LMU-DCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

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i guess im kind of out of the running at this school. i called them and asked about the status of my application and my file is not considered complete because they are not considering my pre medical advisors letter as a hard science lor(even though she is an advisorand one of the heads of the bio program at my school). i have a bio professor, music professor math professor and a pre med advisor letter as well as a letter from an MD and a DO. They said I need another hard science letter. I have emailed my biochem and inorganic chem professors from last year so they can hopefully write me one quickly but i don't think that i will get it in time( this was last week and still havent recieved an email back from them). i'm not giving up but i know this hurts my chances at lmu which is disapointing cause i like the school a lot. maybe its because they didn't like my app who knows. ill keep trying though
Does your pre med advisor teach bio, if she is the head of the program? I thought you just needed your advisor, a hard science, and a DO letter. I applied first time with my advisor, a bio prof, and DO. This past year I had the same advisor write a letter AGAIN, a physics prof, and a new DO letter. I don't see why there would be an issue here. PM with more details (the who what when where why) and maybe I can help more.

So, LMU-DCOM wants a letter from two different science profs?? As in, two subject areas of study??!!! Oh yikes. I graduated from college five years ago, and the only profs that are still around teaching any of the sciences (that I had) are all from the same department. Is this going to be a problem?! I hope not. Any advice?

This doesn't sound right to me unless they changed their policies- you'd have to double check on the website. As I said above, you should only need one hard science prof letter (with me, I ended up with two because my advisor was a hard science prof).

I did just look at the website though and it has the DO letter listed and then "pre medical advisor letter OR two hard science prof letters." I didn't have a pre med committee at my undergrad, so because my advisor was a hard science prof and the other prof covered me.

If all else fails, PLEASE email admissions and ask them about special circumstances. Don't assume it's a closed door. Of course be polite and over the top understanding of their busyness, but it can't hurt to ask!

Good luck everyone!
 
So, LMU-DCOM wants a letter from two different science profs?? As in, two subject areas of study??!!! Oh yikes. I graduated from college five years ago, and the only profs that are still around teaching any of the sciences (that I had) are all from the same department. Is this going to be a problem?! I hope not. Any advice?

Premedical committees would want at least two hard science letters for them to write their own evaluation, and would include those individual letters of recommendation in the packet they send to the schools. DCOM is just making sure you match the minimum they would get anyway.

Two different science professors does not mean they have to be from different subjects, just different persons.

I had the few years thing going. Just ask your professors, and be willing to write to ones who have moved away if you think they'll remember you or be beneficial.
 
Ok so just a random question...Can anyone tell me about the school system? I have young school aged children and wanted to know a little more about the school district and elementary schools.
Thanks
 
Withdrew from my interview today. Just couldn't see my family being happy there, and with the LECOM-E acceptance, I am comfortable giving up my slot.

Good luck to whomever steps into the November 1 interview spot! The school itself is great from everything I've heard, but I can't justify moving my family to Harrogate, Tenn. for at least four years.
 
Ok so just a random question...Can anyone tell me about the school system? I have young school aged children and wanted to know a little more about the school district and elementary schools.
Thanks

Sammy,

I will take this one. I have a two year old so maybe I can give a little info. I realize I dont actually have a child in the school system but i can help a little. There is a elementary school, middle school, and high school within 3-5 miles of DCOM. The elementary school is literally across the street, and if you have highly developed rotator cuff muscles you may be able to throw a rock from DCOM and hit a car in the parking lot. There is a private school associated with LMU but I am not sure if its for middle school or elementary school. You should be able to find info regarding that school on lmunet.edu. They mentioned it during orientation but the name escapes me...maybe I was sleeping 🙂. I havent actually seen the high school because its off of the main road here, but the other schools look to be decent at least from an external point of view. I havent heard anything particularly negative about the school systems unless you have special needs children. I have heard that getting assistance for children with special needs is difficult in TN as a whole. I hope this helps. If you have more questions just msg me.

Adam
 
Folks,

If anyone has any questions about DCOM feel free to msg me. I try to get on here during random study breaks. I love this school and I am glad that I turned down three other acceptances to come here. Any questions are welcome.

Adam
 
Sammy,

I will take this one. I have a two year old so maybe I can give a little info. I realize I dont actually have a child in the school system but i can help a little. There is a elementary school, middle school, and high school within 3-5 miles of DCOM. The elementary school is literally across the street, and if you have highly developed rotator cuff muscles you may be able to throw a rock from DCOM and hit a car in the parking lot. There is a private school associated with LMU but I am not sure if its for middle school or elementary school. You should be able to find info regarding that school on lmunet.edu. They mentioned it during orientation but the name escapes me...maybe I was sleeping 🙂. I havent actually seen the high school because its off of the main road here, but the other schools look to be decent at least from an external point of view. I havent heard anything particularly negative about the school systems unless you have special needs children. I have heard that getting assistance for children with special needs is difficult in TN as a whole. I hope this helps. If you have more questions just msg me.

Adam
I also haven't heard anything extreme regarding the school system here, good or bad. I don't think you'd be be making a bad decision to put your kids into the schools here. The elementary school is really close to my house and it's just your typical cute little school, nothing special but nothing to be concerned about either. Also, remember you have the advantage of choosing from the one in Middlesboro or Harrogate, so you could actually do some investigation for yourself and choose the best one for your kids.

The schools associated with the university seem to have a good rep. Adam, I think the school you were trying to name was J. Frank White Academy? There is a link of LMU's website for it under "Community and Visitors" or something like that.
 
Also, for those that follow this thread religiously (don't even try to deny it, I know you do!!)...
I regret to inform you that if you were interested in the student host program I spoke of before, I am not going to be able to start it at LMU-DCOM. I have been told some schools have issues with such programs and so DCOM is opting not to have one. I apologize sincerely if I got anyone's hopes up, but I am more than happy to meet up with anybody in town for an interview, say the night before or even after your interview to chat. I am a true cheerleader for this school and I definitely struggled to get here, so I'm happy to be your cheerleader too if you need one. Just let me know 🙂
 
I regret to inform you that if you were interested in the student host program I spoke of before, I am not going to be able to start it at LMU-DCOM. I have been told some schools have issues with such programs and so DCOM is opting not to have one.

That doesn't prevent students from individually providing a place for interviewees to stay, just that DCOM won't associate with it (so I wouldn't try sleeping over at the University Inn or Mars Apartments, which LMU owns). I can't offer anything myself, but don't be afraid to ask around. I enjoyed the two times I stayed with students before interviews at other schools.
 
Also, for those that follow this thread religiously (don't even try to deny it, I know you do!!)...
I regret to inform you that if you were interested in the student host program I spoke of before, I am not going to be able to start it at LMU-DCOM. I have been told some schools have issues with such programs and so DCOM is opting not to have one. I apologize sincerely if I got anyone's hopes up, but I am more than happy to meet up with anybody in town for an interview, say the night before or even after your interview to chat. I am a true cheerleader for this school and I definitely struggled to get here, so I'm happy to be your cheerleader too if you need one. Just let me know 🙂
Are you male or female? Just curious? No offence please.
 
I also haven't heard anything extreme regarding the school system here, good or bad. I don't think you'd be be making a bad decision to put your kids into the schools here. The elementary school is really close to my house and it's just your typical cute little school, nothing special but nothing to be concerned about either. Also, remember you have the advantage of choosing from the one in Middlesboro or Harrogate, so you could actually do some investigation for yourself and choose the best one for your kids.

The schools associated with the university seem to have a good rep. Adam, I think the school you were trying to name was J. Frank White Academy? There is a link of LMU's website for it under "Community and Visitors" or something like that.

Thank you both for the info. I really appreciate it.
 
Has anyone received an interview from LMU yet? If so, did you have your LOR sent in before receiving the invite? I just got their invitation to complete their secondary today (even though I've been working on it prior to the invite) but I won't be able to get all my letters sent out till I get my DO letter within the next couple weeks so I'm hoping that won't delay my application some. Would that potentially delay me getting an invite?
 
Has anyone received an interview from LMU yet? If so, did you have your LOR sent in before receiving the invite? I just got their invitation to complete their secondary today (even though I've been working on it prior to the invite) but I won't be able to get all my letters sent out till I get my DO letter within the next couple weeks so I'm hoping that won't delay my application some. Would that potentially delay me getting an invite?

1) Yes invites have been given.

2) You need your letters in to be complete and to be reviewed. Then the ADCOM will decide to offer you an interview.

3) Good luck. :luck:
 
Are most of you guys renting cars or taking shuttles to get from the airport to the LMU area.
 
Wouldn't we be at the pizza dinner? 😛
Wouldn't we be meeting up? I was a little behind on signing up for pizza night and all the slots technically filled up. I should almost definitely be at the one on Oct 3rd though because a girl I know is interviewing the next day.

That doesn't prevent students from individually providing a place for interviewees to stay, just that DCOM won't associate with it (so I wouldn't try sleeping over at the University Inn or Mars Apartments, which LMU owns). I can't offer anything myself, but don't be afraid to ask around. I enjoyed the two times I stayed with students before interviews at other schools.
Agreed. I have someone I know staying with me. I'm hesitant to take it any further than that though. 🙁

Are you male or female? Just curious? No offence please.
Definitely female. And no offense taken 🙂 You have to ask around here sometimes!


Thank you both for the info. I really appreciate it.
No problem...feel free to shoot any other questions my way and if I don't know the answer, I'll try to find it out for you!

Are most of you guys renting cars or taking shuttles to get from the airport to the LMU area.
I think most people rent a car from what I hear.
 
Wouldn't we be meeting up? I was a little behind on signing up for pizza night and all the slots technically filled up. I should almost definitely be at the one on Oct 3rd though because a girl I know is interviewing the next day.

Oh, you can go to any pizza night. Everyone's on their own anyway; it's not like SGA or SOMA pays for it. The signup sheets make sure students will be there.
 
Good luck to everyone applying to LMU-DCOM this application cycle! You guys are applying to an amazing school!!
 
I'm coming out on Oct. 4 for an interview and this has to be my top choice by far and really do love the area. I'm from a big city and well small town change would be great especially for the studying. I was wondering if you have any advice on the interview and maybe what questions they asked? Also, what would be a good response to: "Why do you want to be a doctor?" without saying I just want to help since that is majority of the answers. Thanks
 
How does one go about updating their MCAT scores AFTER they have submitted their secondary application? I just got my new scores, and while it did not improve as much as I wanted, it did go up by 6 points to a 29.🙂
 
I'd say update your AACOMAS and also call or mail the schools you want to update
 
Any students at LMU willing to help a new member to SDN and become more aware as to what is expected for the interview at LMU. I will be coming out on Oct. 4th and really excited about it and it's my very first one. I was wondering if there was any advice that any of the DCOM students are willing to give and if they remember what questions were asked in there interview? Also, does anyone know how to answer the question: Why do you want to be a doctor? without saying I just want to help people?
 
Any students at LMU willing to help a new member to SDN and become more aware as to what is expected for the interview at LMU. I will be coming out on Oct. 4th and really excited about it and it's my very first one. I was wondering if there was any advice that any of the DCOM students are willing to give and if they remember what questions were asked in there interview? Also, does anyone know how to answer the question: Why do you want to be a doctor? without saying I just want to help people?

At the top of the page you will find a tab called interview feedback. In that feedback page, you can find LMU-DCOM and see all of the questions asked at interview in recent years.

To answer the "Why a doctor?" question, you will have to think of something sincere that artfully essentially says you want to help people. There are millions of ways of saying that without saying those words.
 
Any students at LMU willing to help a new member to SDN and become more aware as to what is expected for the interview at LMU. I will be coming out on Oct. 4th and really excited about it and it's my very first one. I was wondering if there was any advice that any of the DCOM students are willing to give and if they remember what questions were asked in there interview? Also, does anyone know how to answer the question: Why do you want to be a doctor? without saying I just want to help people?
 
Any students at LMU willing to help a new member to SDN and become more aware as to what is expected for the interview at LMU. I will be coming out on Oct. 4th and really excited about it and it's my very first one. I was wondering if there was any advice that any of the DCOM students are willing to give and if they remember what questions were asked in there interview? Also, does anyone know how to answer the question: Why do you want to be a doctor? without saying I just want to help people?

Question answered above.
 
Thank you for your help...it was definitely helpful...guess I'm just excited and ready to make that impression...I visited the school back in late April and was quite impress with the school and all they had to offer...I'm just ready to start. My interview is on the first day of interviews...any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.
 
Yeah, I'm definitely not an LMU student, but I will be interviewing there, too. I'm quite excited about it as well. I've heard nothing but great things about the school. I'd love to go there. The best advice I've found is to read the interview feedback because it gives us the best idea of what questions have been, and will be asked, at the interview. The College Information Book page on LMU-DCOM on the AACOM website will provide information about how the interview is conducted.
 
That's awesome! When is your interview date? I looked at the interview feedback and liked it but didn't really find the typical questions that were asked or might be asked? Maybe I'm just missing it...I'll take a peek at it again and see what happens!
 
How long does it take them to notify you about an interview once your application is complete?
 
How long does it take them to notify you about an interview once your application is complete?

May depend on what they already have filled up, and how competitive one's application is, but:

I heard back within a week or 2.

A friend had the same timeline.

They were super fast, at least last year.

Keep 'em crossed :xf:
 
wow so I called and discussed my lor's again, explaining that my advisor letter is one of the heads of the bio department and also teaches at my university. I asked if that made a difference etc. and megan said it absolutely does! she pulled up my file and I am now COMPLETE!!!!(as of this past thursday!) I am so happy. This is by far my number one choice. I also got my new mcat score back and I am a little dissapointed at how much I improved although I did improve and my new score is way more balanced so I am happy about that. I really hope I get into this school! I keep checking my email and rereading the secondary essays I sent here, hoping there good enough etc. Hopefulled I get an interview! btw thanks grace for straightening things out for me. explaining that I should be considered complete etc.

I feel like a giddy 8 yo kid lol
 
That's awesome! When is your interview date? I looked at the interview feedback and liked it but didn't really find the typical questions that were asked or might be asked? Maybe I'm just missing it...I'll take a peek at it again and see what happens!

Did you look under the questions tab at the bottom?
 
Are most of you guys renting cars or taking shuttles to get from the airport to the LMU area.

As far as I know, there are no shuttles. It is about an hour from Knoxville, so a taxi is not a good idea in terms of price!!
 
You're welcome for the help! If I learned one lesson during my TWO years of applying, it was definitely that you should ALWAYS double check these things rather than sit back and assume you're screwed. With the number of applications they get at these schools, it's so easy for them to unintentionally overlook certain things. Glad it all worked out for you!!
wow so I called and discussed my lor's again, explaining that my advisor letter is one of the heads of the bio department and also teaches at my university. I asked if that made a difference etc. and megan said it absolutely does! she pulled up my file and I am now COMPLETE!!!!(as of this past thursday!) I am so happy. This is by far my number one choice. I also got my new mcat score back and I am a little dissapointed at how much I improved although I did improve and my new score is way more balanced so I am happy about that. I really hope I get into this school! I keep checking my email and rereading the secondary essays I sent here, hoping there good enough etc. Hopefulled I get an interview! btw thanks grace for straightening things out for me. explaining that I should be considered complete etc.

I feel like a giddy 8 yo kid lol
 
I'll be coming outfor an interview and can't wait to get there...I'm really excited...I just want to impress them enough to accept me as this is my first choice for school...I love the area and what the school has to offer...just out of curiosity does anyone have any idea on what are good questions to ask the interviewers? THanks for the input
 
I'll be coming outfor an interview and can't wait to get there...I'm really excited...I just want to impress them enough to accept me as this is my first choice for school...I love the area and what the school has to offer...just out of curiosity does anyone have any idea on what are good questions to ask the interviewers? THanks for the input

All the best. What is your interview date?
 
How long has it taken people to receive interview invites until their application is complete??
 
I guess I'm going to withdraw from DCOM since I have 2 other acceptances, so my Oct 18 interview date should be opening up today if anyone wanted to try to get it.

Good luck to everyone! DCOM looks like a great school, but I think the other schools location's will be better for my family.
 
My interview was set for this Monday, Oct 4th... But I withdrew from it today after an acceptance at AZCOM! Hope it is not too late to go to someone that is from the area! If you are from the area maybe you should send an interest letter today and they may give it to you! I have heard of this happening before. 🙂
 
Another withdrew for Oct 4th, I wish I can attend two schools at once I really love this school but I will go with MSU cuz its 7 miles away from my house. Good luck people..
 
Dang, congrats on the acceptances guys, but now there might not be anybody left to interview with me on Monday! haha

I'm reallllly realllly getting excited about visiting DCOM. Becoming a physician has never felt more attainable to me than it does right now! I just hope I don't get too nervous! :xf:
 
Best advice for your interview:

BE YOURSELF!!! DCOM has an amazing faculty with years of experience. They want you to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the interview so that they can simply get to know you to make sure that you "fit" with our school. While it is good to practice some general questions...DO NOT memorize your answers...they will be able to see through this fairly quickly and it will throw you off during the interview if you get a question you were not expecting.

For my interview I thought seriously about what I had accomplished and why I wanted to practice medicine...especially osteopathic medicine at DCOM. Also...please make sure you do want to be a D.O. and not an M.D. What helped me was reading a couple of books on Osteopathic Medicine and A.T. Still---nothing too in-depth just making sure you are confident about why osteopathic medicine is the route for you.

Some of the questions I can remember were:
1. Tell us about yourself
2. Describe a typical day of yours
3. What question haven't we asked you that you think we should have asked you
4. Most difficult class--most enjoyable class

Lastly, just want to throw out a general GOOD LUCK to everyone!!!:luck:

This is an amazing school and each day I am so happy I chose to go here. Athough it is in a rural area, it really helps with the studying and will offer you a unique perspective for applying to residency. Not too many med. students can say that they went to the most technologically advanced med. school located in one of the most underserved areas of our country 🙂
 
I would have to agree with the above....

As far as the school goes, its amazing. I interviewed here first (on a Tuesday) and heard the following Monday. I interviewed at one other DO school (WVCOM) and got in there as well. I canceled two other interviews, as I was sure the DCOM was the right place.

As far as the interview, I was nervous before hand; my future as a physician was at stake. But I will say one thing, there is NO NEED to be worried. It was more of a "get to know you" conversation, not an interview. I was asked about what I liked to do for fun, if I played music, etc...I was also asked the standard "why do you want to be a Dr?" But as mentioned before, don't try to memorize an answer that you think they want to hear, they interviewers see right through this. Just relax, tell them about yourself, and be honest.

Of course, there are a few things I see wrong with the school, but you will have that anywhere. Theses things are more of annoyances than things that are bad about the school. For example, sometimes.... SOMETIMES, the internet sucks. No other way to explain it. Its mainly in the morning when people are downloading lectures, or at night when people are watching lectures online. Other than that, there is a little bit of non communication within certain departments, but none of these items are anything that would keep me away. Like I said, they are more of annoyances than problems.

I would reccomend this school to anyone. LMU-DCOM is awesome, the teachers are of the highest quality and notable in their fields. I feel lucky to be part of such an amazing institution and only see the school getting better than it already is in the near future.

Good luck to all applying and to those who already have interviews.
I know we all look forward to meeting our future classmates and colleagues.

Any questions, please let me know. I will be honest. Ask whatever you want. I know I had questions that I did not know if they appropriate or not. I am here to let you know, I will answer any of those. It is important to have an understanding of what you are about to get yourself into.

Private message me if you want to know anything.

Again,

Good luck. Stay positive.
 
Best advice for your interview:

BE YOURSELF!!! DCOM has an amazing faculty with years of experience. They want you to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the interview so that they can simply get to know you to make sure that you "fit" with our school. While it is good to practice some general questions...DO NOT memorize your answers...they will be able to see through this fairly quickly and it will throw you off during the interview if you get a question you were not expecting.

For my interview I thought seriously about what I had accomplished and why I wanted to practice medicine...especially osteopathic medicine at DCOM. Also...please make sure you do want to be a D.O. and not an M.D. What helped me was reading a couple of books on Osteopathic Medicine and A.T. Still---nothing too in-depth just making sure you are confident about why osteopathic medicine is the route for you.


Some of the questions I can remember were:
1. Tell us about yourself
2. Describe a typical day of yours
3. What question haven't we asked you that you think we should have asked you
4. Most difficult class--most enjoyable class

Lastly, just want to throw out a general GOOD LUCK to everyone!!!:luck:

This is an amazing school and each day I am so happy I chose to go here. Athough it is in a rural area, it really helps with the studying and will offer you a unique perspective for applying to residency. Not too many med. students can say that they went to the most technologically advanced med. school located in one of the most underserved areas of our country 🙂


I would have to agree with the above....

As far as the school goes, its amazing. I interviewed here first (on a Tuesday) and heard the following Monday. I interviewed at one other DO school (WVCOM) and got in there as well. I canceled two other interviews, as I was sure the DCOM was the right place.

As far as the interview, I was nervous before hand; my future as a physician was at stake. But I will say one thing, there is NO NEED to be worried. It was more of a "get to know you" conversation, not an interview. I was asked about what I liked to do for fun, if I played music, etc...I was also asked the standard "why do you want to be a Dr?" But as mentioned before, don't try to memorize an answer that you think they want to hear, they interviewers see right through this. Just relax, tell them about yourself, and be honest.

Of course, there are a few things I see wrong with the school, but you will have that anywhere. Theses things are more of annoyances than things that are bad about the school. For example, sometimes.... SOMETIMES, the internet sucks. No other way to explain it. Its mainly in the morning when people are downloading lectures, or at night when people are watching lectures online. Other than that, there is a little bit of non communication within certain departments, but none of these items are anything that would keep me away. Like I said, they are more of annoyances than problems.

I would reccomend this school to anyone. LMU-DCOM is awesome, the teachers are of the highest quality and notable in their fields. I feel lucky to be part of such an amazing institution and only see the school getting better than it already is in the near future.

Good luck to all applying and to those who already have interviews.
I know we all look forward to meeting our future classmates and colleagues.

Any questions, please let me know. I will be honest. Ask whatever you want. I know I had questions that I did not know if they appropriate or not. I am here to let you know, I will answer any of those. It is important to have an understanding of what you are about to get yourself into.

Private message me if you want to know anything.

Again,

Good luck. Stay positive.

Wow! Thank you both! Seriously, DCOM's best advertisement is their current students. Everyone's love for the school really has made DCOM my top choice. I really can't wait to get up there and see what it's all about!

And thanks for the tips with the interview. I'm trying not to over prepare for the questions, but it's hard not to! lol. I honestly just can't wait to meet the faculty and see how well I would fit in there.

Oh and also, another very serious question for the current students: What's the intramural situation over there? haha believe it or not, this is a big deal to me. I think playing sports will be the only way I can relieve stress and keep sane during med school.
 
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Wow! Thank you both! Seriously, DCOM's best advertisement is their current students. Everyone's love for the school really has made DCOM my top choice. I really can't wait to get up there and see what it's all about!

And thanks for the tips with the interview. I'm trying not to over prepare for the questions, but it's hard not to! lol. I honestly just can't wait to meet the faculty and see how well I would fit in there.

Oh and also, another very serious question for the current students: What's the intramural situation over there? haha believe it or not, this is a big deal to me. I think playing sports will be the only way I can relieve stress and keep sane during med school.

+1, also if someone could comment on they athletic facilities that are available, like basketball courts, tennis, etc...
 
I'd also like to hear about rotation locations as well.

I know everyone says DCOM has so much new technology...Can you highlight a few things?
 
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