Major Dilemma!

[freakedout06]

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😱 I just got accepted to TUCOM-CA a couple of days ago and they said they need a decision with a deposit by next week. But, I just got an interview invite to Western U in late Feb. I've heard good things about Western and really wanted to check it out before making any major decisions. Anybody have any opinions about choosing one over the other. Do you think that my chances of getting into Western with an interview in Feb. are bad? I've been getting accpetances at the schools I've interviewed with, so I think my application is fine. I just don't know if it's a good idea to decline the TUCOM acceptance, and then find in Feb. that I don't like Western at all, or even if I do, find out that I don't get in. Then I'm left with nothing. The pressure!!

Anybody have any advice? I'd really appreciate it!

 

[LastDance]

Maybe try getting an extension at TUCOM-CA... if that doesnt work, then i say go ahead and pay the deposit. This is tooo big a thing to let it slip away. once you become a doctor, you can always earn back the money. For now, i say pay the deposit. Also, how many other acceptances do you have? If TUCOM-CA is your #1 or #2 choice definately pay the deposit and hold your seat. Well good luck!!!

 

[theraball]

I can tell you from experience that TUCOM-MI does not cut people any slack on the deposit. It's $2000, due in 14 days, take it or leave it.

I would advise you to pay the deposit. In the grand scheme of things, it's a drop in the bucket.

 

[TerpDO]

for those who were lucky enough to have more than one acceptance at the same time there is the luxury of choosing which schools to send a deposit, but if you only have one and there is a chance of having zero by not sending a deposit then this is a no brainer. You don't want to live the rest of your life as the guy who "could've gone to med-school..." Best of luck coming up with the deposit money!

 

[clement]

I'm with these guys! (and kind of in your boat as well! as far as Touro goes and my faint hopes for the harlem school)...Pay the deposit! Yes, it's hefty but in the end, I also figure our debt is so great that $2K won't make a big difference...Unless you want to get into Touro-Harlem and end up paying another $3K!!!!! Oh well, money gone toward academia!

I didn't have the impression they were going to be lax about extensions for the deposit either, which makes sense because it complicates the process for them...Touro-NV on the other hand, has been known to be lax about the timing of the deposit payment.
It would be too big of a risk for me not to pay the deposit without a solid acceptance from the "other school" I might consider, so I will.

PS: Don't know your stats, but my personal experience with Western is that they are quite "numbers friendly," and probably so because of their SoCal location/popularity/because-they-can. Though on the upside, last year their seats were only 2/3 full in March I believe, so they extend the process quite a bit.

PS2: Anyone know the "etiquette" for paying the deposit and then what if you decide not to go? You write them a letter or something?

 

[freakedout06]

Maybe try getting an extension at TUCOM-CA... if that doesnt work, then i say go ahead and pay the deposit. This is tooo big a thing to let it slip away. once you become a doctor, you can always earn back the money. For now, i say pay the deposit. Also, how many other acceptances do you have?

Well, sounds like everyone is saying to pay the 2K deposit. It's just a lot of money for me, that could potentially be thrown away if I decide not to go.

I know this sounds like a bad idea, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about just taking my chances that I'll like Western and I'll get in.

 

[Cat48100]

Well, sounds like everyone is saying to pay the 2K deposit. It's just a lot of money for me, that could potentially be thrown away if I decide not to go.

I know this sounds like a bad idea, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about just taking my chances that I'll like Western and I'll get in.

Ok say you take a risk and you decide not to pay the deposit, what happens if Western decides to waitlist or not offer you an acceptance at all? You would then be back right where you started. Remember that just because you have an interview, doesn't mean you are going to get an acceptance. 2K may be a lot of money now, but once you become a doctor, it wont be. You need to look at the grand scheme of things as opposed to what's happening in the present. Good luck!

 

[clement]

Ok say you take a risk and you decide not to pay the deposit, what happens if Western decides to waitlist or not offer you an acceptance at all? You would then be back right where you started. Remember that just because you have an interview, doesn't mean you are going to get an acceptance. 2K may be a lot of money now, but once you become a doctor, it wont be. You need to look at the grand scheme of things as opposed to what's happening in the present. Good luck!

Another thing to keep in mind while weighing out the factors is that it is very circumstantial...I.e. if you're an older student or re-applicant, I personally wouldn't think twice about the deposit, unless you have a solid "plan B."

Further, from my own experience, while an interview DOES mean that they are very interested in you and they just want to make sure you're not a freak of some sort, timing is absolutely KEY. Depending on how a school allocates its timeline for waitlisting, I was told directly by an admissions director that it is not uncommon, at some point in the season, for schools to interview people with the specific intent of waitlisting them (regardless of how well you do). While it may seem unethical, most would never admit it...

Again, I recall, March of last year was 2/3 full in the ball-game...My sense is that with Western, it's not so much that they are running out of space during that time, it's that it gets numerically more competitive. I also got the impression they get a higher than avg quantity of MD applicants who apply to DO school as a back-up (again, due to location), which explains the trend in the spring. Though in your case, if you applied a while ago and they are just now contacting you, your numbers are OK for them. Generally speaking, they like 9's across the board and they focus on your sci gpa being close to or ABOVE their avg. If that's the case, I might risk it.

I keep driving myself crazy with things like, I could have bought a much-needed laptop with that money!

Though keep in mind, the problem with the prospect of being waitlisted is that it can happen...At any time. This is indeed a risky position to be in because the odds at stake involve THE most subjective aspect of this whole process (the interview). At one school, I thought my interview went well-and I got waitlisted...At another school, I thought my interview went bad bad bad, and I got accepted. I know my acceptance gave me a huge boost in confidence...I think one definitely has more control over the outcome of how your extras and stats influence the process then say, the mere risk that your interviewer is irritated and unforgiving that particular day.
Anyway, Western is a great school and pretty popular school. Try speaking to Gloria in the admissions office. She's very straight-forward on the process if you explain your situation (and no, she doesn't have to be your alphabetically-assigned counselor and you could even do it anonymously).

 

[DoctorMom78]

Well, sounds like everyone is saying to pay the 2K deposit. It's just a lot of money for me, that could potentially be thrown away if I decide not to go.

I know this sounds like a bad idea, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about just taking my chances that I'll like Western and I'll get in.

I have to be honest with you. I think that you are absolutely insane if you turn down an acceptance without already having another one; that is unless you absolutely hate this school and would rather not go to medical school than attend TUCOM-CA. How do you know that you would even like Western once you looked at it? Maybe you would prefer the other school anyway. Trust me and everyone else, send it in and take the risk of losing the money. I know it is a lot of money, but in the overall scheme of things it is really not that much and a wise investment in your future.😀

 

[musiclink213]

I have to be honest with you. I think that you are absolutely insane if you turn down an acceptance without already having another one; that is unless you absolutely hate this school and would rather not go to medical school than attend TUCOM-CA. How do you know that you would even like Western once you looked at it? Maybe you would prefer the other school anyway. Trust me and everyone else, send it in and take the risk of losing the money. I know it is a lot of money, but in the overall scheme of things it is really not that much and a wise investment in your future.😀

I'm gonna agree with that. Unless you really hated TUCOM-CA and would rather not do aynthing than go there, fine. But why take chances? Also, you may wind up not liking Western. I've spoken to a bunch of people along the interview trail who applied to Western, and ran into quite a few who more than a little put off by the school. So it's so much better to just have something, just in case.

 

[czanetti]

How much cheaper is TUCOM than Western? You can save 7,000 a year on tuition alone. In the end thats around 28 thousand plus interest that you would be saving by going to TUCOM on tuition alone. I would weigh that in.

 

[MaximusD]

also a major part of my decision between WVSOM and CCOM.

7k per year difference...

I got an extension for a week for WVSOM and thank God... I got an acceptance to CCOM in the meantime. Now the purse strings will be a little looser for xmas 🙂 I am sure that WVSOM's office hates me now, but 2k is a lot of money so I don't feel bad for them 😉

I still loved the area though and my regret is that I do think that I will miss the small-town feel in Chicago, but there are other factors such as culture, nightlife, and of course clinical opportunites that make CCOM a far better choice.

 

[rgerwin]

LOL. Downers Grove isn't chicago. There is very little nightlife and culture. It's a sweet, safe town with excellent malls, decent food, good schools, and lots of nature. I know, I grew up there. 21 years of experience. Of course, that's not during clinicals.

also a major part of my decision between WVSOM and CCOM.

7k per year difference...

I got an extension for a week for WVSOM and thank God... I got an acceptance to CCOM in the meantime. Now the purse strings will be a little looser for xmas 🙂 I am sure that WVSOM's office hates me now, but 2k is a lot of money so I don't feel bad for them 😉

I still loved the area though and my regret is that I do think that I will miss the small-town feel in Chicago, but there are other factors such as culture, nightlife, and of course clinical opportunites that make CCOM a far better choice.

 

[Dr.HessD.O.]

LOL. Downers Grove isn't chicago. There is very little nightlife and culture. It's a sweet, safe town with excellent malls, decent food, good schools, and lots of nature. I know, I grew up there. 21 years of experience. Of course, that's not during clinicals.

.

 

[MaximusD]

LOL. Downers Grove isn't chicago. There is very little nightlife and culture. It's a sweet, safe town with excellent malls, decent food, good schools, and lots of nature. I know, I grew up there. 21 years of experience. Of course, that's not during clinicals.

As compared to Lewisburg, WV? You've gotta be insane.

I grew up in rural/suburban PA and I like the feel of Downer's Grove. There was no Circuit City in Lewisburg... When I got off at the ramp for Downer's Grove that was the first thing I saw. There was no contest after that.

(just kidding!)

CCOM just seemed like a better atmosphere with all of the students from the other health fields... It had a great atmosphere at least at first glance. WV felt warm but isolated.

 

[rgerwin]

I wasn't comparing, just making a point that DG isn't chicago. Just like Old Westbury, NY isn't NYC.

 

[freakedout06]

I'm gonna agree with that. Unless you really hated TUCOM-CA and would rather not do aynthing than go there, fine. But why take chances? Also, you may wind up not liking Western. I've spoken to a bunch of people along the interview trail who applied to Western, and ran into quite a few who more than a little put off by the school. So it's so much better to just have something, just in case.

Does anybody else have any opinions of what the pros and cons are of Western, if you visited the school? Or if you know anyone who has?

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I wasn't comparing, just making a point that DG isn't chicago. Just like Old Westbury, NY isn't NYC.

I'd say those are both positive points for their respective cities (Downer's Grove and Old Westbury).

 

[tigre21]

you'll also have to wait at least 2-3 weeks for them to get back to you with a decision. Which makes it that much longer than just the Feb interview date. It sucks to lose 2K but it would suck more to have to spend that amount to reapply if u hated western or you didn't fit the bill for them....

 

[Dr.Detroit]

Does anybody else have any opinions of what the pros and cons are of Western, if you visited the school? Or if you know anyone who has?

I interviewed there.

Cons = tuition, exorbitant acceptance deposit

Can't really comment on academics, though their integrated curriculum is attractive. The facilities are a lot nicer than what its goofy website/promotional materials portray them to be. Their clinical rotation sites, though spread out a little bit, seem solid (better than many DO schools that I've researched). I think that the school is definitely worth a visit--don't you want to have at least two schools to compare?

If you go, I'd recommend staying at the Shilo Inn. This hotel was clean, comfortable and inexpensive. Their shuttle service is incredible (they take you to/from airport and to/from the school).

Good luck!

 

[BklynWill]

a bird in the hand...

 

[LastDance]

... is better than two in the bush!!

 

[tkdrifto]

Does anybody else have any opinions of what the pros and cons are of Western, if you visited the school? Or if you know anyone who has?

Some people may have different experiences from mine, but here is my two cents:

I went to visit Western two years ago and last year. I also visited TUCOM-MI two weeks ago.

Pros about Western:
-So-Cal, it's close to anything. Beaches are within 45 minute drives, though you won't be doing much of that during your studies.
-Solid program, and trying to incorporate PBL as much as possible.
-Good vibes from the students. From what they said, everybody seems happy here.
-Strong student/community involvement.
Cons:
-Surrounding community of downtown Pomona might seem a little unsafe, especially at night. (there are cities like Covina, Claremont, Pasadena, Upland, Chino Hills within minutes of the campus that are safer if you are looking for a safer, quieter place to live.)
-Tuition is $7k higher per year.
-There is a train that passes by the school. (yes, I've seen it several times pass by, even when I commuted in the area before.)
-Cal costs of living. Average rent for a 1 bdrm apt. can go up to $1150/month.

Pros about TUCOM-MI:
-No-cal, it's not SF. It is in the east bay, therefore, you're close enough to things so that you can go to a nearby city if you need to. Yet, you're far away not to be distracted from your studies.
-Solid program and also trying to incorporate PBL into their program.
-DO/MPH program, sounds very promising.
-Free Parking (last time you probably seen this was in a monopoly gameboard)

Cons:
-SF costs of living. Much higher. Also if you plan to live in SF, please plan to spend $6 a day on your daily commute. If you forget something at home, good luck, you may be spending $12 a day.
-Military Base feel; there is a lot of construction on the campus...so allow extra time to travel to campus.
-The markerboard seem kinda small especially from the back of the lecturehall. (Note-my eyesight is bad)

I can't say much about the student body of TUCOM-MI during my visit since it was their "block week." I didn't have much interaction aside from the student tour guide showing us around.

Dr. Haight from TUCOM-MI put it best: "If you're trying to find differences between medical programs, you'll only find that the difference is nominal. Find a program (school) that you'll be happy in attending. Either way, the school will not determine whether you will be a great doctor. That's up to you."

Good luck to you and happy holidays.

 

[freakedout06]

Some people may have different experiences from mine, but here is my two cents:

I went to visit Western two years ago and last year. I also visited TUCOM-MI two weeks ago.

Pros about Western:
-So-Cal, it's close to anything. Beaches are within 45 minute drives, though you won't be doing much of that during your studies.
-Solid program, and trying to incorporate PBL as much as possible.
-Good vibes from the students. From what they said, everybody seems happy here.
-Strong student/community involvement.
Cons:
-Surrounding community of downtown Pomona might seem a little unsafe, especially at night. (there are cities like Covina, Claremont, Pasadena, Upland, Chino Hills within minutes of the campus that are safer if you are looking for a safer, quieter place to live.)
-Tuition is $7k higher per year.
-There is a train that passes by the school. (yes, I've seen it several times pass by, even when I commuted in the area before.)
-Cal costs of living. Average rent for a 1 bdrm apt. can go up to $1150/month.

Pros about TUCOM-MI:
-No-cal, it's not SF. It is in the east bay, therefore, you're close enough to things so that you can go to a nearby city if you need to. Yet, you're far away not to be distracted from your studies.
-Solid program and also trying to incorporate PBL into their program.
-DO/MPH program, sounds very promising.
-Free Parking (last time you probably seen this was in a monopoly gameboard)

Cons:
-SF costs of living. Much higher. Also if you plan to live in SF, please plan to spend $6 a day on your daily commute. If you forget something at home, good luck, you may be spending $12 a day.
-Military Base feel; there is a lot of construction on the campus...so allow extra time to travel to campus.
-The markerboard seem kinda small especially from the back of the lecturehall. (Note-my eyesight is bad)

I can't say much about the student body of TUCOM-MI during my visit since it was their "block week." I didn't have much interaction aside from the student tour guide showing us around.

Dr. Haight from TUCOM-MI put it best: "If you're trying to find differences between medical programs, you'll only find that the difference is nominal. Find a program (school) that you'll be happy in attending. Either way, the school will not determine whether you will be a great doctor. That's up to you."

Good luck to you and happy holidays.

Thanks a lot for the breakdown on the schools. I'm hearing a lot of what you said about how the immediate area of Western seems unsafe, but I can probably look beyond that since there are plenty of places to live other than downtown Pomona. Did you get to see the library by any chance?

And by the way, I was also at TUCOM-MI 2 weeks ago. I remember Dr. Haight saying the same exact thing. What day were you there? I was there on Dec 11th.