B Student here. Here's my 10 cents on the recent talk:

1. Class of 2011 rocked COMLEX Step 1. They are the 1st class of any school to have a 100% pass rate on COMLEX 1. Congrats to them, and I hope my class can do as well.

2. "Diagnostic Tests". You take one of these at the end of 1st year to see where you stand, and what your weak areas are. You take another 2 or 3 during 2nd year. These are just to gauge your abilities and identify weaknesses.

As long as you have a >75% average, you are allowed to take COMLEX. Poor scores on the Diagnostic Tests just mean you are required to be present at the board review lectures given prior to the test. If you fail 2nd year, you obviously can't take COMLEX...this is true at any school, MD or DO.

Also, as nlax said, you do NOT want to take COMLEX if you aren't ready to pass it. LECOM-B is just particularly good at identifying students who are in danger of failing. And honestly, if you pass 1st and 2nd year PBL tests, there's no way you're failing COMLEX.

3. Seeing PBL in action - Not everyone gets to do this. Appx 20-30% of my class didn't get to see a PBL session either. It's not THAT big a deal to miss it. Have you ever seen House? It's kind of like that, only with WAY more books because we don't have scripts. And, it works. Very detailed descriptions of PBL sessions can be found in previous LECOM-B threads, by myself, nlax, scpod, and others. It just occured to me that it might be possible to videotape a session to show to interviewees who can't see one. I'll run that by the admin and we'll see what they think...

4. Rude/Mean People - Is it possible to get a bad interviewer, or someone who's had a bad day? Sure. I will say that pretty much ALL of our faculty are amazing though. That being said, there are a few who can come off as a little "gruff" until you get to know them. Please don't confuse this gruffness with malice. Alot of Sarasotians are transplants from the Northeast, and I think some of that Bronx-ness can come off the wrong way to people that aren't used to it. Also, certain deans at your school have a great, dry sense of humor, and you may want to be careful not to misinterpret a dry joke or sarcasm as meanness. The comment about it being "so hard to set up another day to see PBL" sounds like sarcasm to me. Your sense of humor was being tested and you failed.

5. Hmm...what else? Any Questions?

Med school is hard, and alot of work, but its worth it.

 

[jkmph]

Alot of Sarasotians are transplants from the Northeast, and I think some of that Bronx-ness can come off the wrong way to people that aren't used to it.

Haha. Are you suggesting that people from the northeast aren't as friendly? You [may] have no idea what 20+ years of long winters and many feet of snow can do to a person. And after all, it isn't always sunny in Philadelphia...