Liberty University (LUCOM) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

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I said before I interviewed at this school, my experience was great altogether. I mean, generally from an education standpoint it is legit. New school, lots of money, accomplished folks etc. Obviously the big elephant in the room is how much the religion will impact your education. Well, I mentioned before one concern were the lecture recordings not being distributed on time - not the biggest deal but if I'm being honest I have a friend at this school and he tipped me off on that. The other thing he mentioned (and he's not religious) is Dr. Liu. From what I've heard this guy is completely off his rocker. Most of the faculty despite their religious beliefs generally keep it to themselves during lecture but *from what I've heard* Dr. Liu brings up either points against evolution or some type of creationist promotion multiple times per hour lecture (every 5-10 min. or so). I have no reason to exaggerate that, if you currently go to LUCOM you know I'm telling the truth because my friend said you just had 4 hours of Bacterial Pathogen lectures from him this week. Other teachers from what I've been told are respectful of your beliefs but I've heard Dr. Liu is the exception.

Anyways, just something to keep in mind. Those people who are saying that the material you cover wont involve evolution are probably right but that doesn't even you won't have to stomach unnecessary creationism propaganda for hours at a time despite its non-relevancy to comlex/usmle.
 
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jui345 said:
I said before I interviewed at this school, my experience was great altogether. I mean, generally from an education standpoint it is legit. New school, lots of money, accomplished folks etc. Obviously the big elephant in the room is how much the religion will impact your education. Well, I mentioned before one concern were the lecture recordings not being distributed on time - not the biggest deal but if I'm being honest I have a friend at this school and he tipped me off on that. The other thing he mentioned (and he's not religious) is Dr. Liu. From what I've heard this guy is completely off his rocker. Most of the faculty despite their religious beliefs generally keep it to themselves during lecture but *from what I've heard* Dr. Liu brings up either points against evolution or some type of creationist promotion multiple times per hour lecture (every 5-10 min. or so). I have no reason to exaggerate that, if you currently go to LUCOM you know I'm telling the truth because my friend said you just had 4 hours of Bacterial Pathogen lectures from him this week. Other teachers from what I've been told are respectful of your beliefs but I've heard Dr. Liu is the exception.

Anyways, just something to keep in mind. Those people who are saying that the material you cover wont involve evolution are probably right but that doesn't even you won't have to stomach unnecessary creationism propaganda for hours at a time despite its non-relevancy to comlex/usmle.
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I would agree that he does mention creationism more, I would strongly disagree that he is "off his rocker". An example of the things he says would be "it is obvious that this was designed" or "something this complex has a creator, if you go to a hotel and you have a bed and coffee, you know there is a hotel manager". He's not teaching us creationism, just throwing in a few plugs. He's not reading from Genesis. So in my opinion, his creation "propaganda" is harmless. It's not nearly as offensive as some teachers I've had who would announce in lecture that if you believe in god then you are stupid and need to consider a different major. Dr. Liu, as I've said, has done extensive research with creationism. It's part of what he studied. It doesn't surprise me that he's bringing it up. Most of us have had evolution crammed down our throats throughout high school and undergrad. People can handle a few harmless plugs for creationism. If you truly can't stand the thought of someone implying that things are designed and therefore need a designer, then you probably shouldn't come here for the sake of 4 hours of day 2 week 5 year 1 of med school when Dr. Liu teaches you bacterial pathogens. However if you are capable of handling someone else's opinion while they teach (which I'd hope so since everyone has some kind of bias) then you will be fine. I don't know, I guess I found it to be refreshing since evolution was thrown around like a religion in undergrad. I didn't like it at all because it disagreed with my beliefs. Now that for once in their lives, a teacher disagrees with them about evolution vs creation, they don't like it. Understandable. I know how they feel. But completely unnecessary to say they are "off their rocker". As doctors we need to consider different opinions in order to treat patients. We won't agree with them all. So perhaps this is good practice. Hopefully resorting to name calling when we disagree won't happen since we are supposed to be professionals.
 
Honestly, from all the anti religious propaganda spewed in college the past four years, it might be refreshing to hear the opposite side of things.


EH123 said:
I would agree that he does mention creationism more, I would strongly disagree that he is "off his rocker". An example of the things he says would be "it is obvious that this was designed" or "something this complex has a creator, if you go to a hotel and you have a bed and coffee, you know there is a hotel manager". He's not teaching us creationism, just throwing in a few plugs. He's not reading from Genesis. So in my opinion, his creation "propaganda" is harmless. It's not nearly as offensive as some teachers I've had who would announce in lecture that if you believe in god then you are stupid and need to consider a different major. Dr. Liu, as I've said, has done extensive research with creationism. It's part of what he studied. It doesn't surprise me that he's bringing it up. Most of us have had evolution crammed down our throats throughout high school and undergrad. People can handle a few harmless plugs for creationism. If you truly can't stand the thought of someone implying that things are designed and therefore need a designer, then you probably shouldn't come here for the sake of 4 hours of day 2 week 5 year 1 of med school when Dr. Liu teaches you bacterial pathogens. However if you are capable of handling someone else's opinion while they teach (which I'd hope so since everyone has some kind of bias) then you will be fine. I don't know, I guess I found it to be refreshing since evolution was thrown around like a religion in undergrad. I didn't like it at all because it disagreed with my beliefs. Now that for once in their lives, a teacher disagrees with them about evolution vs creation, they don't like it. Understandable. I know how they feel. But completely unnecessary to say they are "off their rocker". As doctors we need to consider different opinions in order to treat patients. We won't agree with them all. So perhaps this is good practice. Hopefully resorting to name calling when we disagree won't happen since we are supposed to be professionals.
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Interviewing here on 9/8. Received Supp on 8/13, completed it on 8/17, and was extended II on 8/21. I actually have not had any of my LOR sent to them, to my knowledge (I have been hounding my old professors because I graduated in 2011). NC Resident, MCAT 28 (2011) GPA 3.72, have been working as a Clinical Assistant for a Primary Care DO for the past nearly 3 years. Very much looking forward to familiarizing myself with Lynchburg on Sunday and meeting everyone on Monday. I Interview with Dr. Troy and Dr. Morrison, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Good luck to everyone!
 
bcing1322 said:
Interviewing here on 9/8. Received Supp on 8/13, completed it on 8/17, and was extended II on 8/21. I actually have not had any of my LOR sent to them, to my knowledge (I have been hounding my old professors because I graduated in 2011). NC Resident, MCAT 28 (2011) GPA 3.72, have been working as a Clinical Assistant for a Primary Care DO for the past nearly 3 years. Very much looking forward to familiarizing myself with Lynchburg on Sunday and meeting everyone on Monday. I Interview with Dr. Troy and Dr. Morrison, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Good luck to everyone!
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Congratulations! Find out more about Drs. Troy and Morrison (I believe they have profiles online) as preparation for your interview. Also, brush up on the ACA and other current events in healthcare and make sure you know what you wrote on your primary and secondary applications because the interview is open file.

The interview day is very relaxed, and you will receive a tour of the COM a little before or after your interview. When I was there several current students came down to meet and speak with us, so take that chance to ask questions on how classes are, etc. Good luck!
 
attend this school if you want to:
  • attend mandatory mass every wednesday
  • listen to creationism at hours end
  • be taught weird sciences
  • hook up with christians
  • match into crappy residencies in crappy towns
  • practice in the middle of nowhere

go to lucom if you've been rejected from the caribbean schools!
 
lucomtroll said:
attend this school if you want to:
  • attend mandatory mass every wednesday
  • listen to creationism at hours end
  • be taught weird sciences
  • hook up with christians
  • match into crappy residencies in crappy towns
  • practice in the middle of nowhere

go to lucom if you've been rejected from the caribbean schools!
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Wow, lol.
I hope when you interview, schools can see how immature and pathetic you are.
 
TurkTurkleton92 said:
Wow, lol.
I hope when you interview, schools can see how immature and pathetic you are.
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Well, judging by the content in the post, he/she doesn't even know what is mandatory and what isn't.

I wonder what the class "weird sciences" covers, that actually sounds kinda cool!
 
lucomtroll said:
attend this school if you want to:
  • attend mandatory mass every wednesday
  • listen to creationism at hours end
  • be taught weird sciences
  • hook up with christians
  • match into crappy residencies in crappy towns
  • practice in the middle of nowhere

go to lucom if you've been rejected from the caribbean schools!
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attend this school if you want to:
  • be unable to find parking
  • be unable to find a study space come test time
  • watch video lectures 48 hours later
  • teach yourself everything for the boards!
  • drive 1hr each way from lynchburg to core rotations if you aren't married
  • party with christians
 
lucomtroll is totally going nuts! Keep at it, let's see how long you last on SDN:corny:
 
LUCOMtroll!!!!

He's teasing me 😛 lol.

By partying with Christians, you mean going to my cookout last weekend?? 🙂
 
LA1004 said:
Congratulations! Find out more about Drs. Troy and Morrison (I believe they have profiles online) as preparation for your interview. Also, brush up on the ACA and other current events in healthcare and make sure you know what you wrote on your primary and secondary applications because the interview is open file.

The interview day is very relaxed, and you will receive a tour of the COM a little before or after your interview. When I was there several current students came down to meet and speak with us, so take that chance to ask questions on how classes are, etc. Good luck!
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Thanks! Dr. Troy (if it is Amanda Troy from Anatomy Lab) does not have a profile on their site, believe me when they gave me the names that was the first thing I did. The good thing about working it healthcare already is it keeps me abreast of the changing climate and what appears to be coming down the pipeline so that should be a nice discussion to have. Sounds great, excited to see the campus/area and meet everyone!
 
bcing1322 said:
Thanks! Dr. Troy (if it is Amanda Troy from Anatomy Lab) does not have a profile on their site, believe me when they gave me the names that was the first thing I did. The good thing about working it healthcare already is it keeps me abreast of the changing climate and what appears to be coming down the pipeline so that should be a nice discussion to have. Sounds great, excited to see the campus/area and meet everyone!
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See PM.
 
EH123 said:
I would agree that he does mention creationism more, I would strongly disagree that he is "off his rocker". An example of the things he says would be "it is obvious that this was designed" or "something this complex has a creator, if you go to a hotel and you have a bed and coffee, you know there is a hotel manager". He's not teaching us creationism, just throwing in a few plugs. He's not reading from Genesis. So in my opinion, his creation "propaganda" is harmless. It's not nearly as offensive as some teachers I've had who would announce in lecture that if you believe in god then you are stupid and need to consider a different major. Dr. Liu, as I've said, has done extensive research with creationism. It's part of what he studied. It doesn't surprise me that he's bringing it up. Most of us have had evolution crammed down our throats throughout high school and undergrad. People can handle a few harmless plugs for creationism. If you truly can't stand the thought of someone implying that things are designed and therefore need a designer, then you probably shouldn't come here for the sake of 4 hours of day 2 week 5 year 1 of med school when Dr. Liu teaches you bacterial pathogens. However if you are capable of handling someone else's opinion while they teach (which I'd hope so since everyone has some kind of bias) then you will be fine. I don't know, I guess I found it to be refreshing since evolution was thrown around like a religion in undergrad. I didn't like it at all because it disagreed with my beliefs. Now that for once in their lives, a teacher disagrees with them about evolution vs creation, they don't like it. Understandable. I know how they feel. But completely unnecessary to say they are "off their rocker". As doctors we need to consider different opinions in order to treat patients. We won't agree with them all. So perhaps this is good practice. Hopefully resorting to name calling when we disagree won't happen since we are supposed to be professionals.
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Not sure how it's possible for you to have evolution "crammed down [your] throat" when it is an essential part of a basic education in biology both in high school and at the undergraduate level. It is a scientific theory that is an essential part of biology, which is why it it brought up again and again throughout these classes.

Creationism on the other hand IS NOT SCIENCE, and for you to equate it to evolution demonstrates a tremendous ignorance on your part.
The fact that your microbiology professor is inappropriately bringing up creationism in class is tremendously disturbing. I feel absolutely terrible for all of the people in your class that don't subscribe to christian dogma and have to put up with such distractions. If you would consider a prof that tells his student the existence of god is false and illogical in the middle of class inappropriate and unethical (and I would agree with you), then why is it ok for your prof to preach his beliefs in class as well?

Lastly, your assertion earlier that I was being intolerant of the schools christian beliefs and comparison to origins of the IVYs ignores what I and others have consistently been repeating over and over. I am not simply objecting to the school being christian. This school represents a CULTISH sect of christianity comprising young earth creationism and evangelism.

Stop disregarding legitimate points by simply stating the everyone who criticizes this school is a troll and just intolerant of beliefs.
 
soitgoes32 said:
Not sure how it's possible for you to have evolution "crammed down [your] throat" when it is an essential part of a basic education in biology both in high school and at the undergraduate level. It is a scientific theory that is an essential part of biology, which is why it it brought up again and again throughout these classes.

Creationism on the other hand IS NOT SCIENCE, and for you to equate it to evolution demonstrates a tremendous ignorance on your part.
The fact that your microbiology professor is inappropriately bringing up creationism in class is tremendously disturbing. I feel absolutely terrible for all of the people in your class that don't subscribe to christian dogma and have to put up with such distractions. If you would consider a prof that tells his student the existence of god is false and illogical in the middle of class inappropriate and unethical (and I would agree with you), then why is it ok for your prof to preach his beliefs in class as well?

Lastly, your assertion earlier that I was being intolerant of the schools christian beliefs and comparison to origins of the IVYs ignores what I and others have consistently been repeating over and over. I am not simply objecting to the school being christian. This school represents a CULTISH sect of christianity comprising young earth creationism and evangelism.

Stop disregarding legitimate points by simply stating the everyone who criticizes this school is a troll and just intolerant of beliefs.
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The problem is with the different approaches:

You can say all you want that you are touting legitimate points, but the truth is you are upset that another religious school is teaching medicine. Are you as upset with Loma Linda as you are with LUCOM? If you didn't know, Loma Linda is very attached to its Seventh Day Aventist roots (which believes in the literal interpretation of the Genesis account of creation, http://www.llu.edu/central/info/sdahist.page). Is that a bad thing or has Loma Linda proved it can produce great doctors (http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-...ssionals/residency/residents/graduates.page)?

Therefore, if you want to carry out this discussion please do so in this thread (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/liberty-university-do-school.915264/page-13). Leave this thread clear of personal debates so that interested students can quickly find the information they need for this application season.
 
LA1004 said:
The problem is with the different approaches:

You can say all you want that you are touting legitimate points, but the truth is you are upset that another religious school is teaching medicine. Are you as upset with Loma Linda as you are with LUCOM? If you didn't know, Loma Linda is very attached to its Seventh Day Aventist roots (which believes in the literal interpretation of the Genesis account of creation, http://www.llu.edu/central/info/sdahist.page). Is that a bad thing or has Loma Linda proved it can produce great doctors (http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-...ssionals/residency/residents/graduates.page)?

Therefore, if you want to carry out this discussion please do so in this thread (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/liberty-university-do-school.915264/page-13). Leave this thread clear of personal debates so that interested students can quickly find the information they need for this application season.
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Short answer, on a fundamental level yes I don't like both, but I have a specific concern for LUCOM because I'm in DO school and I don't want my degree associated with a school like LUCOM. I have a particular disgust for Falwell though as well.
 
soitgoes32 said:
Short answer, on a fundamental level yes I don't like both, but I have a specific concern for LUCOM because I'm in DO school and I don't want my degree associated with a school like LUCOM. I have a particular disgust for Falwell though as well.
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Many MD's didn't want their degree associated with any DO school, but aren't you glad things are much different today?

Regarding Falwell, I really don't know much about him besides the fact that he created LU and is deceased. Write about those concerns on the thread I posted above if you feel you need to make a point about him. Regardless, I am looking forward to attend the school because the environment is great for students with families (like myself) and because the COM has some very impressive features that I didn't see in other campuses I visited/was interviewed at.
 
soitgoes32 said:
Lastly, your assertion earlier that I was being intolerant of
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soitgoes32 said:
Not sure how it's possible for you to have evolution "crammed down [your] throat" when it is an essential part of a basic education in biology both in high school and at the undergraduate level. It is a scientific theory that is an essential part of biology, which is why it it brought up again and again throughout these classes.

Creationism on the other hand IS NOT SCIENCE, and for you to equate it to evolution demonstrates a tremendous ignorance on your part.
The fact that your microbiology professor is inappropriately bringing up creationism in class is tremendously disturbing. I feel absolutely terrible for all of the people in your class that don't subscribe to christian dogma and have to put up with such distractions. If you would consider a prof that tells his student the existence of god is false and illogical in the middle of class inappropriate and unethical (and I would agree with you), then why is it ok for your prof to preach his beliefs in class as well?

Lastly, your assertion earlier that I was being intolerant of the schools christian beliefs and comparison to origins of the IVYs ignores what I and others have consistently been repeating over and over. I am not simply objecting to the school being christian. This school represents a CULTISH sect of christianity comprising young earth creationism and evangelism.

Stop disregarding legitimate points by simply stating the everyone who criticizes this school is a troll and just intolerant of beliefs.
Click to expand...

Where to begin....

1.) It was being crammed down my throat when the teacher said everyone who believes in God is stupid.

2.) Evolution is not science.

Science =
  1. study of physical world: the study of the physical and natural world and phenomena, especially by using systematic observation and experiment
You cannot observe macro evolution. You do not see a dog becoming a non dog. You can breed dogs for certain features until you have a new species (wolf vs poodle - an example of MICRO evolution). But a dog is a dog. Therefore, the idea that the world began with a big bang and nothing turned into something turned into trees and people and dogs etc - not science. Just a theory.

3.) My micro prof is not inappropriately bringing it up. Instead of saying "this evolved" he says "this was created". As I said, he's not preaching from Genesis. Also, its not disturbing since LUCOM is a Christian school.....as in all of the profs are in fact Christian. One of the perks for working here Im sure is the fact that they get to share their beliefs without being fired or being shunned (unlike every other prof that believes in macro evolution who can talk about it all they want without getting in trouble).

4.) Don't feel bad for us for having to put up with these "distractions". Ive talked with several non christians in my class who either enjoy hearing another point of view or they could really care less. So don't worry to hard about us.

5.) Yes it is wrong for a prof to stand up and say that everyone who believes in God is stupid. Yes my micro prof has the right to share his view. NO he's not standing up in front of the class saying that if you don't believe in God, then you are stupid. Huge difference.

6.) A cultish christian sect asserts beliefs that are not wholly in accordance with the Bible. This is not the case since the Bible supports what my profs are saying. So Im not ignoring your point, you just aren't making sense.

One more thing....I actually attend school here. You don't. I actually know what its like to wake up every morning and go to LUCOM. You don't. Your opinions are based off of insane assumptions that LUCOM criticizes non christians, tries to convert them, etc.

Here are some things I gathered from my non christian and atheist classmates: Non christians (not atheist but believe in a God other than the christian God) think that its comforting to have professors with religious beliefs. They also don't mind when some profs pray before class because it gives them the opportunity to pray as well. Atheist classmates have told me that they enjoy the atmosphere because everyone is "genuinely nice". They also think that it is comforting to have intelligent, christian professors because it makes the idea of religion seem less "ludicrous" and helps them to see other points of view. They don't mind either when the professors pray or mention creationism. The test questions aren't "Why did God create flagella?", rather they are simply "what is the purpose of flagella?", etc. They aren't teaching creationism, they aren't shoving it in our faces. Christian, non christian, atheist, polytheists, etc are happy to be attending this school. For the one person who told another person that Dr. Liu mentioned creationism during lecture.....like I said I can see why you might feel offended...just as I did going to a secular school and having my prof disagree with me about my fundamental beliefs. However, it is different here. The professors are sharing their point of view, not calling you stupid if you believe in something different.

Again I ask....why are you on this thread? You don't want to apply, you don't like the school, and lets be honest you do know that everyone on this thread has an interest in the school or else they wouldn't be here (also meaning they have done their own research since they are capable adults). You say that I am ignoring your point. Im not, as I explained, your point simply doesn't make sense. And yes, you are a troll if your only purpose of being on this thread is to say things like "LUCOM is a cult", etc. This is a medical school. They are teaching us medicine. We will all graduate as competent physicians with possibly more of an understanding for diversity than you, since you seem to be struggling with the concept that someone can believe in god and not be ignorant at the same time. I challenge you to do this: work on your own application, practice some interviewing skills, take a class that will help you once you start medical school. Stop wasting your time trying to convince 3500 people not to apply here.
 
You don't have to like LUCOM. You can be a DO and practice 30 years without any one of your patients ever relating you and your degree to LUCOM. Lets be honest here, thats not a real concern either.
 
You know the best part about all of these trolls?

LUCOM officials are prolly reading troll posts, laughing so hard at the haters that they cry, and soaking the tears up with all the money from the 3.5K applicants who just wanna get into A SINGLE DO SCHOOL.

Good for LUCOM. Someone has to stand up to this liberal drivel spewed at higher ed campuses, saying that ones religion has no place on a campus. It's so refreshing to see the other side.
 
I am interviewing with Dr. Lockwood and Dr. Pelletier on Monday, any advice?
 
Two different students wrote about the professors above:

"Second Interview, my open file, was with Dr.Pelletier, who was also extremely nice. We had a pretty nice talk about my hobbies, and who I am as a person. And then we talked about my academic profile, some research I did, and my recommendation letters. This was also a really relaxed interview, it just felt like another conversation. They're not looking to really confuse you, just trying to see who you are as a person.

As I said earlier, I came here with a little hesitation, but after visiting all of that was cleared. I know a lot of people have been concerned with the "Christian-values" of the school, and to be honest there is a strong christian presence on campus, but personally I like it. They are trying to use the core moral values of Christianity to make the medical school expereience more well rounded, and I think it actually works really well. Ethical and moral values work hand in hand with medicine. And just for the record I am not personally of Christian faith, but I still think there is worth in using these values with medicine."

and

"Hey I don't know the exact role he will hold there, but you guys are getting a GREAT doctor from us! Dr. Lockwood is his name. He teaches OTM and women's health works in women's health (delivered my baby). Seriously an awesome guy so I hope many of you get a chance to spend some time with him.
Also, he's a freaking OMM magician. He knows his stuff and will blow your mind if you see him in action."

What helped me was doing a bit of research in LUCOM's website as to who they are and what type of research they like or perhaps, their methodology regarding OMM and Osteopathic Medicine.

Good Luck!
 
dresden62 said:
Two different students wrote about the professors above:

"Second Interview, my open file, was with Dr.Pelletier, who was also extremely nice. We had a pretty nice talk about my hobbies, and who I am as a person. And then we talked about my academic profile, some research I did, and my recommendation letters. This was also a really relaxed interview, it just felt like another conversation. They're not looking to really confuse you, just trying to see who you are as a person.

As I said earlier, I came here with a little hesitation, but after visiting all of that was cleared. I know a lot of people have been concerned with the "Christian-values" of the school, and to be honest there is a strong christian presence on campus, but personally I like it. They are trying to use the core moral values of Christianity to make the medical school expereience more well rounded, and I think it actually works really well. Ethical and moral values work hand in hand with medicine. And just for the record I am not personally of Christian faith, but I still think there is worth in using these values with medicine."

and

"Hey I don't know the exact role he will hold there, but you guys are getting a GREAT doctor from us! Dr. Lockwood is his name. He teaches OTM and women's health works in women's health (delivered my baby). Seriously an awesome guy so I hope many of you get a chance to spend some time with him.
Also, he's a freaking OMM magician. He knows his stuff and will blow your mind if you see him in action."

What helped me was doing a bit of research in LUCOM's website as to who they are and what type of research they like or perhaps, their methodology regarding OMM and Osteopathic Medicine.

Good Luck!
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Thanks! I tried reading through the thread but there is way too much trash, so I didn't see the above posts. I am surprised Liberty has been rejecting so many candidates, isn't it really early to be doing that. Don't schools usually put you on a wait-list and then see how the cycle goes. It makes me a little nervous, like Liberty places a ton of emphasis on the interview. Otherwise why would they have invited so many applicants they thought looked good on paper and then reject them immediately.
 
superdoc2.0 said:
Thanks! I tried reading through the thread but there is way too much trash, so I didn't see the above posts. I am surprised Liberty has been rejecting so many candidates, isn't it really early to be doing that. Don't schools usually put you on a wait-list and then see how the cycle goes. It makes me a little nervous, like Liberty places a ton of emphasis on the interview. Otherwise why would they have invited so many applicants they thought looked good on paper and then reject them immediately.
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When I interviewed last year they (R. Cook) said every app was seen by a human, even those who fell below their minimum stats. Their goal was to see if there were any information that would mitigate poor stats to merit a secondary or interview. Don't know if that's still the case this year, but that seems to imply they put a lot of emphasis on matching their mission. So, I agree that interview play a major role in acceptances or not for LUCOM.
 
Contact Mr. Cook he is really helpful. Make sure your letters are in thats what held up my application!
 
Anybody interviewing on October 13th and coming in the night or two before that and want to grab lunch/dinner/explore the area a bit let me know!
 
Just got to my hotel in Richmond, gonna sleep for 4 hours (if I can) and then wake up and drive to Lynchburg, sounds like fun!!! They might possibly be caffeine in my future.
 
superdoc2.0 said:
Just got to my hotel in Richmond, gonna sleep for 4 hours (if I can) and then wake up and drive to Lynchburg, sounds like fun!!! They might possibly be caffeine in my future.
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By now you should be done with the interview. How did it go? What did you think? I hope everything went as well as I hoped. Let us know as soon as you can.
 
dresden62 said:
By now you should be done with the interview. How did it go? What did you think? I hope everything went as well as I hoped. Let us know as soon as you can.
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I am definitely impressed with LUCOM's building and the campus is really pretty. I was very impressed with the Dean and the two faculty members I met. The interviews were a little less laid back than I expected. I thought the questions were designed in some ways to see how I would respond to a tough question. Which surprised me a little because I thought the interviews were gonna be laid back.
 
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Do our letters need to be sent in with the primary or do we wait for the secondary invite?
 
pfm121 said:
Do our letters need to be sent in with the primary or do we wait for the secondary invite?
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I think you would have a greater chance of getting a secondary if you send your letters now.
 
I wonder how I really did on my interviews? I felt like I didn't really do that well, I guess I wouldn't be surprised if I received a rejection.
 
superdoc2.0 said:
I wonder how I really did on my interviews? I felt like I didn't really do that well, I guess I wouldn't be surprised if I received a rejection.
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No man (ma'am), don't beat yourself up. This is alway a learning experience. You can always contact the school and ask for feedback, whether it is good or bad, there is something always to be learn from the process. I'm sure you did fine. Positive thinking!
 
<3redroses<3 said:
I interviewed with LUCOM within the last couple weeks, I wasn't going to say anything but I decided I wanted to share my experience.

The pluses of the school are the amazing facilities, beautiful campus, and many of the faculty were nice and genuinely seemed to care about students succeeding. I really mean it about the beautiful campus, the view from the COM is indescribable.

But, there were several things that gave me pause about this school. The associate director of admissions was abrasive, judgmental, and ridiculed M.D.'s. I have no idea why the Dean lets her be the face of the school to applicants. Also some of the other staff members were a little unprofessional in the way they acted. I think some were trying to put us at ease, but I found it distasteful.

I have completed an interview with another D.O. school and LUCOM just seemed less professional. But, without a doubt, LUCOM's facilities are three times better.

I also noticed that the interviewers asked awkward questions, it seemed like they really hadn't read my application thoroughly. I think I have many interesting aspects to my app, but it seemed they focused on small, unimportant points . Which obviously makes me feel unimportant. I put a lot of effort into my application and to feel like the school doesn't value that makes me feel a little sad.

I am surprised that I ended up being somewhat disappointed with the school because I thought so much of the school going in to the interview. I never listened to the naysayers on this forum and I was really excited for my interview.

It is too bad because the Dean seemed like a fantastic person, I just wish the rest of the staff was more like him. LUCOM needs to be more careful about who is spending time with applicants, the faculty may be awesome (I don't really know?) but if all my time is spent with unprofessional admin people then I walk away from the experience with what may/or may not be a false impression of the school.

If some of the current students want to help me out, I would appreciate it. I honestly want to have my mind changed about this school.
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I had a very similar experience. I loved the facilities and the dean seemed like a very intelligent person. I don't understand why they put less-than-ideal individuals in front of us to represent the school.

My second interviewer, Dr. Liu, is an extremely conservative bigoted individual. For example, during my interview he said the school was looking for more conservative individuals to set a good precedent for successive classes. He said they had admitted a few Mormon individuals but he was worried because they may have an agenda at the school. I either feel like I was cheated out of a fair interview with a good representative of the school or I was extremely lucky to have him as an interviewer because it definitely changed my mind on the school. If it's the case of the former, what the heck is the school thinking by putting that guy in front of potential students?

I agree they need to be more thoughtful of who they use to represent themselves to potential students.
 
Did you and others who had concerns about the interview day write about these concerns on the feedback Barry sent you? If not, that could be something you may want to inform him about in a follow up email. This feedback is crucial, especially for a new school.

My experience was vastly different. I interviewed twice at LUCOM (last year and this one). Both went very well and I thought the faculty and interviewers were professional and tried their best to make the interview more conversational and relaxing (perhaps I was lucky with the four people I interviewed with). Ben, Jackie and Rev. Cook talked with us throughout the day and we met different members of the staff (including one from my home country once they realized where I was raised). It was fun and relaxing to the majority who interviewed that same day.

You can always contact current students to get answers to these and other concerns. For instance, is the professionalism issue mainly due a less stern/more light-minded nature of the staff or was it due to other factors?
 
Flying out a little early for the sept. 22 interview...if anyone wants to grab some food and explore PM me!
 
sizillyd said:
My second interviewer, Dr. Liu, is an extremely conservative bigoted individual. For example, during my interview he said the school was looking for more conservative individuals to set a good precedent for successive classes. He said they had admitted a few Mormon individuals but he was worried because they may have an agenda at the school.
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:wow:
 
<3redroses<3 said:
I would have gladly left comments on the post interview survey I received, but there was no space for comments. Just multiple choice questions.

For me, Jackie, Rev. Cook, and to a lesser extent Ben, were the problems. The first two came across as less than professional, and Ben couldn't answer any questions but that really isn't his fault because he should have never been giving us the building tour to begin with because in my opinion current students are the only people able to highlight how the building is suited to students needs and answer pertinent questions.

Rev. Cook came across as unprofessional because he acted kind of silly. I am sure he was trying to make us feel more comfortable, but his behavior does not inspire confidence in the school.

But Jackie was the worst of them all. She is a very abrasive, judgmental, and opinionated individual. I couldn't believe that she was denigrating M.D.s, saying that they have no compassion or personality. I find that to be unbelievably unprofessional. She also talked about politics all day and the in which she talked about them was like "I am right and anybody who doesn't agree with me is stupid". I have no problem with Liberty being a conservative school, I mean Harvard is unabashedly liberal, but there is a way to represent your views without demeaning others.

It did make me feel a little better when the Dean stated that neither M.D. or D.O. was necessarily better than the other, but each had it's own strengths.

I could ask current students, but that is never going to override the impression I got of the school. Your own personal experiences are always going to have more meaning than someone else's experiences. That is why it is so critical for a school to present its self well.

And to be perfectly clear I want this school to succeed. I am a Christian that was excited for the opportunity to get so know this school and I absolutely want them to become the best medical school in the country. I hope the school reads my comments and makes some changes, but I doubt that a medical school would makes changes based off of anonymous posts on SDN.
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I'm sorry, maybe I remember the feedback email incorrectly (I thougth the last question or so had a box to add anything else that was on your mind). I would still email Barry and let him know so they can fix things as they move along, especially if the consensus is that the forefront of the school gives an unprofessional vibe.

Like I said before, my experience was very different, so I suspect it would be more beneficial to ask current students how the school really is. In comparison to the other school I interviewed at I felt LUCOM was more interested and prepared to meet me and the rest of the group. I am happy with what I experienced from the school thus far and am super excited to get started next year.
 
Anyone else get accepted here and still waiting for the acceptance packet in the mail? Got the call from the Dean on 8/28. Thanks
 
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