LECOM - Erie Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[Slevin]

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He is head of recruitment and serves on the admissions committee. When I interviewed this year he ran the interview day.

That would be why I don't remember him or have never heard of him since that day. Well I hope you get in

 

[jfellings]

That would be why I don't remember him or have never heard of him since that day. Well I hope you get in

Thanks, I got in to PBL at Erie

 

[bleeker10]

When I interviewed last year, I think Dr. Moore said it was his first year at LECOM. He was a very nice guy though and was helpful

 

[scummie]

It's pretty well known that Bradenton is #1 as far as passing the boards is concerned, but I found out that that Erie is #4, so that's pretty good. Does anyone know where we could get the complete list of schools by their pass rates?
We were also told that some guy from last year got close to a perfect score on his COMLEX and was LDP, if that says anything.

 

[bleeker10]

It's pretty well known that Bradenton is #1 as far as passing the boards is concerned, but I found out that that Erie is #4, so that's pretty good. Does anyone know where we could get the complete list of schools by their pass rates?
We were also told that some guy from last year got close to a perfect score on his COMLEX and was LDP, if that says anything.

Since I have been here, I have heard that ISP scores highest on the boards (from an ISP student), PBL scores highest on the boards (from a PBL student), and that LDP doesn't score the highest. It is all conjecture and I haven't seen any stats saying one or the other. I think it's person dependent and that person would score high regardless of pathway. The pathway that scores the highest is the one that allows you to do your best, learn the material well and score high. I know I can score high in ISP and LDP but not in PBL. That's just me though

 

[dudechiefboss]

Sorry if I'm asking a question that has already been asked, but has anyone received an interview from Erie AND Bradenton? Moreover, which interview was offered first? I greatly appreciate any response, thank you.

 

[KG216]

Sorry if I'm asking a question that has already been asked, but has anyone received an interview from Erie AND Bradenton? Moreover, which interview was offered first? I greatly appreciate any response, thank you.

I submitted both applications at the same time...received interviews at both. Bradenton was first, then Erie about a week later I believe. Tons of people I've met at interviews were given interviews at both campuses.

 

[dudechiefboss]

I submitted both applications at the same time...received interviews at both. Bradenton was first, then Erie about a week later I believe. Tons of people I've met at interviews were given interviews at both campuses.

Did Erie call you as well?

 

[ShinyDome19]

WOOHOO...accepted at SETON HILL

 

[dudechiefboss]

WOOHOO...accepted at SETON HILL

Congrats!

 

[PreDOMD2010]

For those of you who have been accepted here, how long was it between the interview and the acceptance notice? Also, is it via email, phone call or snail mail? THanks!

 

[jfellings]

Sorry if I'm asking a question that has already been asked, but has anyone received an interview from Erie AND Bradenton? Moreover, which interview was offered first? I greatly appreciate any response, thank you.

I interviewed at Erie the last week in August and am currently on hold for further review at Bradenton.

 

[Hindiana_Jones]

Got an interview for the 7th of January!

 

[KG216]

Did Erie call you as well?

Bradenton called with an invite before my status had changed on the portal from "application is under review (or whatever it said)...to congrats you've been scheduled for an interview."

Erie, on the other hand, changed my status to "congrats you've been scheduled for an interview" and I didn't hear anything else for about another week until I received an email with a date on it. They both do things differently, at least that is what I have experienced and saw many others on these threads say the same thing.🙂

 

[rotatedline]

Got an interview for the 7th of January!

Sweet deal, so did I!

 

[Hindiana_Jones]

It looks like I will have to take the metra from Chicago... all three cities nearby with a major airport are an hour and a half to two hours away, which i imagine is not a cheap cab ride... Does anyone have any advice? Also, how shady is the metra station in Erie? My train departs Erie at 1:35am, and arrives in Chicago at 9am. Sorry if that is a n00b question about Erie Pa, in Chicago it's worth your time to ask if the train station is shady. I'm thrilled I'm getting an interview! Wait, there is an airport in Erie!

 

[ShinyDome19]

For those of you who have been accepted here, how long was it between the interview and the acceptance notice? Also, is it via email, phone call or snail mail? THanks!

I interviewed on 11/5, the committee apparently met on 11/11 and i got my acceptance letter (via Snail Mail) on 11/16

 

[ShinyDome19]

Anyone know if its possible to put down the $1500 on a credit card? or do they only accept the check/money order etc...

 

[luckyduck33]

.

 

[luckyduck33]

Anyone know if its possible to put down the $1500 on a credit card? or do they only accept the check/money order etc...

It's checks or money orders only. No credit cards. I believe that is what Amy Rowe said.

I interviewed on 11/5, the committee apparently met on 11/11 and i got my acceptance letter (via Snail Mail) on 11/16

I interviewed 11/9 and got the letter snail mail on 11/16.

 

[JRjcu08]

To the people who are just getting interview invites: how long between when you submitted your secondary and when you received an invite/status change about an invite?

 

[fattymangox03]

We only have A, B, C, F. There is no plus/minus here. It goes 100-90 = A, 89-80 = B, 79-70 = C, and below 70 = F. If, for example, you have an 89.5-89.99, you will be rounded up to the next grade automatically. Some exams are curved, like the gross anatomy NBME shelf we took. Otherwise it's not curved but they may drop questions with credit or double key answers. There is no limit on how many A's are available for each test, so it's not competitive at all. Our average for the head/neck gross anatomy exam was 89% so half the class got A's.

Thanks for your reply. It's very important for me to go to a school that doesn't have a cut-throat environment! Med school is going to be hard as it is... and I'd like to have a good group of friends to study with who are willing to help each other get As!

We go to class most days from 8-12, lunch from 12-1 and then go back to class from 1-3 or 4 most days. Some days we go to 5, like I had to do 3 times this week. Today I was done at 10:30 since we only had one class and micro lab. Also one day this week I started at 10 instead of 8. It just varies depending on labs, physio workshops, and physio recitations. With anatomy you can be here from 2:30-5 depending on which lab group you are. Now just because you may be here til 5 doesn't mean you are in class the whole time. You may have a break from noon-4 when you lab group goes. During that time you can do whatever you want, but most of us study. I spend most of my free time at nite studying. I start by 6-6:30 and go to at least 10:30 and sometimes midnite. On weekends I study from ~noon to 8 or 9 at nite. Test weekends I study more and usually go to 11 or midnite. This is just me though. I know plenty of ppl that study 5 days a week only. I try to take a nite off once a week to relax and recharge. I'm trying to keep my options open for residency and want to do the best that I can so I can go for competitive residencies (ortho, plastics, ENT/facial plastics).
Class attendance is enforced somewhat. It is random and someone will come into the back of the lecture hall and take attendance. I'm not sure what they do with it though and we haven't had any problems with ppl skipping. PBL students spend most of their time studying from their textbooks. They don't get note service because they are on different schedules of what they are learning then LDP. Plus they cover a lot more than we do. We have physio, micro, and biochem now. They have physio, biochem, micro, path, internal med, embryo, neuro, immuno, etc. The PBLers I know study anywhere from 10-14 hours a day and then do their scheduled group meetings. ISP students are on a different schedule too. They do one class in about 2 weeks. They are done with biochem and started physio on monday. They are done with physio in a week and a half. Then they do micro/immuno. Sorry I didn't reply to your PM but hope this helps.

What is the note service? Is it available to LDP students?

You mentioned that you study more during test weekends... but I thought that there was an exam every monday?What is the exam schedule like?

Does attendance get factored into your final course grade?

Thanks again Bleeker; I have yet to find a current med student as helpful as you on other DO discussion boards.

 

[fattymangox03]

Sorry if I'm asking a question that has already been asked, but has anyone received an interview from Erie AND Bradenton? Moreover, which interview was offered first? I greatly appreciate any response, thank you.

Yes, I have. I received one from Erie first, but that's because I was complete there first. I ended up declining the interview to Bradenton though, after my acceptance to Erie (location & LDP pref). Hope this helps!

 

[fattymangox03]

Did Erie call you as well?

For those of you who have been accepted here, how long was it between the interview and the acceptance notice? Also, is it via email, phone call or snail mail? THanks!

Erie emailed for interview invite; Bradenton called for interview invite.
Erie called to confirm interview date a few days before interview; Bradenton emailed to confirm interview date.
Erie snail mailed acceptance letter.

It was about 10 days (including weekends) for the letter to arrive at my house after interview day.

 

[dudechiefboss]

To the people who are just getting interview invites: how long between when you submitted your secondary and when you received an invite/status change about an invite?

11/05 they received my application (email confirmation)
11/09 I received an invite

 

[dudechiefboss]

Yes, I have. I received one from Erie first, but that's because I was complete there first. I ended up declining the interview to Bradenton though, after my acceptance to Erie (location & LDP pref). Hope this helps!

Erie emailed for interview invite; Bradenton called for interview invite.
Erie called to confirm interview date a few days before interview; Bradenton emailed to confirm interview date.
Erie snail mailed acceptance letter.

It was about 10 days (including weekends) for the letter to arrive at my house after interview day.

Now I know what to look for, thank you very much.

 

[csmittyB]

Sent my deposit yesterday. I'll be going to LECOM-Erie for med school next year😀.

 

[sandra1]

Congrads on your decision! 🙂🙂 Have you notified Western of your decision to help the rest of us who are still hoping for an interview?

 

[engineeredout]

Thanks for your reply. It's very important for me to go to a school that doesn't have a cut-throat environment! Med school is going to be hard as it is... and I'd like to have a good group of friends to study with who are willing to help each other get As!

Hopefully your class will be as chill as ours

What is the note service? Is it available to LDP students?

Note service is a student run program in which there are volunteers who take notes for the lectures, type them up, and e-mail and provide a paper copy of the notes to you. In addition they will (most of the time) provide paper notes to you in the morning for the days lectures, in case you like to take notes on paper. Its primarily for LDP students but PBL/ISP can opt to use the service during anatomy. Cost is 160/semester, or 80/semester if you just want the notes e-mailed to you and not get the hardcopies.

You mentioned that you study more during test weekends... but I thought that there was an exam every monday?What is the exam schedule like?

It averages out to an exam every monday. Some mondays two, some mondays none. Personally I really don't do THAT much more studying on a weekend with exams vs. a weekend without them. Believe me, you'll be studying enough as it is, exam or not.

Does attendance get factored into your final course grade?

Depends on the class. Some classes like micro they'll deduct a few % for missing class. Some classes like OPP basically quiz you every week. Administration will get pissed at you if they find out you're skipping class and your GPA is below a 3.0.

Thanks again Bleeker; I have yet to find a current med student as helpful as you on other DO discussion boards.

Whats so great about him anyway? Just cause he can spin the ball when he bowls?

 

[bleeker10]

It averages out to an exam every monday. Some mondays two, some mondays none. Personally I really don't do THAT much more studying on a weekend with exams vs. a weekend without them. Believe me, you'll be studying enough as it is, exam or not.

Whats so great about him anyway? Just cause he can spin the ball when he bowls?

The amount of studying I do on test weekends also depends on what test we have. On monday we had our 2nd physio test and I didn't study a lot for it (less than 10 hours from friday to sunday) and I did alright. Next monday we have a micro and biochem test so I plan on studying much much more. But I also want a higher grade in micro and biochem than I do in physio so that's another reason why I'm gonna study more for it.


Engineered, you are just jealous because I can put a hook on the ball. Although I am not as cool as you and have the masculinity to put down my mom's first name as my bowling name.

 

[KG216]

Hey guys- does anyone need a closer interview date (hopefully you are somewhat local). I am planning to cancel my 11/20 (Friday) interview today in case anyone wants to call up right after and grab it.

 

[bagger123]

Hey guys- does anyone need a closer interview date (hopefully you are somewhat local). I am planning to cancel my 11/20 (Friday) interview today in case anyone wants to call up right after and grab it.

That would be great, have you already called?

 

[KG216]

That would be great, have you already called?

Nope actually calling riiiight now

 

[bagger123]

Nope actually calling riiiight now

I actually just called, they said they had already done the schedule for that day, so i wouldn't be able to get in.

 

[KG216]

I actually just called, they said they had already done the schedule for that day, so i wouldn't be able to get in.

I'm sorry 🙁 You must've called just a second after I got on the line with them because then they put me on hold for a minute or so. Did you call Colleen?

 

[bagger123]

I'm sorry 🙁 You must've called just a second after I got on the line with them because then they put me on hold for a minute or so. Did you call Colleen?

Yes I did, do you think if I call back, they would have that spot open. I just dont want to upset people in the admissions dept

 

[Qaraami]

so i was really, really hoping for LECOM this year, but i'm sort of freaked out right now. on the portal, it says that my status for bradenton has changed and i called them and they nicely rejected me, but refered me to the postbac program (that's the nice part). this was monday. TODAY however, i got an email saying bradenton has just processed my application and i should provide the missing letter of recommendation.

does anyone know if the admissions is the same for both schools?

have you all generally gotten the same responses from both schools?

i'd appreciate all thoughts. 🙂

 

[KG216]

Yes I did, do you think if I call back, they would have that spot open. I just dont want to upset people in the admissions dept

Just say that a friend informed you that they just cancelled their spot and you would like to know if there is anyway possible you can take their place. If it is your top pick, I'd tell them that - it can be useful to interview at those places as early as possible so you can turn down other invites.

 

[KG216]

so i was really, really hoping for LECOM this year, but i'm sort of freaked out right now. on the portal, it says that my status for bradenton has changed and i called them and they nicely rejected me, but refered me to the postbac program (that's the nice part). this was monday. TODAY however, i got an email saying bradenton has just processed my application and i should provide the missing letter of recommendation.

does anyone know if the admissions is the same for both schools?

have you all generally gotten the same responses from both schools?

i'd appreciate all thoughts. 🙂

Bradenton called with an invite before my status had changed on the portal from "application is under review (or whatever it said)...to congrats you've been scheduled for an interview." About 4/5 days after the interview call, I got the email saying "Bradenton has processed your secondary..."

Erie, on the other hand, changed my status to "congrats you've been scheduled for an interview" and I didn't hear anything else for about another week until I received an email with a date on it. They both do things differently ( got emails/calls and notifications differently), at least that is what I have experienced and saw many others on these threads say the same thing.🙂

Chances are, their system is not as up to speed as their decision was. They probably told you before the email system caught up. If you are concerned, I would give them a call back. You should've posted this on Bradenton's discussion page too incase someone there has had the same experience.

Any news from Erie for you?

 

[fattymangox03]

lol thanks, engineeredout.

 

[JRod72]

To current students using student loans. I know that housing is covered using part of the loan. How easy is it to find housing and does it greatly impact your budget? Any suggestions on housing. I would prefer to live alone. Is this financially possible or will I need to consider a roommate? What areas are most students living in?

And how easy is it to get around in the winter? On the worst website on the entire web.... Wikipedia, it said that the average snow fall is 88 inches but in 2008-2009 it was 145 inches!!! Is it better to live across the street from the school?

 

[jfellings]

To current students using student loans. I know that housing is covered using part of the loan. How easy is it to find housing and does it greatly impact your budget? Any suggestions on housing. I would prefer to live alone. Is this financially possible or will I need to consider a roommate? What areas are most students living in?

And how easy is it to get around in the winter? On the worst website on the entire web.... Wikipedia, it said that the average snow fall is 88 inches but in 2008-2009 it was 145 inches!!! Is it better to live across the street from the school?

I am also pretty interested in this info. I will be moving with a wife and a baby under 1 yr so we are looking to either buy or rent a home. Any housing info would be great.

 

[fattymangox03]

To current students using student loans. I know that housing is covered using part of the loan. How easy is it to find housing and does it greatly impact your budget? Any suggestions on housing. I would prefer to live alone. Is this financially possible or will I need to consider a roommate? What areas are most students living in?

And how easy is it to get around in the winter? On the worst website on the entire web.... Wikipedia, it said that the average snow fall is 88 inches but in 2008-2009 it was 145 inches!!! Is it better to live across the street from the school?

I've also heard that a garage/carport is essential. But from the apartment guide book they handed out during interview, not many apartment complexes offer closed parking! Scraping snow in dress clothes at 8am does not sound too appealing.. Any advice on popular apartments at LECOM? So far, I've heard Landmark Square, Lakeview, Shadow Pine, and Village on Pacific as being pretty popular with students from past discussion boards.

 

[bleeker10]

A lot of students live in Laurel Ridge/Springs across the street from LECOM. They don't have garages but they are a Pastore property. I know people that live just up W. Grandview in Scenery Hills and they are a two bedroom townhouse for around $700-750 and they are really nice and have a garage. Landmark Square is about 10-15 minutes away downtown when there is no snow on the ground but I heard that could triple when it starts to snow. They don't have garages either and I heard the snow removal there is awful. They aren't very big either. I live in a 3 BR house about 5-7 minutes away and we pay $895 but don't have a garage. I found my house on the Erie Times website (local newspaper). We tried craiglist for a couple months but some of the places were really expensive or really sketch. Try Palermo Bros. and Maleno Real Estate. Also Howard Hanna is a good sized real estate company in town and that's who my house rental is through. Good luck

 

[JRod72]

A lot of students live in Laurel Ridge/Springs across the street from LECOM. They don't have garages but they are a Pastore property. I know people that live just up W. Grandview in Scenery Hills and they are a two bedroom townhouse for around $700-750 and they are really nice and have a garage. Landmark Square is about 10-15 minutes away downtown when there is no snow on the ground but I heard that could triple when it starts to snow. They don't have garages either and I heard the snow removal there is awful. They aren't very big either. I live in a 3 BR house about 5-7 minutes away and we pay $895 but don't have a garage. I found my house on the Erie Times website (local newspaper). We tried craiglist for a couple months but some of the places were really expensive or really sketch. Try Palermo Bros. and Maleno Real Estate. Also Howard Hanna is a good sized real estate company in town and that's who my house rental is through. Good luck

Are there many students who live alone or is it too expensive to afford it on just student loans. Thank you for the information about housing!!!!

 

[csmittyB]

A lot of students live in Laurel Ridge/Springs across the street from LECOM. They don't have garages but they are a Pastore property. I know people that live just up W. Grandview in Scenery Hills and they are a two bedroom townhouse for around $700-750 and they are really nice and have a garage. Landmark Square is about 10-15 minutes away downtown when there is no snow on the ground but I heard that could triple when it starts to snow. They don't have garages either and I heard the snow removal there is awful. They aren't very big either. I live in a 3 BR house about 5-7 minutes away and we pay $895 but don't have a garage. I found my house on the Erie Times website (local newspaper). We tried craiglist for a couple months but some of the places were really expensive or really sketch. Try Palermo Bros. and Maleno Real Estate. Also Howard Hanna is a good sized real estate company in town and that's who my house rental is through. Good luck

Wow, those are great prices. $895 for a 3 bedroom house. Thats about what it would cost for a 1 BR apartment in my town.

 

[bleeker10]

Yea housing is pretty cheap here. I forgot to mention that if you are looking for a 3 BR townhouse for a decent price then you are pretty much out of luck. The 3 BR townhouses here are close to $1200 and they are few and far between. Where I came from, I lived in a neighborhood of 3 BR townhouses and there were a ton to choose from. We paid around $900 and we got a garage. This is why I had to look for a 3 BR house. It's not a big house but I am hardly there so I don't mind.

 

[LeonPheltz]

So I have an interview coming up in December. I have already been accepted to a school I really liked and have more interviews at other schools that interest me as well. I am looking for some advice from people who have interviewed or go or are going to LECOM Erie. I have heard mixed reviews about the way they teach, all the different methods they use, and mixed reviews about the school itself and the area. Would anyone care to comment. I would like to hear from people who have bee n through it and have opinions.

Thanks

 

[fattymangox03]

So I have an interview coming up in December. I have already been accepted to a school I really liked and have more interviews at other schools that interest me as well. I am looking for some advice from people who have interviewed or go or are going to LECOM Erie. I have heard mixed reviews about the way they teach, all the different methods they use, and mixed reviews about the school itself and the area. Would anyone care to comment. I would like to hear from people who have bee n through it and have opinions.

Thanks

I, too, have read some confusing, somewhat biased (?), both positive and negative comments about LECOM-E on SDN before I went to interview (I interviewed late September, was accepted, and sent in deposit already). Before I went to the interview, I wasn't sure if LECOM was for me at all.

But after going to the interview, I realized that LECOM was definitely not as "bad" as some people bash on some of these discussion threads. Yes, there are rules to be followed. But they don't bother me enough to make me turn down a good medical education. Some may disagree. It really depends on you.

As for the different pathways, there are a ton of material from this board, the 2008-2009 discussion board, interview feedback, class of 2013 and/or 2014 threads. You just really gotta look for it if you are interested. For me, I originally ranked and was placed into PBL in Erie, but have switched into LDP since. It depends on your personality, life style, study habits etc. For example, I learn better with lecture, reading the textbook, exams every week to keep me on my toes.

I don't think there is one pathway that is the BEST. It's what is best FOR YOU. Each pathway boasts about having high board scores (except LDP, but keep in mind that LDP has the largest number of students, which may skew the data). Do some research on it. If you're still confused, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions at the interview. I highly recommend staying for the optional 1hr presentation session on PBL.

Unless you are 110% sure about the other school you've been accepted to, or have a financial issue that really limits your ability to take additional interviews, I would go and check it out yourself. I expected it to be a terrible school after what I've read on these boards, but after the interview, it's one of my top choices (some students REALLY REALLY put heavy emphasis on having colored walls and couches throughout the school as an important factor for choosing medical school...)

I can't comment too much on the curriculum or the faculty yet, but I've gotten the feeling that it's a cooperative learning environment, the board scores are high, residency match is nice (although some argue this doesn't mean anything anyway), etc. Overall, I think if you're looking for a solid medical education for a decent price (one of cheapest med schools), LECOM is it.

As for the area, I think it's just okay. I mean, it's not a city but it's not in the middle of nowhere as some people would say. On Peach St, they have pretty much any restaurant I could ever want to eat at. It's not a tiny, farm-y, one-stoplight town as some people make it sound. It looked relatively safe. And the living cost is CHEAP. I'm used to paying $2000 for a 3 bedroom apartment with no amenities AT ALL (wait, does a broken dishwasher count?).

I may have gone off on a tangent here. Sorry for the long post. Hope this helped somewhat! Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[JRod72]

So I have an interview coming up in December. I have already been accepted to a school I really liked and have more interviews at other schools that interest me as well. I am looking for some advice from people who have interviewed or go or are going to LECOM Erie. I have heard mixed reviews about the way they teach, all the different methods they use, and mixed reviews about the school itself and the area. Would anyone care to comment. I would like to hear from people who have bee n through it and have opinions.

Thanks

I am applying to medical school this year and have interviewed and have been accepted to LECOM-Erie. I have researched each college that I was interested in and made a determination depending on what qualities I felt were most important to me. Some of those qualities were the curriculum, high COMLEX scores, exposure to clinical experience, and ability to get choice residency positions. Some of my friend who are also applying this year have a far less academic approach to finding their choice medical school. Some are using the apply to everything approach while others are applying to vacation spots or close to family. It really depends on your outlook in life.

I consider the different teaching styles to be Innovative. I love the way that you can choose the learning style that best suites your interest and personality.... I will lend a bit of my rational. When you attended school from first grade to the last day of your senior year in college, you were taught in one style. The teacher teaches. You listened, took notes and memorized facts. But there is a problem when you become a physician....A patient does not give you a list of all the biology problems he/she has. Then a separate list for microbiology, then pathology, then anatomy.... A patient presents a spectrum of symptoms that cross, combine and connect all disciplines. The problem is that you have been programed to be spoon feed and not to problem solve. I picked LECOM-Erie because they teach problem solving!!!!!!