Looking for specific info. on OUCOM's PBL/PCC...

[Punchap]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi,
I am seriously considering attending OUCOM; however, I couldn't find some information on their website/catalog..perhaps someone here could help me out.

1. I understand that only 25% of the class can choose the PCC/PBL route, does this make it really competitive to get into? What is the application process like for that?

2. Does the PCC pathway operate on a pass/fail or numerical grading system?

3. Are the students in the program comparatively happier or more stressed than those in the other pathway? <--I know this one's a judgment call.

I appreciate any advice you can offer...thanks.

-Mandy

 

[DORoe]

1. Competetiveness is different from year to year. It really depends on how many people decide that they want to apply. There are usually like 21 or so spots. The application process is basically an extra essay where you talk about why you want to be in the PCC and any experience that you have had with this type of learning.
2. Both curricula are pass/fail. 70% being pass.
3. Happiness is again a relative term. I think that we are a pretty happy bunch of people. It all depends on if the learning style is right for you. I love the PCC. I am challenged to push myself everyday and am surrounded by a bunch of really great people. We are very helpful and supportive of one another and there is very little is any competition. This is because your knowledge is constructed by the combination of what you bring to the table and what everyone else brings. What I mean is that you might understand one aspect of a subject better while another person has some insight into another aspect of the same subject. Your discussions allow each of you to have that "AHA" moment where it all comes together. With that being said it is possible to be very unhappy with the PCC. If you don't enjoy the search for information you will be unhappy, if you don't like your group you will be unhappy (although this only lasts about 10 weeks), and if you aren't willing to put the time in you will be very unhappy when you don't pass boards.

My advice is that if you are thinking about the PCC you should go ahead and apply. An acceptence is not an absolute determination and if you decide that you do not wish to be in the program then you can turn it down.

 

[Punchap]

1. Competetiveness is different from year to year. It really depends on how many people decide that they want to apply. There are usually like 21 or so spots. The application process is basically an extra essay where you talk about why you want to be in the PCC and any experience that you have had with this type of learning.
2. Both curricula are pass/fail. 70% being pass.
3. Happiness is again a relative term. I think that we are a pretty happy bunch of people. It all depends on if the learning style is right for you. I love the PCC. I am challenged to push myself everyday and am surrounded by a bunch of really great people. We are very helpful and supportive of one another and there is very little is any competition. This is because your knowledge is constructed by the combination of what you bring to the table and what everyone else brings. What I mean is that you might understand one aspect of a subject better while another person has some insight into another aspect of the same subject. Your discussions allow each of you to have that "AHA" moment where it all comes together. With that being said it is possible to be very unhappy with the PCC. If you don't enjoy the search for information you will be unhappy, if you don't like your group you will be unhappy (although this only lasts about 10 weeks), and if you aren't willing to put the time in you will be very unhappy when you don't pass boards.

My advice is that if you are thinking about the PCC you should go ahead and apply. An acceptence is not an absolute determination and if you decide that you do not wish to be in the program then you can turn it down.

Thanks for your response. The more I hear about it (from you and others), the more I think I want to do it. I heard from someone who applied to OU that they accept mainly non-traditional students for the PCC program, is this true? And if so, is that mainly b/c nontrad. students are accustomed to working as self-motivators? I'm just curious to know what sort of mix there is in your group and others? I appreciate your advice.

-Mandy

 

[DORoe]

Thanks for your response. The more I hear about it (from you and others), the more I think I want to do it. I heard from someone who applied to OU that they accept mainly non-traditional students for the PCC program, is this true? And if so, is that mainly b/c nontrad. students are accustomed to working as self-motivators? I'm just curious to know what sort of mix there is in your group and others? I appreciate your advice.

-Mandy

While the PCC may be more attractive for non-trads it is not composed mainly of non-trads. The breakdown in my class seems to be about 25% non-trads (i.e. people doing medicine as a second career). I would say that this is an even lower number in the current 1st year class although I haven't had the opportunity to really talk to all of them. I would say that the age range for my class is 23-34. The PCC is just better designed for those that have families. Less class time = more family time. I would say that there are more married folk in the PCC than the CPC. I think married people come in around 50%. I don't really think that there is something about non-trads that make them better at self-motivation I just think that because of their living situation the PCC is more attractive.