NYCOM Discussion Thread 2008-2009

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I'm also choosing between Touro and NYCOM and the biggest reason I haven't already decided I'm definitely going NYCOM is location. I lived on Long Island last year and HATED it and I'm definitely living in Manhattan next year. Are there any current students who can comment on communting from the city? I have family I can stay with in New Hyde Park whenever I need to and I'll have a car on the island as well, so I think I can swing it, but I'd love to hear opinions...

thanks!
 
I've lived on LI all my life and loved it. Why did you hate it?? Maybe I can hook you up with some things to do on the island.
 
I can definitely understand why that poster doesn't like it...
 
So I applied to NYCOM very late--about a month or so ago. Is it too early for me to start freaking out b/c I havent heard back from them as of yet?
When i called the admissions dept. they said they interview straight thru april but that wasn't comforting enough to hear...Anyone else apply late but hear back already?
 
futuredrandwife said:
Hokie06, I got into Nova!!! I will probably not be going to NYCOM now.
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Futuredrandwife,

First off congrats on your many acceptances!

Also if this is the case (that you choose NOVA), then you may want to think about notifying nycom so that they can make your seat available for late applicants such as DKS here.
 
futuredrandwife said:
I've lived on LI all my life and loved it. Why did you hate it?? Maybe I can hook you up with some things to do on the island.
Click to expand...

I don't like the traffic, the fact that you have to drive everywhere, there's very little open space, not a whole lot to do... I'm a Manhattan girl. Yes, there's very little open space in the city, but there is Central Park...

I don't mean any offense. I have a lot of friends (and family) who grew up on Long Island and loved it. I'm just not a fan.

I realize it's mildly unreasonable to commute from the city, but that's why I'm looking for input on it. I looked into taking the LIRR and it doesn't look that bad, and I could definitely use the train time to study!
 
I'm going to be commuting from Brooklyn everyday.

You get used to it. 🙂
 
khb2102 said:
I don't like the traffic, the fact that you have to drive everywhere, there's very little open space, not a whole lot to do... I'm a Manhattan girl. Yes, there's very little open space in the city, but there is Central Park...

I don't mean any offense. I have a lot of friends (and family) who grew up on Long Island and loved it. I'm just not a fan.

I realize it's mildly unreasonable to commute from the city, but that's why I'm looking for input on it. I looked into taking the LIRR and it doesn't look that bad, and I could definitely use the train time to study!
Click to expand...

Ohhh I don't take any offense at all, not everyone who lives here has to love it. I've lived on Eastern LI my whole life and I live on the water so I go boating, kayaking, I also go out east to wineries, antique shops... and then there are lots of clubs, bars and lounges... really nice ones, too. And there are a lot of great malls if you're into shopping. Montauk and the Hamptons have tons of things to do also. And there are many awesome restaurants as well as beautiful neighborhoods and houses, not to mention some great beaches.. and a lot of history on the island. But if you're already set on the city, then that's great, too. I think it's reasonable to commute from the city to Old Westbury because it's probably 30-40 minutes from Penn... but I know that when I go to med school I don't want to live more than 15-20 minutes away. I think it all has to do with your comfort level. I'd just rather be close because I commuted over an hour each way to undergrad and I'm sickkk of commuting. I just know that the island has a lot to offer so I think it's a shame that you've only experienced part of it and disliked it, but of course it is all a matter of opinion and if you're used to the city and that's what you love, then go for it. If you don't see yourself being happy living on the island, then it makes no sense to live here and be miserable. Just remember you won't have much free time during med school. 😉
 
ericr29 said:
Futuredrandwife,

First off congrats on your many acceptances!

Also if this is the case (that you choose NOVA), then you may want to think about notifying nycom so that they can make your seat available for late applicants such as DKS here.
Click to expand...

Ohhhh absolutely... I just found out yesterday from Nova but I don't have my acceptance packet yet so as soon as everything is set in stone, I will notify NYCOM. 🙂 Thanks for the congrats!!!
 
khb2102 said:
I don't like the traffic, the fact that you have to drive everywhere, there's very little open space, not a whole lot to do... I'm a Manhattan girl. Yes, there's very little open space in the city, but there is Central Park...

I don't mean any offense. I have a lot of friends (and family) who grew up on Long Island and loved it. I'm just not a fan.

I realize it's mildly unreasonable to commute from the city, but that's why I'm looking for input on it. I looked into taking the LIRR and it doesn't look that bad, and I could definitely use the train time to study!
Click to expand...

i totally understand you.. im a city girl as well. although i live in queens, i spend most of my time in the city. i really dont like LI b/c you have to drive everywhere, no good restaurants, no indie movie theaters, etc. I dont even drive, so i too have to figure out my commute!!! i may end up staying in queens since its 30 minutes from the city and LI... so it's quite convinient.. we'll see
 
tourniquet1963 said:
i totally understand you.. im a city girl as well. although i live in queens, i spend most of my time in the city. i really dont like LI b/c you have to drive everywhere, no good restaurants, no indie movie theaters, etc. I dont even drive, so i too have to figure out my commute!!! i may end up staying in queens since its 30 minutes from the city and LI... so it's quite convinient.. we'll see
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No good restaurants?!? Oh boy... You need to come out East.
 
futuredrandwife said:
No good restaurants?!? Oh boy... You need to come out East.
Click to expand...
well maybe you're right.. if you go east enough you'll find good stuff.. i do like the wineries out in the hamptons.. but there isnt any authentic cuisine.. i like knowing that if i want indian, greek, russian, moroccan, colombian, etc food its possible to obtain within minutes.. 😎
 
Semicolon said:
Lol where in Queens? 😀

Is anybody planning to apply for the DPC program? When exactly do we need to apply? During Anatomy?
Click to expand...

You apply for DPC prior to matriculating. You guys will get a packet sent to you with the application materials. I believe there's an essay that you will need to write. Once you are accepted into the DPC program, you get something like 2 weeks to try it out. If you don't like it you get switched into the LDB program. As far as I know, you can't switch from LDB to DPC, but I could be wrong.
 
jp104 said:
You apply for DPC prior to matriculating. You guys will get a packet sent to you with the application materials. I believe there's an essay that you will need to write. Once you are accepted into the DPC program, you get something like 2 weeks to try it out. If you don't like it you get switched into the LDB program. As far as I know, you can't switch from LDB to DPC, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

Ah, thanks for the info. Is it usually very competitive? Are you in the DPC program?
 
Semicolon said:
Ah, thanks for the info. Is it usually very competitive? Are you in the DPC program?
Click to expand...


I'm lecture based 😉 I don't know how competitive it is, but I'm sure someone from DPC in 2011 or 2012 will pop in here to answer that question.
 
be warned. i know people who LOVE dpc and those who hate it as well so be really sure it's what you want. do not be fooled into thinking DPC is less work because you don't have to go to lecture. it's actually probably more work... if you are not highly self motivated and prefer to have your information spoonfed to you (like I do) LDB might be a better option. plus, DPC kids still have to take anatomy and OMM with us FYI.

the commute sucks. you don't really get used to it you just stop going to class more often and stream from home.
 
Eudjinn said:
be warned. i know people who LOVE dpc and those who hate it as well so be really sure it's what you want. do not be fooled into thinking DPC is less work because you don't have to go to lecture. it's actually probably more work... if you are not highly self motivated and prefer to have your information spoonfed to you (like I do) LDB might be a better option. plus, DPC kids still have to take anatomy and OMM with us FYI.

the commute sucks. you don't really get used to it you just stop going to class more often and stream from home.
Click to expand...

Is there any actual advantage to coming to class as compared to just streaming the lecture?

I can't really tell if DPC would be right for me; I have no true way of knowing considering I've never been in that kind of learning environment (as I doubt anyone has been). It's just a concept that seems very interesting and exciting (and no, I don't think it's less work than LDB). Maybe I'd give it that two-week trial.

And it's unfortunate that the commute sucks. I don't want to spend the money to get a place closer by when I have a home already in Brooklyn, that's for sure.
 
Semicolon said:
Is there any actual advantage to coming to class as compared to just streaming the lecture?

I can't really tell if DPC would be right for me; I have no true way of knowing considering I've never been in that kind of learning environment (as I doubt anyone has been). It's just a concept that seems very interesting and exciting (and no, I don't think it's less work than LDB). Maybe I'd give it that two-week trial.

And it's unfortunate that the commute sucks. I don't want to spend the money to get a place closer by when I have a home already in Brooklyn, that's for sure.
Click to expand...

to be honest, streaming is 5x better than attending because: you can stream faster and do a 2 hour lecture in 1 hour, if you lose focus for a minute or two you can just rewind as opposed to now being lost for the rest of the lecture and having to restream again later anyway, if you get tired or bored you can pause, take a break and come back to it, you can pause to take notes and not miss a beat of what's said while you are taking notes.

the only thing you don't get is that personal connection feeling of having a live person lecturing so to speak (if this even exists...). also, you can't see what the lecturer is demonstrating with his hands sometimes, but sometimes the camera guys are good and catch all the important stuff. they are usually pretty good with it.

advantages of going to class are: if you can focus, you already learn the material and just have to review it later as opposed to streaming it the first time later.

all in all streaming is a great resource. however, i know people who straight up don't go to class and don't stream. they read the ppt notes and books and do just fine. different strokes for different folks
 
Eudjinn said:
to be honest, streaming is 5x better than attending because: you can stream faster and do a 2 hour lecture in 1 hour, if you lose focus for a minute or two you can just rewind as opposed to now being lost for the rest of the lecture and having to restream again later anyway, if you get tired or bored you can pause, take a break and come back to it, you can pause to take notes and not miss a beat of what's said while you are taking notes.

the only thing you don't get is that personal connection feeling of having a live person lecturing so to speak (if this even exists...). also, you can't see what the lecturer is demonstrating with his hands sometimes, but sometimes the camera guys are good and catch all the important stuff. they are usually pretty good with it.

advantages of going to class are: if you can focus, you already learn the material and just have to review it later as opposed to streaming it the first time later.

all in all streaming is a great resource. however, i know people who straight up don't go to class and don't stream. they read the ppt notes and books and do just fine. different strokes for different folks
Click to expand...

I take it attendance doesn't factor into the grade, then? :laugh: That's very interesting. I guess I'd have to see for myself what works, but it's good to know that there's this to fall back on.

Speaking of grades, according to the catalog the classes are P/F. Is there a specific cutoff between the two grades? Does every class have different standards to pass? And what exactly is this "H" grade?

I'm sorry that I'm asking so many questions; I'm sure you have better things to do. I don't mean to single you out, though; anyone can chime in. 🙂
 
i want an interview here really badly so i can check out NYC
i've never been :-/
 
tourniquet1963 said:
forest hills/rego park... its doable im sure for people who drive :laugh: I, on the other hand, dont 🙁
Click to expand...

I'm in FH myself! The commute isn't too bad as long as you're on the LIE by 7:20 or so. On the return trip avoid going home at 5 (try for 6 or 7) and you're good. Been doing this for close to 2 yrs now.. it's very doable 🙂
 
jp104 said:
I'm in FH myself! The commute isn't too bad as long as you're on the LIE by 7:20 or so. On the return trip avoid going home at 5 (try for 6 or 7) and you're good. Been doing this for close to 2 yrs now.. it's very doable 🙂
Click to expand...
you didnt happen to give the tour on 11/6 did you? The tour guide was also from FH!
 
tourniquet1963 said:
well maybe you're right.. if you go east enough you'll find good stuff.. i do like the wineries out in the hamptons.. but there isnt any authentic cuisine.. i like knowing that if i want indian, greek, russian, moroccan, colombian, etc food its possible to obtain within minutes.. 😎
Click to expand...

Yeah there's definitely not as much variety as in the city. I love the city... Who doesn't?? But just for argument's sake, I do live 5 min from a Greek restaurant and an Indian restaurant... 😉
 
Semicolon said:
I take it attendance doesn't factor into the grade, then? :laugh: That's very interesting. I guess I'd have to see for myself what works, but it's good to know that there's this to fall back on.

Speaking of grades, according to the catalog the classes are P/F. Is there a specific cutoff between the two grades? Does every class have different standards to pass? And what exactly is this "H" grade?

I'm sorry that I'm asking so many questions; I'm sure you have better things to do. I don't mean to single you out, though; anyone can chime in. 🙂
Click to expand...

lecture attendance does not factor into the grade (except for clinical stuff that you HAVE to go to and labs) even though it is "mandatory"

yes it's pass/fail, but you do get a number grade so don't think you're just getting a P every time. and yes there is a rank even though they say there isn't one. passing is anywhere from 65-70, depending on average, but so far it has never been below 70. also, to pass the course your overall score has to be 70 so you can bomb a test hypothetically speaking (don't put yourself in this situation...) and still pass. OMM usually pulls the grade up significantly as well.

to be honest, as long as you put in the hours, i think they make it relatively easy to pass. you never really get the feeling like they are out to fail you, at least this is my opinion. H is honors, which is around 90+ so don't count on it :laugh: . just be sure to keep your grades at least at or above average if you can and you are in good shape. busting your butt to honors 1st year classes is pretty useless IMO. diminishing returns: to get an 80-85 you might need to put in X amount of time, but to break 90 you might need to double that amount. quality of life mannn.
 
Semicolon said:
I take it attendance doesn't factor into the grade, then? :laugh: That's very interesting. I guess I'd have to see for myself what works, but it's good to know that there's this to fall back on.

Speaking of grades, according to the catalog the classes are P/F. Is there a specific cutoff between the two grades? Does every class have different standards to pass? And what exactly is this "H" grade?

I'm sorry that I'm asking so many questions; I'm sure you have better things to do. I don't mean to single you out, though; anyone can chime in. 🙂
Click to expand...

Well, technically attendance is mandatory and if attendance falls too low. IE there are like 30 people in class they take away the stream for that lecture (they just don't post the link online). This has actually happened to the 2nd years for a couple of lectures, but not for a significant amount. Has not happened yet to us first years.

As for grades, yes we are P/F/H. The cut off between a P and an F is almost always 70%. If however, the class as a whole had a 1 minus the standard deviation (-1SD) less than a 70%, they will adjust the pass based on the -1SD till a certain point. That point being 65%. For example, say the overall class mean for a certain system was 75%. The -1SD for that system was 68%. In that case, they will set the pass at 68%. If The overall class mean for another system was 70% and the -1SD for that system was 63%, then the pass will reamin a 65% no matter what the -1SD was. So what im trying to say is that pass will usally be between a 65-70%. Most cases pass is 70%.

As for honors, you need to score in the top 10% of the class in that system to get honors. I belive in our past MSK course, in order to get honors, you needed to have an overall grade of 92% in that course.

Hope that helps
 
Eujnin, not studying neuro either i see haha. Okay im gonna go stream Dr. Hallas lab stuff
 
countthestars said:
Eujnin, not studying neuro either i see haha. Okay im gonna go stream Dr. Hallas lab stuff
Click to expand...

F neuro haha
the lab stuff he did in limbic sys? his lab reviews are QUALITY stuff. worth weight in gold imo...

my brain is this close to checking out already it's def time for 2 weeks of downtime w/o picking up a ppt...
 
Thanks a lot for the responses, guys. That clarifies A LOT for me. 👍
 
well done. adding this to the facebook page.
 
Eudjinn said:
to be honest, streaming is 5x better than attending because: you can stream faster and do a 2 hour lecture in 1 hour, if you lose focus for a minute or two you can just rewind as opposed to now being lost for the rest of the lecture and having to restream again later anyway, if you get tired or bored you can pause, take a break and come back to it, you can pause to take notes and not miss a beat of what's said while you are taking notes.

the only thing you don't get is that personal connection feeling of having a live person lecturing so to speak (if this even exists...). also, you can't see what the lecturer is demonstrating with his hands sometimes, but sometimes the camera guys are good and catch all the important stuff. they are usually pretty good with it.

advantages of going to class are: if you can focus, you already learn the material and just have to review it later as opposed to streaming it the first time later.

all in all streaming is a great resource. however, i know people who straight up don't go to class and don't stream. they read the ppt notes and books and do just fine. different strokes for different folks
Click to expand...

i think eugene hit all the points. for some people, lecture is a waste of time. they want to spend their time at home streaming as they wish and using their time w the powerpoints, texts, etc.

i'm one of many students who actually enjoys the lectures. they are a pain sometimes, but i'm proud to say i've only missed a few. i also use the texts and powerpoints, and try not to limit myself to just the lecture for knowledge. for me, i like getting the teacher's POV on things, and i have a respect for the tradition of medical education in terms of lectures, anatomy (i.e. cutting up a cadaver as a med student), and so i welcome these 'older' methods w open arms. there's a history of medical education that i think should be respected and i consider it a rite of passage.

ultimately, you will quickly learn what you like and don't like as a student. it is your job to make the best of the materials that are given to you.

and to re-iterate his points about the DPC versus lecture based... if you're not self-motivated, DPC is a bad choice. you need to have your own flame under your @$$ to be able to cut it in DPC. if you need the structure (reading assignments, regular lectures, etc) than the lecture based is for you. your best bet is to fire off questions to some of the people in the NYCOM 2011 or NYCOM 2012 class pages (or facebook groups) so you can make the best decision.
 
theserbatron said:
i think eugene hit all the points. for some people, lecture is a waste of time. they want to spend their time at home streaming as they wish and using their time w the powerpoints, texts, etc.

i'm one of many students who actually enjoys the lectures. they are a pain sometimes, but i'm proud to say i've only missed a few. i also use the texts and powerpoints, and try not to limit myself to just the lecture for knowledge. for me, i like getting the teacher's POV on things, and i have a respect for the tradition of medical education in terms of lectures, anatomy (i.e. cutting up a cadaver as a med student), and so i welcome these 'older' methods w open arms. there's a history of medical education that i think should be respected and i consider it a rite of passage.

ultimately, you will quickly learn what you like and don't like as a student. it is your job to make the best of the materials that are given to you.

and to re-iterate his points about the DPC versus lecture based... if you're not self-motivated, DPC is a bad choice. you need to have your own flame under your @$$ to be able to cut it in DPC. if you need the structure (reading assignments, regular lectures, etc) than the lecture based is for you. your best bet is to fire off questions to some of the people in the NYCOM 2011 or NYCOM 2012 class pages (or facebook groups) so you can make the best decision.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice; it's very helpful. This will definitely be a hard choice for me.

Do any of you know anyone who tried DPC and left it for LDB during that initial two-week period? I figure the best way to know if it's right for you is to actually give it a shot (as long as you have something else to fall back on in case).
 
Semicolon said:
Thank you for the advice; it's very helpful. This will definitely be a hard choice for me.

Do any of you know anyone who tried DPC and left it for LDB during that initial two-week period? I figure the best way to know if it's right for you is to actually give it a shot (as long as you have something else to fall back on in case).
Click to expand...

There was one student I know of who left DPC class of 2012 before fundamentals ended. She didn't believe it would be compatable with her learning style. In the end, it's all about how you learn. DPC requires a lot of out of class discipline. It also requires patience and trust. You have to trust that the faculty is going to present you with cases that are eventually going to lead you into learning and understanding how to practice medicine. After experiencing DPC, I can't imagine attending lecture all day long or even going home and streaming all the lectures later. The case presentations are interesting, interactive and stimulating. I'm not saying lecture isn't, but for me DPC is much more so. Good luck
 
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