LECOM - Erie Discussion thread 2008-2009

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I see that LECOM has a 3.4 overall GPA requirement to get a secondary, does that mean if you have something slightly lower that you shouldn't bother applying to LECOM?
 
I see that LECOM has a 3.4 overall GPA requirement to get a secondary, does that mean if you have something slightly lower that you shouldn't bother applying to LECOM?

My overall GPA is 3.2 and I got a secondary.

If you are concerned, check mdapplicants.com and see how many people got interviews or accepted with a sub 3.4 GPA. I saw tons of people with 3.1, 2.9, 3.3, etc. that were Accepted. Hope this helps.
 
My overall GPA is 3.2 and I got a secondary.

If you are concerned, check mdapplicants.com and see how many people got interviews or accepted with a sub 3.4 GPA. I saw tons of people with 3.1, 2.9, 3.3, etc. that were Accepted. Hope this helps.

Weird... because on the DO equivalent of MSAR, under supplemental apps, 3.4 overall is listed as a requirement. That's good to know though that you got a secondary. 🙂
 
Maybe it's just their sneaky way of trying to weed out people with lower GPAs.
 
I see that LECOM has a 3.4 overall GPA requirement to get a secondary, does that mean if you have something slightly lower that you shouldn't bother applying to LECOM?

Where do you see that? I think that the class ave gpa is 3.4, but you only need a 2.75 to apply. I didn't have a 3.4 and I was accepted to both campuses last year.
 
Where do you see that? I think that the class ave gpa is 3.4, but you only need a 2.75 to apply. I didn't have a 3.4 and I was accepted to both campuses last year.

from "Osteopathic Medical College Information Book entering class 2009"

Supplemental Application Requirements
Complete an undergraduate degree from a regionally
accredited college or university. Cumulative
GPA of 3.4; MCAT Medical College Admissions
Test is required. MCAT Scores older than three

It's under requirements so I assumed you can't get a secondary thus no interview if you don't have an overall gpa of 3.4
 
Hey everyone,,,,, I"m just in the process of sending out my letters of rec. and noticed that they require this specific "Student Waiver of Access Form" online... I already filled out such a form when I asked my rec. writers to write the letters ,... thus I am wondering if they strictly want their form to be sent or is it o.k. if I send in the one my university provided... anyone already done that? thanks 🙂

P.S. What is the character limit for the two essays.... Appreciated!!!!
 
Already got an answer....- the online forms are not necessary as long as they get "a" form....

Still wondering about the character count though.... ???
 
Still wondering about the character count though.... ???

Not sure that there is one. I'm going to go ahead and repeat myself by telling you that short and powerful is the way to go. IMO, few secondaries/circumstances will warrant essays that individually exceed a single-spaced page.
 
Hi All,

I was delighted to receive a secondary from LECOM-B today, especially considering my sub-3.0 GPA and poor MCATs. I have stellar and unique volunteer experience. Without boring you all, does LECOM give secondaries to everyone or is this a glimmer of hope?

Thanks
 
I don't think they give secondaries to everyone... I think you have to have a certain GPA... ... I did get an interview from them about three days after my secondary was completed... I'm SOOOOO Excited!!!! Can;t wait to go !!!

Anyone know if their lectures are streamed ?
 
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Secondaries are sent to all applicants.

My recommendation would be to complete your secondary as quickly as possible. Good luck!
 
Hi all! A few questions:

-If you used interfolio to send LORs, how long did it take for the school to update your folder?

-For those of you who recieved interviews, was this before your LORs were received or just after you sent the secondary?

Thanks!!
 
My kid should be verified on AACOMAS fairly soon. She intends to fill out a LECOM secondary ASAP. She'd like to know if there is a box to check on the LECOM secondary to indicate an interest in the new campus at Seton Hill. Thanks.🙂
 
My kid should be verified on AACOMAS fairly soon. She intends to fill out a LECOM secondary ASAP. She'd like to know if there is a box to check on the LECOM secondary to indicate an interest in the new campus at Seton Hill. Thanks.🙂

Hey there! When I interviewed in Erie on 8/18 I asked about Seton Hill. I was told that those who were accepted into Erie will at some point in the future be contacted and asked if they would be interested in attending down there. As of now, admissions recruiters indicated that was their intention--to offer Seton Hill positions first to accepted Erie students, then opening up to AACOMAS as well. I guess we'll find out for sure in the months to come! Hope this helps.🙂
 
I interviewed in Erie on 8/11 and got an acceptance letter yesterday (8/28). The interview process was totally different than posted on last years thread - one on one or one on two style, 30 minutes, closed file, simply ask you about what made you want to be a doctor/DO, what experience you have, and elaborate based on your responses. They seem to be more interested in getting to know you than getting rehearsed responses. Also - I was way more impressed with the school than I thought I'd be. Erie seemed like a great town with enough to do, and the school seems to have a vision for its future - innovative, modern, and good at what they do. I don't think you could go wrong with this school. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Erie and the school.
 
I interviewed in Erie on 8/11 and got an acceptance letter yesterday (8/28). The interview process was totally different than posted on last years thread - one on one or one on two style, 30 minutes, closed file, simply ask you about what made you want to be a doctor/DO, what experience you have, and elaborate based on your responses. They seem to be more interested in getting to know you than getting rehearsed responses. Also - I was way more impressed with the school than I thought I'd be. Erie seemed like a great town with enough to do, and the school seems to have a vision for its future - innovative, modern, and good at what they do. I don't think you could go wrong with this school. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Erie and the school.


Thanks for the input!
 
I just got my acceptance letter and its been about 10 days since my interview (got in on the 28th). What everyone else who has had an interview is right. Its nothing like it was last year. I had 2 15min interviews with 2 different faculty in each (2 men, 2 women). They started with questions like how did you come to being a physician and then asked me questions from my responses. A question I asked them that really started the conversation with them was "What were the reasons you decided on LECOM to be involved with?" The whole interview was pretty great. They were great to me and the rest of the interviewee's and took their time to really get to know us. The town was good. I'm from the Twin Cities so it's a little small and quiet for me but in reality, I'm going to Erie to become a doctor, not be super social. With that in mind I think this is great place to learn to becoem a successful DO physican. They have their own teaching hospital and are building a brand new health facility for the community and students get free membership. Overall, so far its been the best med school I've interviewed at and the only advice I have is be genuine at the interview. Like nova100 said, they are really looking to get to know you at the interview.
 
how much time do they give you before you need to put down the deposit after receiving the acceptance?
 
from "Osteopathic Medical College Information Book entering class 2009"

Supplemental Application Requirements
Complete an undergraduate degree from a regionally
accredited college or university. Cumulative
GPA of 3.4; MCAT Medical College Admissions
Test is required. MCAT Scores older than three

It's under requirements so I assumed you can't get a secondary thus no interview if you don't have an overall gpa of 3.4

That is odd, from the LECOM website you are only required to have a 2.7, so I wouldn't let this discourage you from completing your secondary.

http://www.lecom.edu/pros_degreereq.php
 
Anyone know how LECOM PA is about acepting OOS ? Pleaaaasssee !!! I"m thinking of applying there but would love to know this before I do ... thanks

I'm currently attending LECOM E and I'm from NY. I know many people in the class are from out of state, usually Ohio but some from California, Chicago, Jersey, Idaho, etc. I don't think they give preference to where you are from.
 
Hey,

I'm interviewing on the 25th.

What kinds of questions did they ask you?
Open or closed file?
How many interviewers? What were their positions?
Are they still doing that stoic/expressionless thing?
Did you find out anything about the area of Erie in general?

Thanks! Feel free to message me!

If you interviewed on the 25th and saw a bunch of students like they got hit by a truck, that would have been the MS1's. We had our first anatomy exam and some people did well, some people did poorly but most of us went out downtown and got drunk.

It was funny watching the class stumble in the next morning, you could tell who went out and who didn't.

Also when I interviewed last year (3/10/08) They used to have us sit and eat lunch with the students but I guess they didn't do it again this year. Wish they did it was fun (and scary) talking with current students about what their day was like and how much work we have to do. I personally go to class from 8-4 and then study 6-midnight but then I'm hard core. Others study less and some study more. One day at lunch an anatomy professor asked me if I was looking forward to the weekend and I said "yes, but only because it gives me more time to study."

Don't worry you'll have plenty of time to have fun but also not too much fun.
 
If you have questions about Erie, please ask.
 
If you have questions about Erie, please ask.

Thanks for the info. I'm interviewing the first week of October and cannot wait to see the school. I hope it goes well.

It seems like you're happy with the school so far which is always comforting!
 
Thanks for the info. I'm interviewing the first week of October and cannot wait to see the school. I hope it goes well.

It seems like you're happy with the school so far which is always comforting!
If you come to Erie and want to grab dinner the night before let me know you can pepper me with questions then.
 
If you come to Erie and want to grab dinner the night before let me know you can pepper me with questions then.

Thanks for the offer....I'll pm ya! I think I'll be getting in late the night before but would def. try to meet you on campus the next day. This waiting is killing me but I am pumped to tour and have a shot at getting in.

What hotels are best around there?
 
Hey all,

I am interviewing at LECOM on October 6th. I am really interested in this school and can't wait to check it out.

For those of you who got acceptances - was it emailed or snail mailed? You may have already answered that somewhere, but I didn't see it. 🙂
 
Depends on how you are getting to Erie but most hotels will provide transportation if you don't drive to town yourself just call up and ask. I would suggest getting a hotel close to the school and of the bigger chains. I stayed at Travel lodge because it was cheap but it was about 15min away from the school.
 
Hey all,

I am interviewing at LECOM on October 6th. I am really interested in this school and can't wait to check it out.

For those of you who got acceptances - was it emailed or snail mailed? You may have already answered that somewhere, but I didn't see it. 🙂
Acceptances are mailed, they request their deposit within about two weeks from the date you get the letter. At least it was that way last year.
 
If you interviewed on the 25th and saw a bunch of students like they got hit by a truck, that would have been the MS1's. We had our first anatomy exam and some people did well, some people did poorly but most of us went out downtown and got drunk.

It was funny watching the class stumble in the next morning, you could tell who went out and who didn't.

Also when I interviewed last year (3/10/08) They used to have us sit and eat lunch with the students but I guess they didn't do it again this year. Wish they did it was fun (and scary) talking with current students about what their day was like and how much work we have to do. I personally go to class from 8-4 and then study 6-midnight but then I'm hard core. Others study less and some study more. One day at lunch an anatomy professor asked me if I was looking forward to the weekend and I said "yes, but only because it gives me more time to study."

Don't worry you'll have plenty of time to have fun but also not too much fun.

What some people don't know is that our anatomy class is accelerated this year. Last year the anatomy program ended right before thanksgiving break, and this year we'll be finished mid-october. So I have a feeling that this level of studying was pretty similar between all MS1's. Let me rephrase that - similar between all the MS1's that passed the first exam.

Time is of the essence this year!
 
Will LECOM still accept you if you haven't met their English requirement?? I need 2 more hours. I plan to take an English class in the spring. 😕

Thanks for all the help guys.. I'll be sure to post the questions that LECOM asks during my interview.


Dont worry to much if you don't have your pre-reqs done by the time of your interview. Last year I still had 3 credits of Ochem to complete and got a conditional acceptance where I had until July 1 to complete the credits. Just have a plan on how to complete the credits before you go to the interview.
 
The town was good. I'm from the Twin Cities so it's a little small and quiet for me but in reality, I'm going to Erie to become a doctor, not be super social. With that in mind I think this is great place to learn to becoem a successful DO physican. They have their own teaching hospital and are building a brand new health facility for the community and students get free membership. Overall, so far its been the best med school I've interviewed at and the only advice I have is be genuine at the interview. Like nova100 said, they are really looking to get to know you at the interview.

I know that some people from larger cities have been asked about erie being a small town, but there is actually always something to be found to do here. Erie acutually has a lot of culture and alot of ethnic groups so there are quite a few fairs/festivals when its warm. They also have a fair amount of concerts. There is also hanging out at the lake and quite a few nice parks. If you miss skyscrapers and the city pittsburgh, buffalo and cleveland are all less then two hours away.
 
Do you think its okay if I submitted my committee letter and MD letter via VirtualEvals and mailed in my letter of rec from a DO?
 
So the LECOM secondary wants us to include the name of the DO LOR that we are going to be sending them. Unfortionately I am still working on getting that damn letter. Does this mean I have to completely hold off on the secondary application until I get a doctor to send it?
 
So the LECOM secondary wants us to include the name of the DO LOR that we are going to be sending them. Unfortionately I am still working on getting that damn letter. Does this mean I have to completely hold off on the secondary application until I get a doctor to send it?
I ran into that same problem last week. Luckily for me I found somebody to write me one this weekend and was able to submit it, but until I knew he was in fact writing it I had to hold off on submitting the 2ndary. So I would say yes, you should wait. But thats really only a guess. You could call them I suppose.
 
So the LECOM secondary wants us to include the name of the DO LOR that we are going to be sending them. Unfortionately I am still working on getting that damn letter. Does this mean I have to completely hold off on the secondary application until I get a doctor to send it?

I'd definitely call them. If they're willing to interview without the letter in hand, I'd think they'd allow you to interview without knowing who it was coming from. Call Amy Rowe.
 
One more question about their secondaries. They say that the typed responses should be no more than one page otherwise there will be a massive cluster**** that will transport me into the third stage of hell (or something to that effect...)

Do they mean a page like in a word document, or whatever fits on the screen of the secondary without scrolling?
 
I was placed on academic warning during first semester of college (I transferred after that semester and haven’t had a problem since). Should I put this down when they ask about academic disciplinary action?
I tried contacting LECOM through email and calling but haven’t had any luck getting a response.
 
One more question about their secondaries. They say that the typed responses should be no more than one page otherwise there will be a massive cluster**** that will transport me into the third stage of hell (or something to that effect...)

Do they mean a page like in a word document, or whatever fits on the screen of the secondary without scrolling?

They mean one page. In the email I received it says to limit the essays to 6,000 characters.
 
I was placed on academic warning during first semester of college (I transferred after that semester and haven’t had a problem since). Should I put this down when they ask about academic disciplinary action?
I tried contacting LECOM through email and calling but haven’t had any luck getting a response.

Does that mean you got a warning letter to straighten up or was it more than that? Maybe call your undergrad and see what kind of record there is of this. I'm not saying it shouldn't be included, but you should definitely find out if it's something that needs to be mentioned. If it isn't, I wouldn't.
 
Does that mean you got a warning letter to straighten up

Yeah basically. I was supposed to attend sessions to mange school stuff or something but since I transferred never went.

I know on the AACOMAS website the academic discipline included academic warning so I gave a very brief description. Also I briefly mentioned it in my PS with a positive spin(lol) but like you said I don't want to bring any unneeded attention to it.
 
Yeah basically. I was supposed to attend sessions to mange school stuff or something but since I transferred never went.

I know on the AACOMAS website the academic discipline included academic warning so I gave a very brief description. Also I briefly mentioned it in my PS with a positive spin(lol) but like you said I don't want to bring any unneeded attention to it.

Well I guess if it's already been addressed, there's really no reason not to oblige on the secondary. Just say what you've already said. It doesn't sound like a big deal. 👍
 
Well I guess if it's already been addressed, there's really no reason not to oblige on the secondary. Just say what you've already said. It doesn't sound like a big deal. 👍
Choco bear... you currently go to LECOME?
 
those of you asking about the deposits - i think it changes depending on when in the application cycle you get accepted...

accepted 8/28 and asked to deposit by 9/30, $1500 non-refundable
 
They want us to describe the qualities that will make a sucessful osteopathic physician. Did people talk about osteopathic specifically? So far i've mentioned basically what I've said in other essays, about how I'm good at interacting with people but nothing DO specific. Do I need this?
 
They want us to describe the qualities that will make a sucessful osteopathic physician. Did people talk about osteopathic specifically? So far i've mentioned basically what I've said in other essays, about how I'm good at interacting with people but nothing DO specific. Do I need this?

I don't think you need to pander to any AOA tenets, here. Personal interaction skills are important and a good start. Can you think of any other attributes you have that will make you a good physician (not just a good DO)?
 
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They want us to describe the qualities that will make a sucessful osteopathic physician. Did people talk about osteopathic specifically? So far i've mentioned basically what I've said in other essays, about how I'm good at interacting with people but nothing DO specific. Do I need this?
I would go with why a good physician and how that ties into what your view of a DO is. No need to go into too much depth but show that you have a basic understanding of the whole holistic approach
 
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