LECOM Erie Discussion Thread 2011-2012

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Accepted to LDP yesterday from 9/9 interview! I'm not positive I don't want to switch to PBL. Anyone else struggling with the decision?
 
katiewil said:
Accepted to LDP yesterday from 9/9 interview! I'm not positive I don't want to switch to PBL. Anyone else struggling with the decision?
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I had the opposite problem lol.. I was accepted PBL but wanted to switch to LDP.. I talked to someone in admissions and was told that it's as easy as leaving a little note in my envelope of acceptance of the admissions offer saying that I want to be in LDP instead.. I'm not sure if it's the same policy for LDP to PBL though since PBL has fewer spots?
 
DirectorP32C said:
I had the opposite problem lol.. I was accepted PBL but wanted to switch to LDP.. I talked to someone in admissions and was told that it's as easy as leaving a little note in my envelope of acceptance of the admissions offer saying that I want to be in LDP instead.. I'm not sure if it's the same policy for LDP to PBL though since PBL has fewer spots?
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I was told it's actually harder to switch to PBL than to LDP.
 
I am somewhat interested in attending the On Campus day this November, but the main drawback is the distance of Erie from where I live.

I hope to find some way to work it out.
 
katiewil said:
Accepted to LDP yesterday from 9/9 interview! I'm not positive I don't want to switch to PBL. Anyone else struggling with the decision?
Click to expand...

I have the same issue. I was accepted to LDP, but am currently reconsidering as i did more research on PBL. My main concern for PBL is that i am not sure how i would know if i am studying enough daily, or studying the right materials. so far i am guessing i would have to gauge my studying time on how i do on the first exam, which is risky since we only have two exams for the first semester. Also does anyone know how the student environment is like in SH. For example is it a largely commuter school? and do we interact or share facilities with other students from Seton hill university.
 
I am scheduled for an interview on 11/4 at the Erie campus. I haven't gotten any information on how the interview will be conducted that day...such as time, nearby hotels, etc. Does LECOM not send out any information? I'm just trying to prepare since I will be coming from Texas.
 
hbphan said:
I am scheduled for an interview on 11/4 at the Erie campus. I haven't gotten any information on how the interview will be conducted that day...such as time, nearby hotels, etc. Does LECOM not send out any information? I'm just trying to prepare since I will be coming from Texas.
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They will send you an email confirming the date and time of your interview. As far as hotels...I stayed at the Super 8 which was both cheap and nice (relatively). Our interview started at 8am so I imagine yours will too.
 
I am thinking of adding LECOM-Erie campus to my verified AACOMAS. Should I apply to this school with sGPA:3.95, cGPA: 3.93 with MCAT 26Q (V6 P10 B10)? Also, this school ONLY requires DO letter. I only have MD letter. Should I apply still or is it too late?? Let me know your opinions.
 
wrsti said:
I have the same issue. I was accepted to LDP, but am currently reconsidering as i did more research on PBL. My main concern for PBL is that i am not sure how i would know if i am studying enough daily, or studying the right materials. so far i am guessing i would have to gauge my studying time on how i do on the first exam, which is risky since we only have two exams for the first semester. Also does anyone know how the student environment is like in SH. For example is it a largely commuter school? and do we interact or share facilities with other students from Seton hill university.
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Hi, OMS-1 at LECOM SH here.

wrsti, in PBL your group (with facilitator input) will come up with daily and final learning issues so you will know what you should be reading. You will know what chapters you are responsible for on the exam. But, yes, there are only two exams in PBL the first semester. If you aren't self motivated, good at independent learning, and good at small group discussion I would not recommend the PBL track.

We have access to all Seton Hill University facilities the same as the Seton Hill students - library, cafeteria, gym, etc. There isn't really a lot of interaction with SHU students and in some respects the LECOM part of the campus feels very separate. As far as it being a "commuter" school, just like at Erie there isn't any on campus housing for med students. The vast majority of students have apts within a few minutes of campus.
 
Sooooo 9/23 interview was fun. Had more fun trying to get onto the damn airplane with no ID. Hope all the 9/23er's did well. Can't wait for the letter 2 weeks from now.
 
Helen Wheels said:
Hi, OMS-1 at LECOM SH here.

wrsti, in PBL your group (with facilitator input) will come up with daily and final learning issues so you will know what you should be reading. You will know what chapters you are responsible for on the exam. But, yes, there are only two exams in PBL the first semester. If you aren't self motivated, good at independent learning, and good at small group discussion I would not recommend the PBL track.

We have access to all Seton Hill University facilities the same as the Seton Hill students - library, cafeteria, gym, etc. There isn't really a lot of interaction with SHU students and in some respects the LECOM part of the campus feels very separate. As far as it being a "commuter" school, just like at Erie there isn't any on campus housing for med students. The vast majority of students have apts within a few minutes of campus.
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Thank you for answering our question about PBL. I have been accepted to PBL at SH and have a couple of more questions:

1. If your group is lagging behind other groups in terms of learning objectives, etc., how is this handled?
2. I've always been an independent learner because I often could achieve more without going to all those classes or group discussions. However, I like the idea of group discussion because I need to improve my communication skills in this kind of environment. Would PBL be suitable for me?

TIA.
 
LUCPM said:
Thank you for answering our question about PBL. I have been accepted to PBL at SH and have a couple of more questions:

1. If your group is lagging behind other groups in terms of learning objectives, etc., how is this handled?
2. I've always been an independent learner because I often could achieve more without going to all those classes or group discussions. However, I like the idea of group discussion because I need to improve my communication skills in this kind of environment. Would PBL be suitable for me?

TIA.
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First of all, congrats on your acceptance LUCPM! :highfive:

1) Since I am only two months in, this hasn't happened to my group yet. The faculty facilitator should keep things on track and the discussion moving along so that this doesn't happen. I am not sure how common this is... sorry I can't be more helpful about this. I suspect that they would have your PBL discussion time run over and your group would probably be read the riot act! :laugh: But for each exam you are expected to have gotten through a specific number of cases and pages of reading, though the exact readings you do are different for each group. They track the chapters your group picks and each group has a different exam based on that group's choices.

2) I can tell you why I like PBL. I hate lectures with 100 people in the hall - it is impersonal and I zone out. I love the small group discussion - it is interactive and engaging and keeps my focus. Also, as a nontrad, I find I have some unique things to contribute to the group from my work background. I think if you didn't like small group work or if you were very shy PBL could be torture. Keep in mind that 15% of your PBL grade is the faculty facilitator's evaluation of your participation in PBL discussions.
 
Helen Wheels said:
Hi, OMS-1 at LECOM SH here.

wrsti, in PBL your group (with facilitator input) will come up with daily and final learning issues so you will know what you should be reading. You will know what chapters you are responsible for on the exam. But, yes, there are only two exams in PBL the first semester. If you aren't self motivated, good at independent learning, and good at small group discussion I would not recommend the PBL track.

We have access to all Seton Hill University facilities the same as the Seton Hill students - library, cafeteria, gym, etc. There isn't really a lot of interaction with SHU students and in some respects the LECOM part of the campus feels very separate. As far as it being a "commuter" school, just like at Erie there isn't any on campus housing for med students. The vast majority of students have apts within a few minutes of campus.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. What is a typical PBL day like for you and your group? Do you go over a case everyday? How long do you spend in group vs. studying on your own?
 
AntsMarching44 said:
Thanks for the info. What is a typical PBL day like for you and your group? Do you go over a case everyday? How long do you spend in group vs. studying on your own?
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I am thinking of adding LECOM-Erie campus to my verified AACOMAS. Should I apply to this school with sGPA:3.95, cGPA: 3.93 with MCAT 26Q (V6 P10 B10)? Also, this school ONLY requires DO letter. I only have MD letter. Should I apply still or is it too late??
 
WaterDragon said:
I am thinking of adding LECOM-Erie campus to my verified AACOMAS. Should I apply to this school with sGPA:3.95, cGPA: 3.93 with MCAT 26Q (V6 P10 B10)? Also, this school ONLY requires DO letter. I only have MD letter. Should I apply still or is it too late??
Click to expand...


You obviously have a great GPA and I wouldn't worry about your MCAT score - I got an interview with the same score. However, a requirement is a requirement. They might not read your secondary at all if you don't meet the preliminary requirements so I don't know if I'd put in the effort... as for being "too late", this school actually seems to be deciding things pretty early. If you read this thread, a lot of people have already been accepted (meaning they had their interviews in August!) So I wouldn't apply to this one if I was in your shoes, BUT there are plenty of DO schools that are deciding things later if you want to check those out (just read the other forums and see the ones where people haven't even been offered interviews yet).
 
Tatyana said:
You obviously have a great GPA and I wouldn't worry about your MCAT score - I got an interview with the same score. However, a requirement is a requirement. They might not read your secondary at all if you don't meet the preliminary requirements so I don't know if I'd put in the effort... as for being "too late", this school actually seems to be deciding things pretty early. If you read this thread, a lot of people have already been accepted (meaning they had their interviews in August!) So I wouldn't apply to this one if I was in your shoes, BUT there are plenty of DO schools that are deciding things later if you want to check those out (just read the other forums and see the ones where people haven't even been offered interviews yet).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. May I ask you if you can recommend any other DO schools you think it was the best fit for you? I was thinking of adding NSU-COM and LECOM-Erie and like you said, a lot of ppl have already got acceptances...So, I was looking for other ones on the side note. I applied to ATSU-KCOM, ATSU-SOMA, AZCOM, WCU-COM and TUNCOM as of now.
 
I got accepted into the PBL pathway at Erie. Is it possible that I can change to the Seton Hill location?
 
Is it bad if you sent your LOR to them even though they aren't required without an interview? A friend of mine who graduated from LECOM told me just to send them, so I did but now I'm nervous that was a bad move since I haven't been offered an interview invite yet?
 
I just checked my online status, and it says "Your application is under review." When I checked the folders tab, it lists everything, including MCAT scores, as complete. So I'm just wondering, will they review my app again once my new MCAT scores are released in early October? Or will they just automatically reject based on my current score...?

Also, for those interviewed, did your status ever say that before changing again to invite?

Thanks in advance!
 
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stewartritt said:
Is it bad if you sent your LOR to them even though they aren't required without an interview? A friend of mine who graduated from LECOM told me just to send them, so I did but now I'm nervous that was a bad move since I haven't been offered an interview invite yet?
Click to expand...

My school automatically uploaded all of my LORs at the beginning of my application cycle and it did not affect my interview invite from LECOM (application was processed with LORs 09/20 and interview invite was received 09/23). Hope this helps reassure you!
 
135780 said:
my school automatically uploaded all of my lors at the beginning of my application cycle and it did not affect my interview invite from lecom (application was processed with lors 09/20 and interview invite was received 09/23). Hope this helps reassure you!
Click to expand...

+1
 
papercrown said:
I just checked my online status, and it says "Your application is under review." When I checked the folders tab, it lists everything, including MCAT scores, as complete. So I'm just wondering, will they review my app again once my new MCAT scores are released in early October? Or will they just automatically reject based on my current score...?

Also, for those interviewed, did your status ever say that before changing again to invite?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Yes, my status changed to "under review" before changing to invite. I would think they will review your application again after your new MCAT score comes out, as long as they are aware that you were planning on taking a new MCAT.
 
AntsMarching44 said:
Thanks for the info. What is a typical PBL day like for you and your group? Do you go over a case everyday? How long do you spend in group vs. studying on your own?
Click to expand...

I'll chime in here about PBL at Seton Hill. I am an OMSII.

At the very beginning, as in right now for the OMSI's, during PBL Lite, it will take 5ish sessions to complete a case.... I know it sounds awful, but most of the facilitators will make you look up nearly every test and explain what it means and what it would mean if the result was different.... You also go slower because you are getting used to how it goes...People aren't sure what to write for the SOAP note and which things belong in which category and so on... But every semester you will complete cases faster. We do a case a day, maybe take 2 days for a long case... And the time it takes depends on your facilitator... Some ask more questions than others.

To answer your question about studying in a group v. studying on your own, I would say this... Right now we are doing 7 cases per exam with 100 pages minimum as final learning issues for each case, and most groups are completing them with 2-3 weeks remaining before the exam. I would venture to say that many people take the 3-3.5 weeks where we are still doing cases and spend most of that time getting their first read through of the FLIs done. At about 2 weeks out from an exam, a lot of people start studying in groups more and going over questions, etc. I am sure there are people who deviate from this, but this is what I do and what I observe for many people in my class.

Someone asked previously about knowing if they were reading the right stuff or doing the right thing in terms of only having 2 exams the first semester... I will say for our class, the first exam was significantly easier (in my opinion) than any of the other exams we have had... It contained many more first order questions and more point and shoot questions than I have seen on any of the other exams. And as I recall, the first test was only 40% of your PBL grade for the semester, the second was 60%... And you also have to remember part of each of those is your facilitator eval... which unless you are terrible at interacting in a group or you get a ridiculously high test grade, will help your grade.

Hope that helps.
 
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WhitJord85 said:
I'll chime in here about PBL at Seton Hill. I am an OMSII.

At the very beginning, as in right now for the OMSI's, during PBL Lite, it will take 5ish sessions to complete a case.... I know it sounds awful, but most of the facilitators will make you look up nearly every test and explain what it means and what it would mean if the result was different.... You also go slower because you are getting used to how it goes...People aren't sure what to write for the SOAP note and which things belong in which category and so on... But every semester you will complete cases faster. We do a case a day, maybe take 2 days for a long case... And the time it takes depends on your facilitator... Some ask more questions than others.

To answer your question about studying in a group v. studying on your own, I would say this... Right now we are doing 7 cases per exam with 100 pages minimum as final learning issues for each case, and most groups are completing them with 2-3 weeks remaining before the exam. I would venture to say that many people take the 3-3.5 weeks where we are still doing cases and spend most of that time getting their first read through of the FLIs done. At about 2 weeks out from an exam, a lot of people start studying in groups more and going over questions, etc. I am sure there are people who deviate from this, but this is what I do and what I observe for many people in my class.

Someone asked previously about knowing if they were reading the right stuff or doing the right thing in terms of only having 2 exams the first semester... I will say for our class, the first exam was significantly easier (in my opinion) than any of the other exams we have had... It contained many more first order questions and more point and shoot questions than I have seen on any of the other exams. And as I recall, the first test was only 40% of your PBL grade for the semester, the second was 60%... And you also have to remember part of each of those is your facilitator eval... which unless you are terrible at interacting in a group or you get a ridiculously high test grade, will help your grade.

Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. In your opinion, how do you compare PBL to LDP? If you could start over would you have chosen a different pathway?
 
So now I'm accepted and my deposits in. Now what? When do I do all my financial aide stuff? Am I gonna start getting some stuff in the mail?
 
Dr Yiot said:
So now I'm accepted and my deposits in. Now what? When do I do all my financial aide stuff? Am I gonna start getting some stuff in the mail?
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Hey! Congrats! I'm an OMSI and we didn't start getting stuff until mid-January last year...so don't freak out if you don't get anything for a while. I got accepted last year in July and didn't really receive any communication until mid-January when they send out a matriculation packet. Your portal status will change to reflect that they have received your deposit though.
 
Hey I'm interviewing on November 18, if anyone wants to split cost of hotel room private message me. I'm a male student by the way.
 
Hey I am new to SDN. Wish I would have found this earlier (although I think I would have been spending way too much time on the net lol). Anyways, I am a 9/23. Interview at LECOM was my first of 7 scheduled interviews. Honestly, it was great! I hope I get accepted because it seemed like a really good school. Dr. Moore was more than welcoming!
Good luck to everyone out there and don't stress about the interview. It is really easy going and refreshing.
 
logankenley said:
Hey I am new to SDN. Wish I would have found this earlier (although I think I would have been spending way too much time on the net lol). Anyways, I am a 9/23. Interview at LECOM was my first of 7 scheduled interviews. Honestly, it was great! I hope I get accepted because it seemed like a really good school. Dr. Moore was more than welcoming!
Good luck to everyone out there and don't stress about the interview. It is really easy going and refreshing.
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hey tharrr.... I also interviewed on 9/23. Checked my portal today and got the "Decision has been made, plz wait 30 days" message. Hoping to find out sometime next week or early the following week. :scared::scared::scared::scared:
 
DrWily said:
hey tharrr.... I also interviewed on 9/23. Checked my portal today and got the "Decision has been made, plz wait 30 days" message. Hoping to find out sometime next week or early the following week. :scared::scared::scared::scared:
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I just checked my portal too! Same message! Cross our fingers hope not to die!
 
So I am interviewing there on October 28th, really excited but I don't have a letter of recommendation from a D.O. I am currently shadowing a D.O. (about 17 hours so far) but he says I have not shadowed him long enough for him to write me a letter, I was wondering what happens if I don't have my letters in by my interview date? The other letter of recommendations I have. Also, I was wondering how long you guys shadowed a doctor before they wrote you a letter of recommendation?
 
Well, its a requirement and you don't want to put yourself at a disadvantage. I would go to the DO and explain the situation and ask if he/she would feel comfortable writing. If not, set some guidelines around what you would need to do for him/her to write you one before your interview.

You could also call LECOM and ask, or move your interview, but I would just have an honest conversation with the DO. I mean, if they know their letter could influence whether you do/don't get into school, it may speed things up in their head a little bit.

I would make it clear, regardless, that you plan to continue to shadow them. But 17 hours is not as insignificant as you make it seem. Schools really want to know you've thought the DO route through and understand what you're getting into and how it differs from the MD approach.

My 2 cents, other people may feel differently. Good luck!
 
Markass8080 said:
So I am interviewing there on October 28th, really excited but I don't have a letter of recommendation from a D.O. I am currently shadowing a D.O. (about 17 hours so far) but he says I have not shadowed him long enough for him to write me a letter, I was wondering what happens if I don't have my letters in by my interview date? The other letter of recommendations I have. Also, I was wondering how long you guys shadowed a doctor before they wrote you a letter of recommendation?
Click to expand...

If you don't have your letter from a D.O. in before you interview, then they will hold off on making a decision on your acceptance until you get that letter in. You can still attend the interview and the interviewers will make their notes for the AdComm, but ultimately, you won't know until that letter gets submitted.

At least that was my understanding from what they said on interview day.

That being said, 17 hours is certainly enough time for a letter writer to get a feel for who you are and why you want to get into medicine.. unless you guys never talk? There isn't a magic number where after 20 or so hours, the letter writer automatically knows everything about you...
 
Markass8080 said:
So I am interviewing there on October 28th, really excited but I don't have a letter of recommendation from a D.O. I am currently shadowing a D.O. (about 17 hours so far) but he says I have not shadowed him long enough for him to write me a letter, I was wondering what happens if I don't have my letters in by my interview date? The other letter of recommendations I have. Also, I was wondering how long you guys shadowed a doctor before they wrote you a letter of recommendation?
Click to expand...

Geeze...I can't believe 17 hours isn't enough for him to write you a letter! You should ask him if you need to come to his house and live with him for a week or two before he writes the letter.
 
AntsMarching44 said:
Geeze...I can't believe 17 hours isn't enough for him to write you a letter! You should ask him if you need to come to his house and live with him for a week or two before he writes the letter.
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Lol. My letter writer could have written his LOR after our 45 min breakfast meeting. I'd tell him that you will continue to shadow him but you have an interview coming up and you need that letter before then. My DO understood this and I told him that at ~10 hour mark.
 
DrWily said:
If you don't have your letter from a D.O. in before you interview, then they will hold off on making a decision on your acceptance until you get that letter in. You can still attend the interview and the interviewers will make their notes for the AdComm, but ultimately, you won't know until that letter gets submitted.

At least that was my understanding from what they said on interview day.

That being said, 17 hours is certainly enough time for a letter writer to get a feel for who you are and why you want to get into medicine.. unless you guys never talk? There isn't a magic number where after 20 or so hours, the letter writer automatically knows everything about you...
Click to expand...

Are your sure. On their web site, it says that you only have to send the committee letter with the supplemental application. Then it says
"If you are accepted for admission, LECOM will also require a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician to complete your application. We cannot accept a letter from an allopathic physician (M.D.), to satisfy this requirement."
 
VVSHT said:
Are your sure. On their web site, it says that you only have to send the committee letter with the supplemental application. Then it says
"If you are accepted for admission, LECOM will also require a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician to complete your application. We cannot accept a letter from an allopathic physician (M.D.), to satisfy this requirement."
Click to expand...
I think that is how it used to be, they must be changing the protocol but not the website. It tripped me up because I didn't get my D.O. letter until almost a month after I interviewed. I didn't get a decision until after that.
 
VVSHT said:
Are your sure. On their web site, it says that you only have to send the committee letter with the supplemental application. Then it says
"If you are accepted for admission, LECOM will also require a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician to complete your application. We cannot accept a letter from an allopathic physician (M.D.), to satisfy this requirement."
Click to expand...

They have changed it. I personally emailed them to ask about this, and they subtly stated that I would not be considered for admission until everything was in, including a D.O. letter. This was repeated at my interview on 9/23.
 
I was complete back in July but my portal still says 'File under review'. Should I try calling or sending a letter of intent?
 
DrWily said:
They have changed it. I personally emailed them to ask about this, and they subtly stated that I would not be considered for admission until everything was in, including a D.O. letter. This was repeated at my interview on 9/23.
Click to expand...

This was what they told me as well.
 
Does LECOM send you an email/notification when they receive your $1500 deposit?
 
Accepted

Interview 9/23

Just got it this morning. Live in Michigan so it was quick mail delivery
 
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