Midwestern University Chicago (CCOM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

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Ive looked around and can't seem to find a time frame about when interviews go out. Does anyone know when those letters go out, not when the interviews occur, but the notifications. Thanks SDN, gl

z
 
Ive looked around and can't seem to find a time frame about when interviews go out. Does anyone know when those letters go out, not when the interviews occur, but the notifications. Thanks SDN, gl

z

All quiet so far...
 
Hey all. I might be able to provide a little insight. I am a second year applicant and met with an adviser at CCOM this past winter to discuss my status and how to improve my chances for this year. One of the recommendations was to shorten my 5 page CV to a 1 - 1.5 page resume. To summarize her explanation: They do not want to see more than 2 pages and will not likely read past page 1 unless they need more clarification on something or are looking for something in particular. Yes they ask for a CV, but it appears that term is outdated and not exactly what they are looking for. In fact, I even took off all non-relevant employment. I hope this is helpful and not too late!

Thank you so much for the info!

I just called CCOM to confirm because this resume vs. CV thing has been driving me crazy. The admissions lady was very helpful and she said to try and keep it at 2 pages or less. I wish they would say something about that on the secondary!
 
Wow, this school really markets itself. I've gotten the secondary letter in the mail, a 3 am computerized email from the dean, and another 3 am email listing the great qualities of CCOM. I hope I get an interview email next.
 
Thank you so much for the info!

I just called CCOM to confirm because this resume vs. CV thing has been driving me crazy. The admissions lady was very helpful and she said to try and keep it at 2 pages or less. I wish they would say something about that on the secondary!


If they really wanted to be that strict about it, they would have mentioned it in the actual secondary. As it is, I've been out of grad school for almost two years, with significant publications, presentations, and research experience, so even if I "just" listed the relevant stuff, including what they specifically asked for (which, of course, I did), 2 pages just is not realistic. However, I am hoping that by showing them the depth and breadth of my experience, it pays out in dividends once acceptances are sent. I honestly don't think that those of us who submitted CVs of more than 2 pages would be penalized for it.
 
Long time follower, first time posting..

CCOM is my number 1 choice.. Completed my secondary and sent it in Friday.
 
Welcome to the first time posters.....

I am still waiting for a damn complete email..... About how long did it take you guys to get that after you sent in everything?
 
Actually I meant I sent in everything and am awaiting a complete email. My bad lol
 
If they really wanted to be that strict about it, they would have mentioned it in the actual secondary. As it is, I've been out of grad school for almost two years, with significant publications, presentations, and research experience, so even if I "just" listed the relevant stuff, including what they specifically asked for (which, of course, I did), 2 pages just is not realistic. However, I am hoping that by showing them the depth and breadth of my experience, it pays out in dividends once acceptances are sent. I honestly don't think that those of us who submitted CVs of more than 2 pages would be penalized for it.
uh ohhh... youre in big trouble
 
how long after your app. was released, did you guys receive secondary invites?
 
Anyone know to what address I should be sending my LOR? Thanks
 
If they really wanted to be that strict about it, they would have mentioned it in the actual secondary. As it is, I've been out of grad school for almost two years, with significant publications, presentations, and research experience, so even if I "just" listed the relevant stuff, including what they specifically asked for (which, of course, I did), 2 pages just is not realistic. However, I am hoping that by showing them the depth and breadth of my experience, it pays out in dividends once acceptances are sent. I honestly don't think that those of us who submitted CVs of more than 2 pages would be penalized for it.

+1

Non-trad with tons of research here, too. With pubs et al, mine is 7 pages.
 
I have never written out a CV before. Would anyone care to explain how a CV is different from a resume? would appreciate the help!
 
I have never written out a CV before. Would anyone care to explain how a CV is different from a resume? would appreciate the help!

See above. It's the same, just can be slightly longer. Make sure to include all the info CCOM asks for. And I talked to admissions and they said they want to see no more than 2 pages and want all info to be relevant to med school (don't list random jobs you held in school or something like that).

You can google examples...
 
See above. It's the same, just can be slightly longer. Make sure to include all the info CCOM asks for. And I talked to admissions and they said they want to see no more than 2 pages and want all info to be relevant to med school (don't list random jobs you held in school or something like that).

You can google examples...

My CV was two pages. There really is no reason for it to be any longer then that.
 
See above. It's the same, just can be slightly longer. Make sure to include all the info CCOM asks for. And I talked to admissions and they said they want to see no more than 2 pages and want all info to be relevant to med school (don't list random jobs you held in school or something like that).

You can google examples...

Is it longer because the description that goes along with each activity is longer/more descriptive?
 
Is it longer because the description that goes along with each activity is longer?

No...... just longer because a traditional CV includes everything you've done - jobs, volunteering, professional organizations, publications, talks, etc.

CCOM specifically said they want 2 pages or less though and only info relevant info to med school. I would call theirs more of a resume than a CV.

If you're confused just call admissions and talk to them - they're very nice. I described my CV to the lady and she made suggestions for how to change it into exactly what they're looking for.
 
No...... just longer because a traditional CV includes everything you've done - jobs, volunteering, professional organizations, publications, talks, etc.

CCOM specifically said they want 2 pages or less though and only info relevant info to med school. I would call theirs more of a resume than a CV.

If you're confused just call admissions and talk to them - they're very nice. I described my CV to the lady and she made suggestions for how to change it into exactly what they're looking for.

Got it. I think I am going to use a resume format and include everything they specifically asked for. Also, will google to see some examples. Thank you for the helpful responses!
 
Got it. I think I am going to use a resume format and include everything they specifically asked for. Also, will google to see some examples. Thank you for the helpful responses!

No problem! I wish they would have been more specific on the app because to me, a CV means multiple pages (mine was 4) but I heard some people saying they won't look at anything past the first page or two and they confirmed that when I called. I'm glad I checked before I submitted mine 😀
 
Ive looked around and can't seem to find a time frame about when interviews go out. Does anyone know when those letters go out, not when the interviews occur, but the notifications. Thanks SDN, gl

z

typically the first interview invites go out via email mid to end of august.
usually about the third week of august or so based on years past.
 
Finally sent my app in! It was hard because I was waitlisted this cycle 🙁 but I decided to just get stuff in early this time 🙄 Hopefully CCOM gives me some acceptance love this year! :xf:
 
How dare SDN let CCOM slip to almost the second page!
 
Any ideas when we should hear back for interviews?

Last year I believe the first interview invite was August 16th - who knows if it will be later though due to the fact that AACOMAS was a little later with releasing applications this year. It was stated earlier in the thread that they don't start reviewing applications until they are completely finished with the last cycle, and from the information I have received that should be the end of the first week of classes (August 10th). Hopefully that helps 🙂
 
Can someone please post the secondary essay prompts? I'd like to prewrite while I wait for my MCAT scores to post. Thanks!
 
Can someone please post the secondary essay prompts? I'd like to prewrite while I wait for my MCAT scores to post. Thanks!

You can find them on the secondaries thread, or earlier in this thread. Basically, "why CCOM?" and, "why should we accept you?"
 
Quick question regarding the CV. In addition to listing everything they asked for, did you guys also add a short description of each activity? If so, then how long should the description be?
 
Quick question regarding the CV. In addition to listing everything they asked for, did you guys also add a short description of each activity? If so, then how long should the description be?


Mixed opinions on this throughout the thread. Typically a CV would have a short description since it is supposed to be more thorough (hence longer) than a resume (i.e. 4+ pages). However, it seems like a lot of people are saying to keep it under 2-3 pages. So I'd say it's up to you. Seems like a happy medium would be about 3 pages...? Good luck with it--hope that helped a little 🙂
 
Mixed opinions on this throughout the thread. Typically a CV would have a short description since it is supposed to be more thorough (hence longer) than a resume (i.e. 4+ pages). However, it seems like a lot of people are saying to keep it under 2-3 pages. So I'd say it's up to you. Seems like a happy medium would be about 3 pages...? Good luck with it--hope that helped a little 🙂

After reading so many opinions on SDN, I emailed CCOM since I had already submitted my 4-page CV... and the response I got was, "The CV should be a reflection of your personality, so there is no page limit to how long or short it should be."
 
After reading so many opinions on SDN, I emailed CCOM since I had already submitted my 4-page CV... and the response I got was, "The CV should be a reflection of your personality, so there is no page limit to how long or short it should be."

When I called they said they won't read anything over 2 pages so we can agree to disagree 😀
 
When I called they said they won't read anything over 2 pages so we can agree to disagree 😀

I feel like this thread has been talking about CV's since April lol I wish they would start interviews so we can move on 😀
 
I feel like this thread has been talking about CV's since April lol I wish they would start interviews so we can move on 😀

+1

An invite for AZCOM showed up on my portal last night, but I'm definitely a Midwest girl and would prefer to stay closer to home so I'm like COME ON CCOM!!!! 😀
 
+1

An invite for AZCOM showed up on my portal last night, but I'm definitely a Midwest girl and would prefer to stay closer to home so I'm like COME ON CCOM!!!! 😀

Congrats! I've only been to Chicago a few times but I liked it a lot.... would be ecsatic for an interview there
 
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