LECOM - Erie Discussion thread 2008-2009

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PBL is closed in Erie? 🙁 that's the one I want!! When I interview 3/5 and they ask which pathway I want, should I still say PBL?? any advice?

Someone told me it was closed when I went for my interview in January. I put Erie-PBL as my first choice and that is what I was offered in my acceptance. I think it is probably pretty full, but with the rolling admissions process, as students get off the wait list at other schools, they may ultimately decline their acceptance at Erie, thereby opening another slot for PBL. You never know what will happen between now and then. Most importantly, if you really want PBL, you need to be clear and concise about why in your interview. Good luck!
 
I can't believe how stupid those fishermen are. It's their own fault they are in that situation.
 
Just got the matriculation packet. It's an email with an attachment.
 
I am!! Staying at the La Quinta.

Cool. I go to Penn State Erie, so I don't need to travel. Maybe later we can PM each other so we know someone there.
 
I received the matriculation packet this morning by email as well. If I send the forms in, does that bind me to LECOM? The reason I ask is because I am still waiting to hear from two other schools post interview.
 
accepted! 😍

ldp or seton hill.


I assume, since you have the choice to go to Seton Hill also, that you wanted PBL at Erie? I guess the PBL list is still full at Erie?

I'm interviewing there tomorrow and would like to get PBL.
 
I assume, since you have the choice to go to Seton Hill also, that you wanted PBL at Erie? I guess the PBL list is still full at Erie?

I'm interviewing there tomorrow and would like to get PBL.

Right. That's exactly what it said in my letter. PBL erie is full. If I go ldp and a seat in erie pbl opens up, they said I'll be notified in writing. The other option they gave is to forfeit erie altogether and go to setion hill.
 
I received the matriculation packet this morning by email as well. If I send the forms in, does that bind me to LECOM? The reason I ask is because I am still waiting to hear from two other schools post interview.

I just got this e-mailed to me, and I'm curious too
 
I had my interview today and I was extremely happy with how laid back it was. I thought I would be nervous but I wasn't in the slightest. The interviewers really try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Now all I gotta do is wait... exciting
 
I had my interview today and I was extremely happy with how laid back it was. I thought I would be nervous but I wasn't in the slightest. The interviewers really try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Now all I gotta do is wait... exciting
Who interviewed you if I can ask?
 
Who interviewed you if I can ask?

I can PM you that if you would like? I don't know if they scour SDN or not and I would rather remain anonymous to an ADCOM.
 
Does anyone know what the exam schedule is like at LECOM?
Do we get exams every two weeks? every 6 weeks? are there any quizzes in between?
And would you say LECOM has a good system where the professors are encouraging student learning versus trying to fail them
 
Does anyone know what the exam schedule is like at LECOM?
Do we get exams every two weeks? every 6 weeks? are there any quizzes in between?
And would you say LECOM has a good system where the professors are encouraging student learning versus trying to fail them

I'm not a student, so I cannot comment on the professors, but I interviewed there. From the impression I received from the interview I don't see any faculty not encouraging student learning. Exams depend on your pathway. LDP i believe is nearly, if not, every week (monday first year friday second year). ISP is more spread out and i think PBL is even more spread out with 3 tests per semester with quizzes every session. Quizzes do not count toward your grade, but are a way to see how well you have learned the material. hope that helps.
 
oh! and good luck with your interview!!! :luck::luck:


Thanks! It went well... very easy questions because they were all listed on interview feedback. The only thing is that it seemed short. I wish they would have given us more info on Seton Hill. It seems promising but it looked like it was in the middle of a forest?!

Anyway, good luck with getting into PBL!
 
Thanks! It went well... very easy questions because they were all listed on interview feedback. The only thing is that it seemed short. I wish they would have given us more info on Seton Hill. It seems promising but it looked like it was in the middle of a forest?!

Anyway, good luck with getting into PBL!
I couldn't agree more. I really wish they gave us more info on seton hill. The ppt presentation really didn't reveal any new information and I couldn't think of any intelligent questions on the spot....
 
I'm not a student, so I cannot comment on the professors, but I interviewed there. From the impression I received from the interview I don't see any faculty not encouraging student learning. Exams depend on your pathway. LDP i believe is nearly, if not, every week (monday first year friday second year). ISP is more spread out and i think PBL is even more spread out with 3 tests per semester with quizzes every session. Quizzes do not count toward your grade, but are a way to see how well you have learned the material. hope that helps.
I don't really know about LDP but ISP has an exam about every 2 weeks or so. PBL one about every six after Anatomy had been completed
 
Hey guys! I'm canceling my interview for March 5th. If you're looking for an earlier date try emailing or calling admissions b/c the 5th should be open =).
 
I figure I better be prepared for the worst case scenario, because that is what it looks like. This is my current status on the LECOM-Erie portal as of today.

"The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days."

I received an email back on 02/02 saying that my supplemental application and LORs had been processed. However, I have not interviewed and am wondering what different status updates are shown on the portal. From reading the different posts from other applicants in here, it appears there are various updates that can be listed there.

Like I said, I'm assuming a rejection letter is in the mail, but I wanted to confirm with y'all on here. Any ideas?
 
Actually, even people that get accepted get the same notification. Most of the time it doesn't even say you're accepted even after you get the letter. I wouldn't be too worried about it. I got the same notification and I was accepted into LECOM recently.
 
I figure I better be prepared for the worst case scenario, because that is what it looks like. This is my current status on the LECOM-Erie portal as of today.

"The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days."

I received an email back on 02/02 saying that my supplemental application and LORs had been processed. However, I have not interviewed and am wondering what different status updates are shown on the portal. From reading the different posts from other applicants in here, it appears there are various updates that can be listed there.

Like I said, I'm assuming a rejection letter is in the mail, but I wanted to confirm with y'all on here. Any ideas?
I'd probably say that is a rejection letter. Sorry 🙁
 
Hmmm... my status changed to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application..." ...
 
Hey everyone, I interviewed at LECOM a few weeks ago and my portal went from saying from Friday to Monday, "Congratulations you have made the alternate list..." and even received the letter.

"The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days" from Monday to Wednesday and today:

"We received your confirmation to accept a seat on the Alternate list. You will be informed as changes are made to your status. Notification of acceptance may occur up until the first day of class"

anyone else get these type of alterations from their portal? This is the worst feeling ever, I mean I know realistically I'm on the alternate list, but from what I have heard of the second choice, it seems like LECOM will send you the matriculation packet. I liked it better when my portal had the second choice. I'M SO CONFUSED😕
 
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how many people get moved off the wait list, on average?
 
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Hey francheezy, did you get in at Bradenton too? If so, you're on a roll. Nice job!!

I have a few more questions about the postbacc program.

1. The classes run from 2:30-6:00. Is that continuous or are there breaks and are the classes all lecture based? Are there any labs involved?

2. I understand that you are guaranteed an interview provided you achieve a certain level of performance on the MCAT and during the first semester of courses. Have you seen the school particularly receptive to the students who have shown an interest in the school, achieved the requirements noted, and interviewed? Or is interviewing the qualified students seen by some (faculty, staff, and students) as merely a formality? (this question comes from a presentation done by LECOM in the past where I noted that the unplaced students steadily rose over the years noted while the other placement rates fluctuated and in some cases, decreased. You can see this here: http://www.aacom.org/events/annualmtg/past/2007aacom/AACOM07Poster/15-Nassiri-Global.pdf

3. Is an interview required to get accepted to the postbacc program?

4. Does the school offer any type of financial aid other than the stafford loans? Are there work-study programs, grants, or scholarships available?

5. Finally, would you recommend this program to someone who has a biomedical science degree and has a competitive gpa, but not the greatest MCAT score (22O) and may need to brush up on some upper level science courses, since its been about 9 years since graduation? Or would you recommend taking some upper level courses at a local college or university?

I am attracted to the program, but I am hesitant because I don't want drag my family to Erie and invest the time and money into it only to find out that it doesn't get me any closer to my goal than doing something else. I'm 38 years old and I'm not getting any younger. Therefore, I can't afford to waste any time. You've been a big help so far. Thanks again.
 
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Hey francheezy, did you get in at Bradenton too? If so, you're on a roll. Nice job!!

I have a few more questions about the postbacc program.

1. The classes run from 2:30-6:00. Is that continuous or are there breaks and are the classes all lecture based?

2. I understand that you are guaranteed an interview provided you achieve a certain level of performance on the MCAT and during the first semester of courses. Have you seen the school particularly receptive to the students who have shown an interest in the school, achieved the requirements noted, and interviewed? Or is interviewing the qualified students seen by some (faculty, staff, and students) as merely a formality? (this question comes from a presentation done by LECOM in the past where I noted that the unplaced students steadily rose over the years noted while the other placement rates fluctuated and in some cases, decreased. You can see this here: http://www.aacom.org/events/annualmtg/past/2007aacom/AACOM07Poster/15-Nassiri-Global.pdf

3. Is an interview required to get accepted to the postbacc program?

4. Does the school offer any type of financial aid other than the stafford loans? Are there work-study programs, grants, or scholarships available?

5. Finally, would you recommend this program to someone who has a biomedical science degree and has a competitive gpa, but not the greatest MCAT score (22O) and may need to brush up on some upper level science courses, since its been about 9 years since graduation? Or would you recommend taking some upper level courses at a local college or university?

I am attracted to the program, but I am hesitant because I don't want drag my family to Erie and invest the time and money into it only to find out that it doesn't get me any closer to my goal than doing something else. I'm 38 years old and I'm not getting any younger. Therefore, I can't afford to waste any time. You've been a big help so far. Thanks again.

Hey worlddoc,
If you have a biomedical science degree, a competetive gpa, and your mcat is the only thing that's lacking, then it seems this is the area to focus on. With your competetive gpa and non-traditional life experience, all you need now is a higher mcat! Invest all that energy that you would have spent in a post-bac program on the test. Raise that score and things should fall right into place. Have you considered taking a test prep class? I enrolled in princeton review and nearly doubled my score! If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. seriously.
best of luck!
 
Hey francheezy, did you get in at Bradenton too? If so, you're on a roll. Nice job!!

I have a few more questions about the postbacc program.

1. The classes run from 2:30-6:00. Is that continuous or are there breaks and are the classes all lecture based?

2. I understand that you are guaranteed an interview provided you achieve a certain level of performance on the MCAT and during the first semester of courses. Have you seen the school particularly receptive to the students who have shown an interest in the school, achieved the requirements noted, and interviewed? Or is interviewing the qualified students seen by some (faculty, staff, and students) as merely a formality? (this question comes from a presentation done by LECOM in the past where I noted that the unplaced students steadily rose over the years noted while the other placement rates fluctuated and in some cases, decreased. You can see this here: http://www.aacom.org/events/annualmtg/past/2007aacom/AACOM07Poster/15-Nassiri-Global.pdf

3. Is an interview required to get accepted to the postbacc program?

4. Does the school offer any type of financial aid other than the stafford loans? Are there work-study programs, grants, or scholarships available?

5. Finally, would you recommend this program to someone who has a biomedical science degree and has a competitive gpa, but not the greatest MCAT score (22O) and may need to brush up on some upper level science courses, since its been about 9 years since graduation? Or would you recommend taking some upper level courses at a local college or university?

I am attracted to the program, but I am hesitant because I don't want drag my family to Erie and invest the time and money into it only to find out that it doesn't get me any closer to my goal than doing something else. I'm 38 years old and I'm not getting any younger. Therefore, I can't afford to waste any time. You've been a big help so far. Thanks again.

1. The class time ranges from 2:30pm to 6pm. That does not mean every class is until 6pm. Also, every professor offers breaks throughout class, usually 10 minutes breaks once or twice in the class.

2. The program has been very receptive for postbac students trying to get into LECOM. This year it seems that anyone who had atleast a 3.0gpa, with a minimum 22MCAT pretty much got in. Also this year, everyone got interviews regardless of their grades but people that got in had those minimum stats. Then again, this is how it was this year so I can't absolutely guarantee it will be the same next year.

3. Like I said earlier, everyone got interviews this year but I don't know if this was more of a parting gift from our former director or if they were going to continue to offer interviews to every postbac student in the future. You should call them to confirm what they plan on doing next year for interviews. Regardless, one should have a 3.0gpa in the program and a minimum 22MCAT for serious consideration into the med school.

4. You should file the FAFSA immediately upon acceptance into the program. There is the subsidized, unsubsidized stafford loans along with the graduate plus loans. The total amount in loans you are allowed to take out for the program is somewhere around $27,500. LECOM scholarships are also available and you can find out all the information regarding financial aid by following this link and scrolling down to the bottom right of the page: http://www.lecom.edu/pros_financialaid.php

5. I would definitely recommend this program to someone with your statistics because I feel LECOM treats its postbac students very well in regards to admission as long as they possess atleast the minimum credentials. Ofcourse you should try to do your best in the program to increase your chances but I think in the end, if you work hard enough, you should be able to get in. Make sure you check to see if the minimum required MCAT remains a 22 for next year as well. You can always take upper level science classes over again to increase your AACOMAS gpa but only do that if you have time and only up until the program starts, because I believe the program itself is a bigger factor of your acceptance into medical school rather than just taking upper level classes by itself.

Good luck in your decision and let me know if you have any more questions.
 
3. Like I said earlier, everyone got interviews this year but I don't know if this was more of a parting gift from our former director or if they were going to continue to offer interviews to every postbac student in the future. You should call them to confirm what they plan on doing next year for interviews. Regardless, one should have a 3.0gpa in the program and a minimum 22MCAT for serious consideration into the med school.

I think you misunderstood my question. I meant is there an interview to get into the postbac program.

Thanks again. You are making this decision alot easier.
 
I am attracted to the program, but I am hesitant because I don't want drag my family to Erie and invest the time and money into it only to find out that it doesn't get me any closer to my goal than doing something else. I'm 38 years old and I'm not getting any younger. Therefore, I can't afford to waste any time. You've been a big help so far. Thanks again.

Sorry for eavesdropping, if thats even possible, but I noticed that you were concerned about being 38. I just want to let you know that when I interviewed, there was a woman also interviewing that day with 5 kids, a husband, and had been working as a teacher for over 25 years. She was in her 50's but I am almost positive that she will be accepted because of how she was able to interact with her interviewers in a way that we "kids" never could. I guess what I am saying is don't give up and good luck.
 
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I think you misunderstood my question. I meant is there an interview to get into the postbac program.

Thanks again. You are making this decision alot easier.

Oh sorry, as far as I remember, there was no interview to get into the postbac program. It was mostly just an application to the school itself.
 
Hey guys -- congrats on your acceptances. I'm a 2nd year who will be leaving come May for rotations. I have a home that I'm looking to rent. It's a 2 br/1bth 3 blocks from LECOM and pets are fine with plenty of storage in the basement. $750/mth so $375/mth for 2 people. If you'd like more information PM Me.
 
Hey worlddoc,
If you have a biomedical science degree, a competetive gpa, and your mcat is the only thing that's lacking, then it seems this is the area to focus on. With your competetive gpa and non-traditional life experience, all you need now is a higher mcat! Invest all that energy that you would have spent in a post-bac program on the test. Raise that score and things should fall right into place. Have you considered taking a test prep class? I enrolled in princeton review and nearly doubled my score! If I can do it, ANYONE can do it. seriously.
best of luck!

Thanks for the advice sharpy. I am seriously considering retaking the MCAT because I'm not satified with the result. I don't know how I can score in the 30 range during the AAMC practice tests, but do lousy on the real test. But I was also looking for a primer before entering medical school since it's been 9 years since I graduated.

Sorry for eavesdropping, if thats even possible, but I noticed that you were concerned about being 38. I just want to let you know that when I interviewed, there was a woman also interviewing that day with 5 kids, a husband, and had been working as a teacher for over 25 years. She was in her 50's but I am almost positive that she will be accepted because of how she was able to interact with her interviewers in a way that we "kids" never could. I guess what I am saying is don't give up and good luck.

When your providing that type of encouragement mcp5016, eavesdrop whenever you want. :laugh: I'm glad you told me about her. It brings some added assurance that my age won't work against me.

Good luck in your decision and let me know if you have any more questions.

Francheezy, what can I say? You're the best. Thanks for being patient and responding to my questions. If I'm ever in Erie and you're free, lunch is on me.
 
Hey everyone, I interviewed at LECOM a few weeks ago and my portal went from saying from Friday to Monday, "Congratulations you have made the alternate list..." and even received the letter.

"The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days" from Monday to Wednesday and today:

"We received your confirmation to accept a seat on the Alternate list. You will be informed as changes are made to your status. Notification of acceptance may occur up until the first day of class"

anyone else get these type of alterations from their portal? This is the worst feeling ever, I mean I know realistically I'm on the alternate list, but from what I have heard of the second choice, it seems like LECOM will send you the matriculation packet. I liked it better when my portal had the second choice. I'M SO CONFUSED😕


Mine did that too🙁. Does anyone know how the waitlist works? I saw someone said it was a first come first served sort of thing, but I called the admin office and they said they continuously review apps and make decisions.

Does anyone know how this works, and if they give waitlisted people open spots at the end of their interview season??
 
I am currently set up to do PBL at Erie, but I just got into Western (I am from California), so as soon as I get my official letter from them, I will officially give up my seat at Erie... hopefully that will push one of you waitlisters through!
 
Mine did that too🙁. Does anyone know how the waitlist works? I saw someone said it was a first come first served sort of thing, but I called the admin office and they said they continuously review apps and make decisions.

Does anyone know how this works, and if they give waitlisted people open spots at the end of their interview season??

I am an MSIII at LECOM-Erie currently and I had numerous people in my class get pulled off the waiting list... One of my close friends was pulled off the waiting list THE WEEK BEFORE classes started, so never give up hope if this is your only option!! Just call the school every once in a while to check up on things, and have hope! She is a very successful student, so don't think that because your on a waiting list your going to have troubles in school... You'll do great and god luck!
 
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