Midwestern University Arizona (AZCOM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

[Flushot]

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Congrats on all the acceptances!

I also have to apologize to those who PMed me; I kinda let SDN go due to flying around a lot and being swamped these past 6 weeks. If you still have questions, please re-send them as I'm back in now that interviewing is over.

That said, after reading some of them, many of these questions were actually answered, so you can also review my previous posts and you may find what you're looking for.

 

[leafs2012]

I got placed in Phoenix east for rotations but really really really want LA! If anyone is assigned to LA or San Diego and is leaning towards not attending AZCOM please PM me!

 

[NurWollen]

I got placed in Phoenix east for rotations but really really really want LA! If anyone is assigned to LA or San Diego and is leaning towards not attending AZCOM please PM me!

From what I understand, the rotation assignment is actually quite tentative. I bet you'll be able to do at least some of I your rotations in LA, especially because I imagine that a lot of students end up wanting to stay in AZ after putting down roots there.

 

[Flushot]

They gave us a second chance for 2013 so I imagine they'll do the same for you all to mix things up. Things change every year so don't think it's over and done with your assignment unless you're happy with it.

 

[CDTcorp]

Any current students have any pictures of the on campus housing they could share?

 

[GUH]

This may be a silly question, but are all preceptors physicians?

Found the answer: http://www.midwestern.edu/course-ca...n-of-medical-students-by-physicians-only.html

 

[Flushot]

Any current students have any pictures of the on campus housing they could share?

I posted pics of my studio early in the cycle of this very thread. If I can find them, I'll repost them.

This may be a silly question, but are all preceptors physicians?

From my understanding, yes. I have heard rumors of other schools having this problem of NPs and PAs occasionally preceptoring and this is flat out terrible if true. It'll prob be something that plagues DO schools as a whole for sometime though.

 

[neworleans8]

.

 

[neworleans8]

.

 

[Twink]

What are my chances of getting an interview invite after getting put on hold for one?

 

[BB8730]

What are my chances of getting an interview invite after getting put on hold for one?

Nobody really knows. People from previous years have gotten interview invites after being put on hold so our (I'm on hold too) chances aren't zero.

 

[randomusername]

sorry if this is repetitive... i read through the thread though and couldn't find the info...

This may seem silly, but I am really concerned that the lectures aren't streamed. Due to a learning disability (diagnosed at a young age) i have a really hard time sitting in large classes and learning. I HAVE to do things on my own, and it would be really detrimental to me to not be able to re-listen to lectures without the distractions of being in class. I asked students about it, and they said that faculty it is very frowned upon to record lectures.

Is there a way to get around this?

Most lectures you really don't even need the professor's verbal input unless you're an auditory person because the information you need is mostly in the slides, which are posted. You can go to lectures and record them yourself (you're supposed to get permission from each professor you record but I doubt most people who record do and many profs give blanket permission from day 1 anyway) or you can borrow them from people "within your study group."

another question for anyone who can answer...i was wondering what the student health insurance was like? due to a chronic physical illness (yeah it's just a blast being me, haha) having good health insurance and access to specialist is imperative.

Anyone know where I can get more info about this?

Some people say good things about it, a lot of people do not. I think it all depends on your situation. Mostly, I've heard people say that they were able to find better/more comprehensive coverage for about the same cost (if not cheaper) elsewhere. Best suggestion for getting information about it is to contact Student Services.

 

[neworleans8]

Most lectures you really don't even need the professor's verbal input unless you're an auditory person because the information you need is mostly in the slides, which are posted. You can go to lectures and record them yourself (you're supposed to get permission from each professor you record but I doubt most people who record do and many profs give blanket permission from day 1 anyway) or you can borrow them from people "within your study group."



Some people say good things about it, a lot of people do not. I think it all depends on your situation. Mostly, I've heard people say that they were able to find better/more comprehensive coverage for about the same cost (if not cheaper) elsewhere. Best suggestion for getting information about it is to contact Student Services.

thank you very much for your helpful post - I will definitely be contacting student services.

 

[Flushot]

I pretty much second all of random's comments.

Most lectures are recorded by someone in class and distributed via Dropbox so if that is what you need, then it should be available.

I will only have student health insurance for the last two quarters while I'm at AZCOM due to being under my parents until turning 26 a few months ago so I can't comment much on how useful it is. From what I have heard, it is fairly limited and you should go ahead and contact student services to see what options are available.

 

[naare0602]

What do students think of the Tucson clinicals?

 

[Flushot]

What do students think of the Tucson clinicals?

There seriously needs to be a better search function because I did 3rd year in Tucson and spoke ad nauseum about it. If you look through my posts, you will find it.

 

[naare0602]

Thank you flu shot I will check it out!

 

[naare0602]

hey flu not to be a pain but I looked through this entire forum and cant find your specifics thoughts about Tucson. Do you mind just giving me a brief overview about it? I would really appreciate it!

 

[neworleans8]

I pretty much second all of random's comments.

Most lectures are recorded by someone in class and distributed via Dropbox so if that is what you need, then it should be available.

I will only have student health insurance for the last two quarters while I'm at AZCOM due to being under my parents until turning 26 a few months ago so I can't comment much on how useful it is. From what I have heard, it is fairly limited and you should go ahead and contact student services to see what options are available.

thanks - the problem is that I am currently 26, and due to preexisting conditions I can't get insurance through private companies, so I have to rely on the school's insurance...sigh... not a good situation.

 

[Flushot]

hey flu not to be a pain but I looked through this entire forum and cant find your specifics thoughts about Tucson. Do you mind just giving me a brief overview about it? I would really appreciate it!

Click on my name and search through my posts. The furthest back you'll have to go is only a few pages. Don't search through the entire thread.

thanks - the problem is that I am currently 26, and due to preexisting conditions I can't get insurance through private companies, so I have to rely on the school's insurance...sigh... not a good situation.

Since I haven't used the school insurance at all, I can't comment, but two of my closest classmates have it and they say it is very limited. You will likely have to supplement if possible or perhaps discuss other options through student services.

Dr. Sesterhenn is the associate dean of students and she is very responsive to their needs and future students. Shoot me a pm and I'll send you her email address if you want.

 

[randomusername]

hey flu not to be a pain but I looked through this entire forum and cant find your specifics thoughts about Tucson. Do you mind just giving me a brief overview about it? I would really appreciate it!

I've cherry-picked a couple of posts from Flu that I was able to find pretty easily using the invaluable thread-specific search function I described in my very first post:

http://206.82.221.135/showthread.php?p=13154794&highlight=tucson#post13154794
http://206.82.221.135/showthread.php?p=13154584&highlight=tucson#post13154584

 

[naare0602]

Thank you!

 

[John Zoidberg]

I have my interview all the way in April...is that super late? How many spots do they have left...or will I be interviewing for the waitlist? Id love to live in Arizona!

 

[sssaywhat]

Does anyone know if you can leverage your way off the waitlist with acceptance to another school?

 

[neworleans8]

I tried to find this information on their website, but didn't have much luck.

After you put down the $1000 deposit, does anyone know when the next fees are due? I want to hold my spot, but hoping I don't have to put down anymore money until the first day of orientation actually begins.

 

[Flushot]

I have my interview all the way in April...is that super late? How many spots do they have left...or will I be interviewing for the waitlist? Id love to live in Arizona!

There's really no way to know. I know of two classmates who interviewed in May and are with us now, and they were not waitlisted at all. It could be for any situation, depending on how you do and your application.

Does anyone know if you can leverage your way off the waitlist with acceptance to another school?

They won't budge on this. This is a common question in general admissions and rarely does it work. If anything, it will likely worsen your situation because they know you can go somewhere else. When dealing with admissions, never mention other schools.

I tried to find this information on their website, but didn't have much luck.

After you put down the $1000 deposit, does anyone know when the next fees are due? I want to hold my spot, but hoping I don't have to put down anymore money until the first day of orientation actually begins.

To be honest, I really have no idea since its been years since I've done this. Just give student services a call and ask.

 

[ivygal]

I am having a bit of a crisis working through the pros and cons of AZCOM. I'm an accepted student, but I was a late applicant and am wondering if I could have more options if I waited and reapply this coming cycle?

After visiting AZCOM, the campus is nice and the faculty seemed genuinely interested in things going well for the students, but I cannot get a good feel for the way the exam schedule works with a school/life balance. Can anyone comment on if the every-week-exam schedule really is overbearing? Is it possible to be married and see your spouse more than once in a blue moon? I know med school in general is a ton of work, and I'm willing to put it in...just having thoughts about the stresses of the weekly exams sitting over your head.

Also, any commentary on the board scores? I know they presented them when we were there, but it's hard to remember what the USMLE scores were. I'm going to match allo and would take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX, but any thoughts on if the majority of the students are in that same boat would be incredibly helpful.

Does anyone have any stories about women having children while being students here? I am an older student and will most likely have a family while in school - does anyone know if this is something the administration is supportive of?

Phew! Okay - time to go have a beer and relax my mind! Waiting to hear from a few other places, but just need to know what I'm getting myself into with respect to AZCOM.

 

[ajh1983]

I have my interview all the way in April...is that super late? How many spots do they have left...or will I be interviewing for the waitlist? Id love to live in Arizona!

our student tour guide on interview day back in november (MS2) said he interviewed in may, last session, and got in that summer. It can happen, certainly a time crunch though

 

[ajh1983]

I am having a bit of a crisis working through the pros and cons of AZCOM. I'm an accepted student, but I was a late applicant and am wondering if I could have more options if I waited and reapply this coming cycle?

More options? To more schools?... maybe I guess, but you're already accepted. I never see the logic in deferring for another year. Unless you are sure you'll be accepted somewhere by applying this June I wouldn't risk it. You're also throwing away a years future attending salary. Just go and become a doctor... or do whatever you want. Up to you.

After visiting AZCOM, the campus is nice and the faculty seemed genuinely interested in things going well for the students, but I cannot get a good feel for the way the exam schedule works with a school/life balance. Can anyone comment on if the every-week-exam schedule really is overbearing? Is it possible to be married and see your spouse more than once in a blue moon? I know med school in general is a ton of work, and I'm willing to put it in...just having thoughts about the stresses of the weekly exams sitting over your head.

I don't love being forced to take regular exams either, but to be honest I actually agree with the sentiments of those current students I spoke with so far. It keeps you on your game and it forces you to be proactive in studying. Also, you have less material per test, and less weight on each test should you bomb one of them. I honestly wouldn't study as hard if I knew my test was 3.5 weeks away. I'm a good student, but I just wouldn't.

Also, any commentary on the board scores? I know they presented them when we were there, but it's hard to remember what the USMLE scores were. I'm going to match allo and would take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX, but any thoughts on if the majority of the students are in that same boat would be incredibly helpful.

Everyone from our class will be matching Allo.... There will only be a joint match after 2015. Which tests you have to take will still probably be a matter of preference, and I predict almost everyone having to take USMLE at that point, but yea... no more osteo match. And also, scores are what you make it. Step/Level1 success is a matter of personal drive and preparation. Nothing school related, although AZCOM does enroll you in kaplan if that helps you out.

Does anyone have any stories about women having children while being students here? I am an older student and will most likely have a family while in school - does anyone know if this is something the administration is supportive of?

I heard numerous times that AZCOM is a very family friendly student atmosphere with many couples and families. With an average matriculant age of 26, I guess that is realistic. Family should be a problem. If you're organized you'll see plenty of them.

 

[HK35]

I have my interview all the way in April...is that super late? How many spots do they have left...or will I be interviewing for the waitlist? Id love to live in Arizona!

you won't be interviewing for the waitlist, if you have read previous posts on this thread, after every interview group, admission meets within a week or two to decide who will be accepted. The turnover for me from interview to acceptance was almost two weeks exactly.

 

[LovesBikes]

Is there a clinical rotation site list floating around somewhere? I can't seem to find one.

 

[CellMaster]

Interviewing here next Thursday. This is my first DO interview. Can anyone comment on how they approach students who also applied MD? Was anyone questioned about this during the interview?

 

[neworleans8]

Interviewing here next Thursday. This is my first DO interview. Can anyone comment on how they approach students who also applied MD? Was anyone questioned about this during the interview?

they never asked. I never shared...not sure why it would even come up.

 

[alshin88]

Can any students share their experiences on living on the "thrifty budget"? I want to live in a studio on campus and am wondering if the "thrifty option" is reasonable in terms of comfort lol.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using SDN Mobile

 

[HK35]

They gave us a second chance for 2013 so I imagine they'll do the same for you all to mix things up. Things change every year so don't think it's over and done with your assignment unless you're happy with it.

In regards to rotations............. there was a thread here on SDN I read, and there was a conversation about AZCOM's quality of rotations, (i think flushot knows what I am talking about) is it really detrimental to your education?

 

[Lisou]

I just got an interview invite too (finally!) I won't interview until April 15th, I really hope this isn't too late, does anyone have an approximate number for how many people were accepted/matriculated at this point?

 

[Ost3oclast]

In regards to rotations............. there was a thread here on SDN I read, and there was a conversation about AZCOM's quality of rotations, (i think flushot knows what I am talking about) is it really detrimental to your education?

That thread has me reconsidering my acceptance here. I knew that, for rotations, students were pretty much on their own. I just didnt realize that not only are you on your own but you might get really crappy rotations to boot. That sucks.

 

[HK35]

That thread has me reconsidering my acceptance here. I knew that, for rotations, students were pretty much on their own. I just didnt realize that not only are you on your own but you might get really crappy rotations to boot. That sucks.

hopefully some current students can chime in

 

[Audixgirl]

I just got an interview invite too (finally!) I won't interview until April 15th, I really hope this isn't too late, does anyone have an approximate number for how many people were accepted/matriculated at this point?

Were you a pre-interview hold at all?

 

[randomusername]

hopefully some current students can chime in

Flushot and I have chimed in on this multiple times in this thread.
Summary of all of those chimes: It's not perfect but it's not the Armageddon that posts from years ago make it out to be. If there's a new thread about issues floating around, I'd love to have it pointed out.

 

[Flushot]

In regards to rotations............. there was a thread here on SDN I read, and there was a conversation about AZCOM's quality of rotations, (i think flushot knows what I am talking about) is it really detrimental to your education?

Flushot and I have chimed in on this multiple times in this thread.
Summary of all of those chimes: It's not perfect but it's not the Armageddon that posts from years ago make it out to be. If there's a new thread about issues floating around, I'd love to have it pointed out.

Random pulls the thoughts right out of my head again 👍

I was going to jump into the melee but felt it was getting off point and far too ugly to contribute anything more. Random and I have already made things as clear as we can make them in this thread and you can take it or leave it.

I can't argue with much of what Orthojoe said but I do not believe it was prudent to mention AZCOM when we had no idea where the OP was going. Having under 10 posts meant he didn't understand the neurotic nature of SDN and although he meant well, I think he put himself in a bad position, along with the school.

Goober is a successful resident that is did not care for the faults of AZCOM and freely speaks as such. Although some of his concerns are still apparent, I think he also blows some things out of proportion.

However, I really think Random and I have been the most fair and accurate in our assessment of the school so far and how you should approach things if you decide to come here. We are not PR for the school but we're not overwhelmingly disappointed either. Sometimes the truth can be kind of boring.

 

[NurWollen]

That thread has me reconsidering my acceptance here. I knew that, for rotations, students were pretty much on their own. I just didnt realize that not only are you on your own but you might get really crappy rotations to boot. That sucks.

Have you declined your other acceptances yet? Are you thinking of re-applying? The 'Rotations suck' thread just has me determined to be proactive and take charge if my education. Orthojoe himself pointed out that by doing the legwork he was able to do more than half his 3rd year rotations in big residency-heavy hospitals. He also matched into the (very competitive) specialty of his choice.

 

[NurWollen]

Random pulls the thoughts right out of my head again 👍

I was going to jump into the melee but felt it was getting off point and far too ugly to contribute anything more. Random and I have already made things as clear as we can make them in this thread and you can take it or leave it.

I can't argue with much of what Orthojoe said but I do not believe it was prudent to mention AZCOM when we had no idea where the OP was going. Having under 10 posts meant he didn't understand the neurotic nature of SDN and although he meant well, I think he put himself in a bad position, along with the school.

Goober is a successful resident that is did not care for the faults of AZCOM and freely speaks as such. Although some of his concerns are still apparent, I think he also blows some things out of proportion.

However, I really think Random and I have been the most fair and accurate in our assessment of the school so far and how you should approach things if you decide to come here. We are not PR for the school but we're not overwhelmingly disappointed either. Sometimes the truth can be kind of boring.

You and Random have been great. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the input from both of you.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Have you declined your other acceptances yet? Are you thinking of re-applying? The 'Rotations suck' thread just has me determined to be proactive and take charge if my education. Orthojoe himself pointed out that by doing the legwork he was able to do more than half his 3rd year rotations in big residency-heavy hospitals. He also matched into the (very competitive) specialty of his choice.

Well, I have an MD decision pending. I declined 15 other interviews after my AZCOM acceptance because I know they always match well, the school is close to home, and I know grads that say they really enjoyed the school. Not sure what to do at this point though.

 

[slowlearner12]

I'm trying to figure out if should go to my April 5th AZCOM interview now that I have an acceptance elsewhere...do I even stand a chance with a 27M/3.45 sgpa/3.6 cgpa?

 

[Pezistential]

I'm trying to figure out if should go to my April 5th AZCOM interview now that I have an acceptance elsewhere...do I even stand a chance with a 27M/3.45 sgpa/3.6 cgpa?

Congratulations on your acceptance elsewhere. Of course you have a chance; you have an interview. Would you rather go to AZCOM over the place you were accepted? If the answer is yes, you should definetely attend the interview. If the answer is no, you should save your money and go out and celebrate your acceptance at someplace nice with people you like.

Edit to add: There are certainly folks already admitted to AZCOM with lower stats than you, I'd say you have better than 50% chance of getting accepted depending on your interview skills and the rest of your application.

 

[NurWollen]

Congratulations on your acceptance elsewhere. Of course you have a chance; you have an interview. Would you rather go to AZCOM over the place you were accepted? If the answer is yes, you should definetely attend the interview. If the answer is no, you should save your money and go out and celebrate your acceptance at someplace nice with people you like.

Edit to add: There are certainly folks already admitted to AZCOM with lower stats than you, I'd say you have better than 50% chance of getting accepted depending on your interview skills and the rest of your application.

Agreed, although the lateness of his interview might makes things a bit more competitive.

I'm trying to figure out if should go to my April 5th AZCOM interview now that I have an acceptance elsewhere...do I even stand a chance with a 27M/3.45 sgpa/3.6 cgpa?

If you can swing it financially, you should go, unless you are sure there is no chance you would go to AZCOM over your current acceptance.

 

[NurWollen]

Well, I have an MD decision pending. I declined 15 other interviews after my AZCOM acceptance because I know they always match well, the school is close to home, and I know grads that say they really enjoyed the school. Not sure what to do at this point though.

I think you'll love AZCOM, but I can certainly understand the frustration you'd feel after turning down so many other interviews. Good luck with your pending MD decision. Is it your state school?

 

[Ost3oclast]

I think you'll love AZCOM, but I can certainly understand the frustration you'd feel after turning down so many other interviews. Good luck with your pending MD decision. Is it your state school?

Indeed!

 

[Mosonik]

You really should take all this in stride with it being SDN culture inflating this. AZCOM is an excellent school. I know many students there currently who love it. They may not have the BEST rotations but they are by no means bad. If there is anything to gripe about its the tuition 😉