LECOM-Bradenton Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[JaggerPlate]

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EDIT: I also googled 'Siesta Key' because it continually popped up in the thread ... good God, unreal.

 

[KG216]

EDIT: I also googled 'Siesta Key' because it continually popped up in the thread ... good God, unreal.

I was there last Friday for an interview...no pics of the school but I did go to Siesta Key and took pics- I'll see if I can figure out how to post them. Awesome beach.

 

[KG216]

Siesta Key!😀

 

[Emo378]

Interview Invite scheduled for Nov. 20th (Complete 10/23)😀

 

[DO3]

My status changed to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days." I have not interviewed yet. Do they send letters for interview invites or outright rejections?

 

[digitlnoize]

As far as pics...there's not alot to see. If you've seen the outside, that's the best part. The foyer inside is pretty cool, but hard to get a good picture of due to size and angles and so forth. Nothing special though. Now florida sunsets...that's another story. Siesta Key sunsets = unreal.

Here's some pics taken by one of my classmates:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rasband/

They're not all of this area, but it's pretty obvious which ones aren't. And yes...it's that pretty here. Oh, and it's 88 degrees today!

 

[Biology101]

My status changed to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days." I have not interviewed yet. Do they send letters for interview invites or outright rejections?

I dont think so....call the admissions office

 

[Rubisco]

Siesta is really nice. I have a few pictures of the sunset (none with me currently). The first time I went was for skim and surf (friends recommended that spot) during late November but the place just looked dead and shores were filled with seaweed. It was also a rainy day so my first impression of it wasn't so great and the low tides didn't help my skim experience either.

I went the second time this last year with my gf, and it was beautiful and held up for reasons why it's so famous. We went probably a month or two earlier than the first time i went. I notice how some hotels/cottages have varying rates throughout the year. For example, summer would be ridiculous prices and then drop about a third when fall months come along. It all make sense though.

I wonder how long is the drive from LECOM-bra to siesta? Would love to go once in a while to relax from the studying 🙂

 

[digitlnoize]

I wonder how long is the drive from LECOM-bra to siesta? Would love to go once in a while to relax from the studying 🙂

It's less than a half hour from school. It usually takes about 20 min from my house depending on traffic...

We get over there about 1 weekend a month to study. I like to just take a book and sit on the beach and read. Makes for a nice change from the usual routine.

 

[nlax30]

I think I've posted this in a previous LECOM-BR thread.... but just to add to the lure that is Florida winter weather....

Here's a pic from my first year, a bunch of us had a Thanksgiving dinner on the beach before we all went home for break.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Just a random question ... how does Bradenton do grading?? P/F, percent, etc??

 

[digitlnoize]

Just a random question ... how does Bradenton do grading?? P/F, percent, etc??

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
69 and below = F

Practicals are pass/fail. Tests are "curved"...they analyze the test afterwards and throw out really bad questions that everyone missed.

Some of the mini-courses are pass/fail.

Mostly, your whole grade is PBL. It's worth so many credits (I think it's ~40 this semester) that the other classes (OMM, Clinical Exam) don't really matter so much, GPA-wise.

 

[tabishis]

God! I can't wait to finish pre-reqs and get started at LECOM. I wish I could just stop working and take fulltime course load so I could apply in 2010. Not happening. 🙁
I am all pumped up and excited about medical school. Something that I always wanted to do but couldn't do it because of financial reasons and stuff.
LECOM and NOVA will be the only schools I'll be applying to but I'd love to get in LECOM.
Aaaagh! This wait's killing me! I am even going to make a trip to Bradenton this weekend just to see the campus and feel good about it. Lol!

 

[KG216]

For those who have interviewed recently, today we were able to call and get our decisions - has anyone been able to find out? I tried calling Annette, but she didn't pick up so I left a voicemail. So nervous!😀

 

[eybrahh]

I know how you feel KG...I was shaking when I made the call. I don't think you have to ask only Annette...Whoever picks up the phone in the admissions dept. will know of your decision, at least that was the case for me. Good luck!

 

[KG216]

I know how you feel KG...I was shaking when I made the call. I don't think you have to ask only Annette...Whoever picks up the phone in the admissions dept. will know of your decision, at least that was the case for me. Good luck!

So you got your decision from someone else? Hmmm I may just have to call back 🙂

 

[KG216]

Accepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!😀 First interview...fav school! Yay going on a cancelling spree!

 

[JaggerPlate]

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
69 and below = F

Practicals are pass/fail. Tests are "curved"...they analyze the test afterwards and throw out really bad questions that everyone missed.

Some of the mini-courses are pass/fail.

Mostly, your whole grade is PBL. It's worth so many credits (I think it's ~40 this semester) that the other classes (OMM, Clinical Exam) don't really matter so much, GPA-wise.

Do you think it's stressful to worry about a GPA during med school opposed to a P/F system??

 

[Altruist]

Do you think it's stressful to worry about a GPA during med school opposed to a P/F system??

I don't think it's any more or less stressful than pass/fail. The same folks who worry about GPA here would worry about being High Pass or Honors or getting a high class rank in a P/F system.

 

[nlax30]

Yeah, even in P/F people will still be stressing over Honors if they use that or class rank since the school probably still keeps track of something for rank purposes.

The only thing I didn't really enjoy here is the fact that the PBL "course" is worth soo many credit hours itself and thus basically determines your GPA.

 

[digitlnoize]

Do you think it's stressful to worry about a GPA during med school opposed to a P/F system??

I try not to worry about it too much. As far as residency goes, grades in the first two years are less important than boards and clinical grades, so I just try to learn as much as I can, and not worry if I get a B and some superstar gets an A...

That's the trick really...do the best you can. It's all you can do.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I try not to worry about it too much. As far as residency goes, grades in the first two years are less important than boards and clinical grades, so I just try to learn as much as I can, and not worry if I get a B and some superstar gets an A...

That's the trick really...do the best you can. It's all you can do.

It seemed to me like most P/F schools still had percentages show up in Deans letters or class ranks released or something so it really wasn't pass/fail in the end. Can you explain a little bit more how the PBL grade works??? I mean, as far as exams taken for it, does your assigned instructor assign a portion of the grade, etc??

 

[digitlnoize]

It seemed to me like most P/F schools still had percentages show up in Deans letters or class ranks released or something so it really wasn't pass/fail in the end. Can you explain a little bit more how the PBL grade works??? I mean, as far as exams taken for it, does your assigned instructor assign a portion of the grade, etc??

Oh yeah. You pretty much have 3 tests per semester. Those combined count for 80% of your PBL grade. The other 20% comes from the two facilitators you have that semester.

You change PBL groups each semester, but you switch facilitators ("teachers") halfway through the semester. Pretty much all the facilitators give you a pretty high grade, so that part usually helps a good amount.

As far as the tests, they're 150-200 multiple choice questions. They get longer and harder as you go along. Your very 1st PBL test is shorter and they ramp up from there. It's also worth less (10% I think), but the 3 tests combined still add up to 80%, so the other two are worth like, 30 and 40 % each, or something like that.

So, in a given semester it goes like this:

PBL = 40 credits
Clinical Exam = 3 credits
OMM = 5 credits

As you can see, CE and OMM don't really matter. They both have practical portions that don't count for your grade, but you have to pass to pass the course.

Make sense?

 

[nlax30]

It seemed to me like most P/F schools still had percentages show up in Deans letters or class ranks released or something so it really wasn't pass/fail in the end. Can you explain a little bit more how the PBL grade works??? I mean, as far as exams taken for it, does your assigned instructor assign a portion of the grade, etc??

PBL grade is basically determined by the few PBL tests each semester. Yeah, the facilitator fills out an evaluation (basically subjective, like preparedness, contributing to the group, etc...) on each student and gives a grade that supposedly is factored into the pbl grade by some percentage points but it's a minor amount, and unless you just don't try to contribute to the group you'll get a decent eval and won't make or break your grade.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Oh yeah. You pretty much have 3 tests per semester. Those combined count for 80% of your PBL grade. The other 20% comes from the two facilitators you have that semester.

You change PBL groups each semester, but you switch facilitators ("teachers") halfway through the semester. Pretty much all the facilitators give you a pretty high grade, so that part usually helps a good amount.

As far as the tests, they're 150-200 multiple choice questions. They get longer and harder as you go along. Your very 1st PBL test is shorter and they ramp up from there. It's also worth less (10% I think), but the 3 tests combined still add up to 80%, so the other two are worth like, 30 and 40 % each, or something like that.

So, in a given semester it goes like this:

PBL = 40 credits
Clinical Exam = 3 credits
OMM = 5 credits

As you can see, CE and OMM don't really matter. They both have practical portions that don't count for your grade, but you have to pass to pass the course.

Make sense?

Definitely. Sounds fair/interesting.

 

[vol11]

Long time reader, first time poster.

Congratulations to all interviewees and accepted students! I had my interview on 10/16 and found out I was accepted earlier this week (~10/28). I fell in love with the PBL and definitely feel like this is the place for me. Also, I want to thank LECOM-B students for giving out great info in this thread (esp. digitlnoize and devlyyn). Thanks guys.

Anyways, I thought I’d give a little description of the interview process for those upcoming students. I am from Orlando and I made the drive up that morning. After checking in, you get put in a group of ~10 or so students, where you can meet and greet until ~8am. Once it hits 8am, one of the admissions officers makes a brief intro. Shortly thereafter, they will begin picking students for interviews. Interviews are held with two faculty members – personally the two guys that interviewed me were really cool. After the interview, you get to sit in on the 2 hr PBL session. I strongly recommend picking an interview date where you know PBL is going to be taking place (I think on MWF’s for second year students). I was absolutely impressed. The day concludes with lunch, a tour around the building, a short OMT intro, and financial/activities info. All in all, the day ended ~2:45pm. The building was nice, the people were great, the curriculum was awesome, and the location is beautiful. I loved it.

In regards to the interview, mine was closed file (initially my two interviewers told me they had the option for an open file or closed file, and they elected closed file). The interview setting was VERY laid back and was basically a two-way conversation between all three parties. This was my first interview and I felt very nervous going in, but for whatever reason, was completely calm during the interview – so don’t be nervous! Be yourself, you’ve already made it this far. Here are some examples of the questions they asked me in basic order: a) tell us about yourself, b) because of your different backgrounds, how do you know osteopathic medicine is for you?, c) how would your friends describe you?, d) tell us a time you’ve had to study independently, d) what do you do in your spare time to help relieve stress?, e) what would you do if somebody in your group messed up?, f) have you ever been worked on by a DO, g) are your transcripts indicative of your performance? There were a few other questions, but nothing was overly complicated.

As far as myself goes, I thought I’d give a brief description so y’all can gauge where you guys stand. I’m 22, I have a 3.8 GPA, 26N MCAT, clinical research, MD/DO shadowing, and work in the ER. Nothing overly special. GL to all, let me know if there is anything else I can help y’all with.

 

[devlyyn]

just to add to what vol11 said, first years also have PBL on MWF, but I'm not sure if they let interviewees sit in on any of our sessions. We have our second PBL test coming up next thursday and its going to be on 22 chapters for my group. Just for reference, I think the 2nd years first test was on like 60 chapters.

 

[digitlnoize]

just to add to what vol11 said, first years also have PBL on MWF, but I'm not sure if they let interviewees sit in on any of our sessions. We have our second PBL test coming up next thursday and its going to be on 22 chapters for my group. Just for reference, I think the 2nd years first test was on like 60 chapters.

Ooooh. 22 chapters. Big 1st year. 😉

Those of you interviewing next week (Nov 2nd-6th) most likely won't get to sit in on a PBL session, since I don't think there are any groups meeting.

We get the week off before a test to study, although we still have to come on Tuesday for OMM and CE lecture, and on Thursday for OMM lab.

Last year, they did let interviewees sit in on 1st year groups later in the semester when needed, once the 1st years had the process down.

 

[SAEbrodel]

just received a notification from LECOM B today, they decided to not grant me an interview now, but will re-review my application in 60 days. Those of you attending LECOM, have you had this happen to you, or any of your friends, and do they ever get to your file a bit earlier than that, thanks a bunch!

 

[digitlnoize]

Update: There WILL be PBL this coming Friday (11/6). So those of you interviewing then will get to see it in action. I think it'll be first years though, since the 2nd years have a test.

 

[scummie]

just received a notification from LECOM B today, they decided to not grant me an interview now, but will re-review my application in 60 days. Those of you attending LECOM, have you had this happen to you, or any of your friends, and do they ever get to your file a bit earlier than that, thanks a bunch!

Same thing happened to me earlier. I'm trying to decide if I should send them a letter of interest as well. Should I call them and ask them what's up?

 

[digitlnoize]

Same thing happened to me earlier. I'm trying to decide if I should send them a letter of interest as well. Should I call them and ask them what's up?

I'm not sure, but I think this means that they like you enough to not reject you flat out (which is good!), but that they don't like you enough, in comparison to their other applications, to give you an interview right now (which is less good.)

Thus, they're holding on to your app, in case they wind up having room to squeeze you in for an interview later, which may or may not happen.

At least, that's my interpretation...but I don't know much, so you could always call and ask.

 

[Sophie17]

just received a notification from LECOM B today, they decided to not grant me an interview now, but will re-review my application in 60 days. Those of you attending LECOM, have you had this happen to you, or any of your friends, and do they ever get to your file a bit earlier than that, thanks a bunch![/QUOTE

I was told the same thing and then got a call a week later for an interview. The interview date was really soon, so I think that they do hold onto your file and then if an opening becomes available they squeeze in those people that are on hold. FWIW, I did get an interview and now am on the alternate list... so again, they liked me... but not quite enough for a direct admit. Oh well, I'm at least happy to still be in the game, so to speak 🙂

 

[devlyyn]

On the topic of PBL: for those interviewing this friday (nov 6), we just found out today that those of us that usually have PBL from 3-5 this week got it moved up to 10-12. They didn't give a reason, but my guess is so the people interviewing will get to sit in. So, like digitl said, if you do get to sit in on PBL Friday it'll be with first years. We have our test on thursday, so we'll be starting a new case. Should be fun!

 

[Emo378]

I know it's a little far out but any way to know if those interviewing on
Fri 11/20 will have a chance to observe a PBL session?

 

[digitlnoize]

I know it's a little far out but any way to know if those interviewing on
Fri 11/20 will have a chance to observe a PBL session?

Ok. Guys. Here's how it works.

1. If PBL is happening, and you interview on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you get to sit in.

2. The only time PBL doesn't happen is during a test week.

3. We only have 3 tests a semester, so odds are, you will get to sit in.

4. The 2nd of those 3 tests is this week, but the 1st years' test is on Thursday, so they will have PBL on Friday for those who are interviewing then. The 2nd years' test is on Friday, which means that we WILL be having PBL on 11/20, barring an act of God.

5. Not seeing it isn't the end of the world. There have been PLENTY of exhaustive LECOM-B PBL descriptions written on this very forum. I'd say about 25-30% of each incoming class has NOT seen PBL. Relax.

Briefly, it's kinda like House, except that you have no idea what the diseases, lab tests, or symptoms are, and you have to look up every single little thing. So if your patient has a high white blood cell (WBC) count, you need to dig in the books to see what that means, what causes it, and what Histology, Physiology, Pathology, and Immunology have to say about white blood cells, their functions, and their workings. That's your homework. Multiply that by about 20 things per day of PBL and that's what we do. Come back the next day, discuss, and find out more about the patient, which means MORE to look up and learn. Repeat.

 

[DbDan]

Just got the call. I'll be scheduling an interview tomorrow morning since I'm currently at work and they'll likely be closed at 7EST when I get off. First one! Excited/nervous! I can honestly say that I am surprised because of my stats (2.79/2.85, 33N)

Does anyone know the acceptance rate post interview?

 

[digitlnoize]

Just got the call. I'll be scheduling an interview tomorrow morning since I'm currently at work and they'll likely be closed at 7EST when I get off. First one! Excited/nervous! I can honestly say that I am surprised because of my stats (2.79/2.85, 33N)

Does anyone know the acceptance rate post interview?

There's been alot of speculation about that, but I don't think anyone really knows...

Just be yourself, show/tell your excitement for the school, and hope for the best.

I'm not too shocked by your stats. Your GPA is a bit on the low side, but a 33 is a decent MCAT score...that's probably what did it...or you just sounded like a good "fit".

I do think LECOM-B does an exceptional job at picking people who will fit well with the program.

 

[DbDan]

There's been alot of speculation about that, but I don't think anyone really knows...

Just be yourself, show/tell your excitement for the school, and hope for the best.

I'm not too shocked by your stats. Your GPA is a bit on the low side, but a 33 is a decent MCAT score...that's probably what did it...or you just sounded like a good "fit".

I do think LECOM-B does an exceptional job at picking people who will fit well with the program.

👍 I think PBL is perfect for me to learn, despite the fact that it is different so I'm looking forward to the interview. Gotta call early tomorrow and schedule it. We'll see when I wind up going out there. I have been scared about my GPA with all schools, so far I haven't been rejected from any DOs so so far so good but this is the first interview offer

 

[DbDan]

Scheduled today, Interviewing 12/11. Booking flights/cars/hotels tonight. Look forward to my first interview. Anyone else that day as of yet?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Accepted as of today, interviewed 10/30. First acceptance so far 😀

 

[KG216]

Accepted as of today, interviewed 10/30. First acceptance so far 😀

Congrats...maybe we will be classmates this fall if you go there!!😀

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Congrats...maybe we will be classmates this fall if you go there!!😀

Is this where your going for sure? Im waiting to hear back from CCOM. I have an interview coming up at DMUCOM and hope to get one from PCOM/NOVA before making any decisions.

 

[lecombound]

Accepted as of today, interviewed 10/30. First acceptance so far 😀

Congrats!🙂

 

[GraceEuphoria]

I've also received a message of them postponing an interview offer, but mine was not a set number of days. Instead, they said they wanted to see my fall transcripts before deciding. My GPA, particularly my science GPA, is a little low, but my MCAT is on par and maybe even slightly above their average if I remember correctly. Is not being reviewed until January going to hurt me a lot since I don't have a super competitive GPA? I WANT PBL!! 😀

 

[KG216]

Is this where your going for sure? Im waiting to hear back from CCOM. I have an interview coming up at DMUCOM and hope to get one from PCOM/NOVA before making any decisions.

It is between here and PCOM for me...leaning strongly towards here for numerous reasons so far😎. CCOM and Nova are the only osteo schools out of all the ones I have applied to that I haven't heard anything from since being complete. It is funny that you mentioned PCOM, I have a funny story from my interview day.

When I was at PCOM (nice school 👍, great interview👍, but crazzzyy sports fans- I could never go catch a Sabres/Bills game there without being stabbed!👎) our tour guide kept mentioning Bradenton...one of the things he said: "They really teach the boards there, so everyone does extremely well. Here, we don't teach the boards directly, but our students do okay." There were a couple of parents who tagged along for the tour...the looks on their faces after that statement was funny. Maybe he meant it differently than it sounded!

I hope you get your interviews at PCOM/Nova and get to check out all the options for you! Good luck!

 

[Altruist]

I've also received a message of them postponing an interview offer, but mine was not a set number of days. Instead, they said they wanted to see my fall transcripts before deciding. My GPA, particularly my science GPA, is a little low, but my MCAT is on par and maybe even slightly above their average if I remember correctly. Is not being reviewed until January going to hurt me a lot since I don't have a super competitive GPA? I WANT PBL!! 😀

As with everything in rolling admissions, the earlier you get an interview, the better off you are. That said, don't despair. Of my PBL group (of 8), I think I'm the only one who interviewed before winter break last year. Of the classmates I've talked to, it's at least a 50/50 split of before/after new year's for interviews. Good luck in your classes this semester; they may make the difference for you!

When I was at PCOM (nice school 👍, great interview👍, but crazzzyy sports fans- I could never go catch a Sabres/Bills game there without being stabbed!👎) our tour guide kept mentioning Bradenton...one of the things he said: "They really teach the boards there, so everyone does extremely well. Here, we don't teach the boards directly, but our students do okay." There were a couple of parents who tagged along for the tour...the looks on their faces after that statement was funny. Maybe he meant it differently than it sounded!

Stories like this crack me up. Once digitl gets his head out of the books tomorrow after his exam, he might give you his opinion of this, and as a second year he'd know more about board prep (and scpod and other 3rd/4th years more than that) than I. But here's my take: Our 11-week crash-course in anatomy aside, they don't really teach us much about the boards. But, since we don't have lectures, people actually have enough time to read their textbooks, and (depending on the person) go through review books and other sources when necessary. When you learn by reading the same topic in pathology, biochem, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology all at once, your knowledge is both comprehensive and well-integrated. The boards test how well you can connect the basic sciences to one another in a clinical context, so I don't think it's a surprise our students tend to do well on boards!

At other schools, you usually learn each topic separately, you have to integrate everything yourself, and you are rarely/never tested on integration of the basic sciences until you hit the board exams.

Of course, the vast majority of med students pass the boards eventually no matter how they learned... so I sort of understand what the PCOM tour guide was trying to get across... but, yeah, he probably shouldn't be a tour guide. 😀

 

[MSmentor018]

lol.....its true, if given a book and told to memorize it for later, eventually you'll pass....boards is just about spitting up all the stuff you tried to hold in during the MS1-MS2 yr. we don't really get board prepped until the month before boards (at least that was our schedule). I tell everyone to start getting comfortable using first aid USMLE on day 1 so by the time you're prepping for them, you've already seen the concepts over and over already. believe me, they'll come back to haunt you! as for step 2, it's 100% on your own learning

 

[ThrashersDoc]

Accepted as of today, interviewed 10/30. First acceptance so far 😀

MSU, did you call them? I interviewed Monday and they said they were sending out letters tomorrow (Friday). Just curious. Congrats on the acceptance!

 

[digitlnoize]

It is between here and PCOM for me...leaning strongly towards here for numerous reasons so far😎. CCOM and Nova are the only osteo schools out of all the ones I have applied to that I haven't heard anything from since being complete. It is funny that you mentioned PCOM, I have a funny story from my interview day.

When I was at PCOM (nice school 👍, great interview👍, but crazzzyy sports fans- I could never go catch a Sabres/Bills game there without being stabbed!👎) our tour guide kept mentioning Bradenton...one of the things he said: "They really teach the boards there, so everyone does extremely well. Here, we don't teach the boards directly, but our students do okay." There were a couple of parents who tagged along for the tour...the looks on their faces after that statement was funny. Maybe he meant it differently than it sounded!

I hope you get your interviews at PCOM/Nova and get to check out all the options for you! Good luck!

That's funny. I don't know if we "teach to the boards" that much, but all of our tests are multiple choice with board-style questions.

We do have alot of freedom to study what we want though, and our scores do rock, so...yeah.