Lincoln Memorial - DeBusk (LMU-DCOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[kmich10]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Congratulations! There is no substitute for determination!

Thank you! Ain't that the truth!

Congrats. 👍

Are you from the region? Any interview tips? I'm interviewing there in 3 weeks

Thanks! No I'm from the Midwest ('burbs), with no ties to the region. Interview tips: Be your damn self! Trite but true.

To be more specific, be honest about everything. This is a closed file interview, but when they review you for final decisions, the committee looks at everything along with the interview. Make sure you mention deficiencies with your application so you can explain, in-person, why and how you deserve a spot despite any difficulties you faced with your academic career. For example, they asked me "why do you think you can handle med school?" I responded by basically saying "well, you don't have my file with you, but if you did, you'll notice this and this However, blah blah blah." I used that opportunity to let the interviewers relay my message to the committee. That's what an interview is for. You get to speak for yourself and the interviewers are merely your messengers. They don't get votes, so trying to schmooze them is pointless. They need to be able to speak for you when you're not there.

In general about interviews: they are, unfortunately or fortunately, very subjective. There are personality traits that are better represented by these types of interviews. I'm a quintessential extrovert who happened to interview with docs who had this similar quality. To piggyback off of Back5's case, while I may have approached the question mentioned above differently, as you can tell by the little debate above, there's multiple ways to approach that question with relative grace. I will say this, though: don't try to outsmart anyone. These aren't trick questions. As an academic institution as a whole, I think LMU-DCOM is one of the furthest schools from "bourgeois" as you can get. There's no fancy pantses around and I love it.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Thank you! Ain't that the truth!



Thanks! No I'm from the Midwest ('burbs), with no ties to the region. Interview tips: Be your damn self! Trite but true.

To be more specific, be honest about everything. This is a closed file interview, but when they review you for final decisions, the committee looks at everything along with the interview. Make sure you mention deficiencies with your application so you can explain, in-person, why and how you deserve a spot despite any difficulties you faced with your academic career. For example, they asked me "why do you think you can handle med school?" I responded by basically saying "well, you don't have my file with you, but if you did, you'll notice this and this However, blah blah blah." I used that opportunity to let the interviewers relay my message to the committee. That's what an interview is for. You get to speak for yourself and the interviewers are merely your messengers. They don't get votes, so trying to schmooze them is pointless. They need to be able to speak for you when you're not there.

In general about interviews: they are, unfortunately or fortunately, very subjective. There are personality traits that are better represented by these types of interviews. I'm a quintessential extrovert who happened to interview with docs who had this similar quality. To piggyback off of Back5's case, while I may have approached the question mentioned above differently, as you can tell by the little debate above, there's multiple ways to approach that question with relative grace. I will say this, though: don't try to outsmart anyone. These aren't trick questions. As an academic institution as a whole, I think LMU-DCOM is one of the furthest schools from "bourgeois" as you can get. There's no fancy pantses around and I love it.

Great advice. Thank you so much. I wish the best. You earned it. Celebrate it.

 

[bethygean]

Well I got a 21 on the practice mcat on the actual mcat website but that's without taking physics or organic yet so I'm confident that it'll go up significantly after I take those classes in the spring/summer. Thanks so much for the advice! Any other advice is MUCH appreciated!

 

[bethygean]

Well...your GPA is excellent, so congrats on that! Hard to say what your chances are without an actual MCAT, but I'd guess get a 26+ and you should be safe based on stats alone. Just take your MCAT, apply, and voila! you'll get your answer! Good luck.

Well I got a 21 on the practice mcat on the actual mcat website but that's without taking physics or organic yet so I'm confident that it'll go up significantly after I take those classes in the spring/summer. Thanks so much for the advice! Any other advice is MUCH appreciated!

 

[TXKnight]

I am very interested in lmu dcom. Right now I'm premed and I am planning on applying next summer. I have a 3.8 gpa and a 3.9 science gpa. I haven't taken the mcat yet but ive done well on the practice ones. Unfortunately I won't be able to get my bachelor's before the fall I would have over 120 hours but this is because I successfully conpketed the first semester of the nursing program. So, I have some great clinical experience and am now an ER tech. By next summer I will have around 600+ clinical (actual patient) experience. What do you think my chances are getting accepted?

Well I got a 21 on the practice mcat on the actual mcat website but that's without taking physics or organic yet so I'm confident that it'll go up significantly after I take those classes in the spring/summer. Thanks so much for the advice! Any other advice is MUCH appreciated!

21 is not a score I'd call doing "well"

Having said that. You can only go up from there, you have plenty of time. Design a strategy with periodic goals and then measure your progress against them, and go for it. Read the MCAT forums.

 

[Back 5]

I wasn't trying to outsmart anyone during my interview. I was completely and unabashedly myself. I suppose I had mistakenly thought the purpose of a closed file interview was to get to know me. The answers I gave during my interview were a true reflection of who I am. I didn't give canned answers, I tried to give very honest answers and, unfortunately, I succeeded If I didn't know the answer to the question, I said I didn't know but I tried to reason through it...such as "where do you see yourself in 10 years" etc.

I don't mind detailing these points from my experience because I figure folks reading it and who have yet to interview can learn from my mistakes 🙂

 

[TXKnight]

I wasn't trying to outsmart anyone during my interview. I was completely and unabashedly myself. I suppose I had mistakenly thought the purpose of a closed file interview was to get to know me. The answers I gave during my interview were a true reflection of who I am. I didn't give canned answers, I tried to give very honest answers and, unfortunately, I succeeded If I didn't know the answer to the question, I said I didn't know but I tried to reason through it...such as "where do you see yourself in 10 years" etc.

I don't mind detailing these points from my experience because I figure folks reading it and who have yet to interview can learn from my mistakes 🙂

I think you did the right thing, I mean you were honest though the answer was not satisfying to the adcom. After all, although it is true no one knows what will happen tomorrow, much less in 10 years, goals need to be set short and long-term. I think the answers if not "wrong", because there is not a right answers to that question, was too vague perhaps.
in any case, I think you are in a good spot to claim a seat.

I think you had multiple interviews, do you like any other school? is dcom your first choice?

 

[wjs010]

I think you did the right thing, I mean you were honest and that answer was not satisfying to the adcom. After all, although it is true no one knows what will happen tomorrow, much less in 10 years, goals need to be set, short and long-term. I think the answers if not "wrong", because there is not a right answers to that question, was too vague perhaps.
in any case, I think you are in a good spot to claim a seat.

I think you had multiple interviews, do you like any other school? is dcom your first choice?

I agree. He did answer really nicely. I think he will come off that WL

 

[Ikarium]

For those that were offered ii, when did you receive the complete email and when did you receive the ii? I want to know how long it takes from being completed to being reviewed for an ii or not. Thanks!

 

[wjs010]

For those that were offered ii, when did you receive the complete email and when did you receive the ii? I want to know how long it takes from being completed to being reviewed for an ii or not. Thanks!

About 1.5 weeks

 

[SnoopyMD]

About 1.5 weeks

Ditto. I don't remember exact dates, but I was complete on 8/9 I think and was offered an II like 2 weeks later.

 

[PreMedBarbie]

I was complete on 9/17, how long does it take to hear back from school? I am really hoping for an interview call. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

+1 I was complete on 9/12 and I have also not heard anything either.

 

[1012526fs]

I wasn't trying to outsmart anyone during my interview. I was completely and unabashedly myself. I suppose I had mistakenly thought the purpose of a closed file interview was to get to know me. The answers I gave during my interview were a true reflection of who I am. I didn't give canned answers, I tried to give very honest answers and, unfortunately, I succeeded If I didn't know the answer to the question, I said I didn't know but I tried to reason through it...such as "where do you see yourself in 10 years" etc.

I don't mind detailing these points from my experience because I figure folks reading it and who have yet to interview can learn from my mistakes 🙂

Agree. You should always be yourself, otherwise you may find yourself accepted to a school you really don't like or rejected by a school you may fit well with.

Also, I agree with those that mentioned that LMU does not emphasize rural medicine or even family medicine. It's mission statement is focused on "service" being the cornerstone for humanity.

And if you remember what Janette said... if anyone ends up rejected after an interview, it is more than likely because they believed you would not fit well at DCOM, not because you're not a worthy applicant. So, for those of you about to interview, if you can truly see yourself there and being happy in a rural community for at least a couple of years, then it will likely show in your answers during the interview.

Good luck!

 

[ChineseKid]

I wasn't trying to outsmart anyone during my interview. I was completely and unabashedly myself. I suppose I had mistakenly thought the purpose of a closed file interview was to get to know me. The answers I gave during my interview were a true reflection of who I am. I didn't give canned answers, I tried to give very honest answers and, unfortunately, I succeeded If I didn't know the answer to the question, I said I didn't know but I tried to reason through it...such as "where do you see yourself in 10 years" etc.

I don't mind detailing these points from my experience because I figure folks reading it and who have yet to interview can learn from my mistakes 🙂

You succeeded? You got your acceptance? 😳
Congrats mate

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk 2

 

[chizledfrmstone]

You succeeded? You got your acceptance? 😳
Congrats mate

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk 2

Go through his post history and read a few more of his posts.

 

[Poit]

Is LMU regionally biased?

 

[SnoopyMD]

Is LMU regionally biased?

I think the standard answer on here, is no, they are not. They're a private school, so they have no reason to be.

 

[ChineseKid]

Go through his post history and read a few more of his posts.

Hmmm. Gl back5!

What's the general concensus on ethical questions such as medical pot/Mary? Is there a wrong answer?

Tia

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk 2

 

[CopToEM]

So that everyone realizes the distinction between DCOM's mission statement and the mission statement of other similar schools I wanted to point something out. DCOM's statement makes mention of enhanced health care access to underserved communities. In Janette's own words that underserved community could be in rural Kentucky or inner-city Los Angeles.

You don't have to convince the school that you're going to move to the east coast and be a farmer to get in here. You just have to show the school that you're a kind-hearted person, an advocate for the less fortunate, and that service to fellow man is a big part of who you are. Those are the things that are important in an applicant to DCOM and, in my opinion, important to being a good physician anywhere.

There is no right or wrong answer in an interview. It's not a quiz. The most successful applicants are those who don't just sit and shoot back answers to the questions. Instead, what you want is for the questions to guide your conversation. Your interviewer might not agree with your stance on an ethical issue and that's OK. What your interviewer wants to see is that you first have a stance, second that you're passionate about that stance and can have a discussion about it, and third that you're able to perhaps see and respect their alternative stance.

In my experience and the experience of many others the ethical portion of the interview plays such a small part. In fact, I didn't have a single ethical question. Others had several. It will depend greatly on who you get.

 

[wjs010]

So that everyone realizes the distinction between DCOM's mission statement and the mission statement of other similar schools I wanted to point something out. DCOM's statement makes mention of enhanced health care access to underserved communities. In Janette's own words that underserved community could be in rural Kentucky or inner-city Los Angeles.

You don't have to convince the school that you're going to move to the east coast and be a farmer to get in here. You just have to show the school that you're a kind-hearted person, an advocate for the less fortunate, and that service to fellow man is a big part of who you are. Those are the things that are important in an applicant to DCOM and, in my opinion, important to being a good physician anywhere.

There is no right or wrong answer in an interview. It's not a quiz. The most successful applicants are those who don't just sit and shoot back answers to the questions. Instead, what you want is for the questions to guide your conversation. Your interviewer might not agree with your stance on an ethical issue and that's OK. What your interviewer wants to see is that you first have a stance, second that you're passionate about that stance and can have a discussion about it, and third that you're able to perhaps see and respect their alternative stance.

In my experience and the experience of many others the ethical portion of the interview plays such a small part. In fact, I didn't have a single ethical question. Others had several. It will depend greatly on who you get.

This makes me feel better about the interview I have on oct 7. Thank you. I come from a small town and am interested in serving it, but I have no ties to Tennessee.

 

[SnoopyMD]

So that everyone realizes the distinction between DCOM's mission statement and the mission statement of other similar schools I wanted to point something out. DCOM's statement makes mention of enhanced health care access to underserved communities. In Janette's own words that underserved community could be in rural Kentucky or inner-city Los Angeles.

You don't have to convince the school that you're going to move to the east coast and be a farmer to get in here. You just have to show the school that you're a kind-hearted person, an advocate for the less fortunate, and that service to fellow man is a big part of who you are. Those are the things that are important in an applicant to DCOM and, in my opinion, important to being a good physician anywhere.

There is no right or wrong answer in an interview. It's not a quiz. The most successful applicants are those who don't just sit and shoot back answers to the questions. Instead, what you want is for the questions to guide your conversation. Your interviewer might not agree with your stance on an ethical issue and that's OK. What your interviewer wants to see is that you first have a stance, second that you're passionate about that stance and can have a discussion about it, and third that you're able to perhaps see and respect their alternative stance.

In my experience and the experience of many others the ethical portion of the interview plays such a small part. In fact, I didn't have a single ethical question. Others had several. It will depend greatly on who you get.

I agree with this post. I had an ethical question about alcoholism in a future colleague. It's not a right or wrong quiz, they just want to hear you reason through an answer and back it up.

 

[PreMedBarbie]

Just got the call!! II Oct 11 🙂

 

[DE15C]

Just got the call!! II Oct 11 🙂

Congratulations!
Hoping I get the same call soon.
Good luck with the interview.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

For financial reasons, I'm considering pushing my interview date from Oct. to Nov.

Does anyone know what days are available in November?

Also, do you guys think that this would have a negative impact on my chances for admission?

Thank you,

 

[ChineseKid]

IMO, Nov isnt too bad. However, it is a little borderline considering interview started in September.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

IMO, Nov isnt too bad. However, it is a little borderline considering interview started in September.

Well then, I'm just going to stick with the date I have now (Oct 14) and use my credit card to pay for the trip expenses.

 

[corpsman33]

Well then, I'm just going to stick with the date I have now (Oct 14) and use my credit card to pay for the trip expenses.

I really doubt changing the date from October to November will make any difference at all (except maybe the comfort of knowing you got in a month earlier). Last year they didn't even come close to filling their spots until February-April time frame. Everything before Christmas is wide-open if the past is any indication.

If you can come in October then keep the same date, but if it is going to be extra hard on your finances then call Janette. They are usually extremely good at working around people's schedules (they worked around my military schedule).

Good luck!

 

[Shinobiz11]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

 

[Jazzy G]

Has anyone else from the September 16th interview day heard back yet? They said we will know by Monday but I haven't received anything at all.

I was 9/13 and heard back... I think both days were discussed at the same time.

 

[kmich10]

Has anyone else from the September 16th interview day heard back yet? They said we will know by Monday but I haven't received anything at all.

Check your mail and call Robin and to if you can obtain your status.

 

[kmich10]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

Their average is, what, a 26? I would bring that up to a MINIMUM 23-24. Apply and find out for yourself but don't settle for an 18. You can do better! 👍

 

[CopToEM]

Well then, I'm just going to stick with the date I have now (Oct 14) and use my credit card to pay for the trip expenses.

There will have been 12 interview dates by the end of October. I have no idea what that would relate to in the number of acceptances. There are 6 dates in November between November 1st and November 18th.

It's rolling admissions so just by mathematics alone the further you push an interview back the less spots available. However, whether that really means anything when applied to an individual person is debatable.

Certainly don't go broke or rack up significant debt + interest to keep an October date if you'll be in better shape by November.

Also - so you know - there's a little known secret at many undergrad institutions. Emergency Loan Funds. If you're still enrolled go and talk to your financial aid office about options available to you to help on your medical school pursuit.

 

[TXKnight]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

.

 

[TXKnight]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

I don't know, but 18 is scary low. I would retake in a heart beat

 

[DE15C]

ok gang,
I have a question. My application has been complete for about 2 weeks, I logged on through the application page and noticed the date has changed for the time my app was "last modified"
Does that just mean that it was reviewed or possibly updated, or should I be expecting a rejection letter instead of an ii?
Or am I just growing paranoid?
Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

There will have been 12 interview dates by the end of October. I have no idea what that would relate to in the number of acceptances. There are 6 dates in November between November 1st and November 18th.

It's rolling admissions so just by mathematics alone the further you push an interview back the less spots available. However, whether that really means anything when applied to an individual person is debatable.

Certainly don't go broke or rack up significant debt + interest to keep an October date if you'll be in better shape by November.

Also - so you know - there's a little known secret at many undergrad institutions. Emergency Loan Funds. If you're still enrolled go and talk to your financial aid office about options available to you to help on your medical school pursuit.

Thank you sir for the generous response.

Luckily, I just opend a credit line with zero interest for a year. This will help me pay for the trip expenses and repay the money back without itnerests.

I will keep my origina date. I know many people would kill to have it, so I'm not going to be ungrateful and let go of it so easily.

I will be there on the 14th, if you happen to drop by, just say "Hello". I'll be the handsome guy

 

[lcollier7]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

Idk about an 18. I think Caribbean is the only place you might be able to have a sure shot at with that- if it were me I wouldn't chance the $300+ in applying this cycle rather I would retake the MCAT and bring your score up, it will give you more options to go to a school that wants you and a school that you want (which you won't really know for sure until your interview day) but that's just my thoughts! Good luck!

 

[chizledfrmstone]

For the professional experiences do we put all jobs or is that strictly for professional jobs like lawyer, nurse, PA... etc

 

[nuneyah]

Is there ANY way to check your letter statuses online? I want to know if I am complete.

This website https://admissions.lmunet.edu/DCOMAdmissions/pages/welcome.aspx doesn't tell me anything besides that I have submitted the secondary.

 

[jayoh]

Is there ANY way to check your letter statuses online? I want to know if I am complete.

This website https://admissions.lmunet.edu/DCOMAdmissions/pages/welcome.aspx doesn't tell me anything besides that I have submitted the secondary.

If it makes you feel any better, it took them about two weeks to send me e-mail confirmation that I was complete. I even called after about a week and they said that I would get an email confirmation when they've downloaded my app and everything.

 

[CopToEM]

For the professional experiences do we put all jobs or is that strictly for professional jobs like lawyer, nurse, PA... etc

Anything you've done to earn money best I can remember.

 

[stlrams22]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

Are you crazy???, don't waste your money applying with that score unless you have some major pull with the ADCOM committee at a particular school. 18 translates to approximately half correct in each section, if you can't improve that then you may struggle with the board exams.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Are there any Muslims who currently attend the school or applying for the class of 2018?

I'm a little concerned about the ability of performing the Friday prayer and the nearest mosque, to the best of my knowledge, is in Knoxville, 50 miles away.

 

[corpsman33]

Are there any Muslims who currently attend the school or applying for the class of 2018?

I'm a little concerned about the ability of performing the Friday prayer and the nearest mosque, to the best of my knowledge, is in Knoxville, 50 miles away.

Yes there are several Muslims and we even have a Muslim club. You won't be alone at all. Not sure about the mosque though.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Yes there are several Muslims and we even have a Muslim club. You won't be alone at all. Not sure about the mosque though.

Thank you.

 

[CopToEM]

Are there any Muslims who currently attend the school or applying for the class of 2018?

I'm a little concerned about the ability of performing the Friday prayer and the nearest mosque, to the best of my knowledge, is in Knoxville, 50 miles away.

I do believe the closest mosque is Knoxville. For a rural school I feel like we have a fairly large Muslim base. If you're accepted and have specific questions about this before accepting the seat private message me and I will connect you with a classmate.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I do believe the closest mosque is Knoxville. For a rural school I feel like we have a fairly large Muslim base. If you're accepted and have specific questions about this before accepting the seat private message me and I will connect you with a classmate.

Thank you sir.

You guys are awesome. Your hospitality makes me want to attend LMU so badly.

 

[PreMedBarbie]

To everyone who has interviewed:

What are some specific things we should prepare ourselves for? Anything specific we will want to brush up on before the interview or is it mostly pretty relaxed and about ourselves?

Interviewing in two weeks, nervous and trying to prepare!

 

[dagubananas]

18 MCAT, I still have a chance here right?

Yeah man give it a shot. I don't think a person is defined by their MCAT score.

 

[corpsman33]

Yeah man give it a shot. I don't think a person is defined by their MCAT score.

Is this the same banana?