NYCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[JHInt]

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Hey CardioPlus, if you don't mind me asking, what made you choose NYCOM over the other 2 schools?

I can Answer why I chose NYCOM... I was accepted to 6 DO schools and 2 MD schools. (NYCOM, LECOM-E, LECOM-B, PCOM, UMDNJ-SOM, Touro-COM NY, TCMC, University at Albany)

I chose NYCOM for many reasons: 1) Its located right near NYC, and has over 30 affiliated hospitals throughout NYC, Long Island, upstate NY, NJ, and CT. 2) Its a larger class so they have better lecturers and professors, but its not large enough to be lost in a crowd. Many of NYCOMs professors also teach at Columbia, NYU, and Hofstra. 3) 85% of NYCOM grads get a specialty residency, and about 60% get MD Residency positions. 4) NYCOM has a 98% first time COMLEX pass rate ( first time pass is different from other schools misleading you with a 99-100% pass rate, they forget to tell you how many tries some students have had) 5) NYCOM has an excellent reputation in the NYS, NYC and NJ area. 6) The ICC (Institute for clinical competency) is state of the art. 1 month into your 1st year you will start seeing patients in the ICC. The ICC also has 3 multimillion dollar STAN robots, which you will use starting your 2nd year. 7) Due to NYCOM having over 30 affiliated hospitals it is easy to rotate practically where-ever you want for any particular field, these are also set up for you by NYCOM. Other schools are not as well affiliated, and getting rotation spots falls onto the shoulders of the students... NYCOM has always started their application process later, 1) it ensure you want NYCOM, 2) they have never had a problem filling a class (always about 6,000 applicants for 300 seats)

 

[Movado1]

So I just called the office inquiring about when supplemental apps would be going out. The lady at the office said you can just access the app on the site and send it out. I specifically asked if we needed to have recieved the reciept of primary app email and she said those are going out soon and you can just go ahead and send the secondary.

 

[heroes31]

So are people waiting to send out the secondary or are just going to send it out now? I was waiting but now thinking I should just send it so I'm not at the end of the list.

 

[gatorfann14]

So are people waiting to send out the secondary or are just going to send it out now? I was waiting but now thinking I should just send it so I'm not at the end of the list.

I sent mine over a month ago and they didn't seem to mind they have sent me updates about recieving things

 

[Kalu123]

So I've decided to go ahead and fill out the secondary, although I probably won't submit it until I get the invite to do so. I have a question for those of you who have filled it out:

They ask us to list paid work, volunteer work, research, and hobbies. And then they ask us to "indicate extracurricular activities...while enrolled as a student". Is it just me, or did we just write that for all of the previous questions? All of my volunteer work, paid work, research, etc. are extracurricular activities that I did while I was a student. Did you just repeat everything here?

 

[angryazn88]

So I've decided to go ahead and fill out the secondary, although I probably won't submit it until I get the invite to do so. I have a question for those of you who have filled it out:

They ask us to list paid work, volunteer work, research, and hobbies. And then they ask us to "indicate extracurricular activities...while enrolled as a student". Is it just me, or did we just write that for all of the previous questions? All of my volunteer work, paid work, research, etc. are extracurricular activities that I did while I was a student. Did you just repeat everything here?

I didn't repeat anything because I don't think they need to see the same stuff twice. Try your best and organize each activity you did into one category of the secondary.

 

[bella592]

I was browsing through some of the old posts from previous NYCOM threads and I stumbled upon a lot of people discussing the med prep program. I know it's not something that we can apply for since admissions decides on it, but do applicants have to put down that they are "disadvantaged" on the AACOMAS application to be considered? The program actually seems really cool because it gives people a chance to get into the school if they were not officially accepted the first time around. If anyone went through the med prep program or has additional information that would be great! Thanks

 

[heroes31]

According to last year's thread, people started getting interviews the Friday after labor day. I really hope its the same this year!
I wonder if the first emails they send out will be a combined secondary/interview invitation.

 

[twocentnews]

This is probably my top, top choice. I have family that went to this school, the doctor I shadowed went to this school, and everyone that went here now has some amazing jobs, and they've had nothing but positive things to say about their clinical experiences. PLUS, they all got some pretty top-notch allopathic residencies in the NY area.

Let's hope we hear from them soon!

 

[BigBoosting]

Just got the secondary invite.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

ditto

 

[Kevin Baker]

Just got the secondary invite.

Same. So excited!!! Last secondary!

 

[bella592]

Woohoo secondary invite!

 

[sedaniel]

Me too except the whole

"We will not be able to give you updated status checks about your applications or recommendation letters due to high volume. We would like to assure you that if you are selected for an interview, we will make every effort to contact you in the event that your application is not complete."

bothers me. We seriously can't check to make sure they've received our letters? Not cool

 

[sa22]

I just got an email too about the secondary, but it said that all applicants are invited to submit a secondary. That doesn't really follow the rationale that I think was posted earlier of if you get a secondary = interview.

 

[DbDan]

I just got an email too about the secondary, but it said that all applicants are invited to submit a secondary. That doesn't really follow the rationale that I think was posted earlier of if you get a secondary = interview.

Like I said, they changed this last year mid-cycle. I responded to that original post as well. I just got the e-mail too. Trying to decide if I want to submit it. Not sure I've got the $60 right now. I'll probably do it if I get this job today.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

yeah, i'm not even excited about this secondary at this point... trying to decide if i want to send it in

 

[traitorman]

I sent mine over a month ago and they didn't seem to mind they have sent me updates about recieving things

same. at this point, i guess im just gonna wait and see what happens like what ive been doing with this school since this whole application process started

 

[heroes31]

How long was everyone's essay for why NYCOM?

 

[Avoidthetiger]

Got a secondary invite email. Not sure if I will be sending it in though....

 

[sa22]

Like I said, they changed this last year mid-cycle. I responded to that original post as well. I just got the e-mail too.

OH, sorry, I didn't see it earlier. Thanks.

 

[Dharma]

Filling out the secondary...
When they ask to list all jobs held should I also write a description for each. It seems a bit redundant being that I wrote detailed descriptions on the primary.

Anyone... anyone?

 

[IamaBanana]

Filling out the secondary...
When they ask to list all jobs held should I also write a description for each. It seems a bit redundant being that I wrote detailed descriptions on the primary.

Anyone... anyone?

I'm interested in this too.

Also, how much are people writing for the "discuss your motivations for applying" bit? It's one of those ambiguously sized text boxes

 

[shaan]

Just submitted my secondary, lets hope I get some love from nycom. For the discussion part, I'd say I prolly probably a little over half a page, two paragraphs I'd call it lol. 🙂

 

[jzrull]

Did you guys actually "describe" your recreational activities/hobbies? I feel like listing things you like to do is pretty self-explanatory of what those activities entail. The janitor from Scrubs may need to explain his, but do you think we need to?

 

[Kalu123]

I wrote very brief descriptions for everything (to the extent of what's on my resume). And for the last question regarding extracurriculars, I made a note to see my answers to previous questions. I just couldn't find anything to put for that question that was different from any of my previous answers.

 

[Kalu123]

I also wrote about 1700 characters for my "why NYCOM" essay and it fit. I'm not sure if there's a character limit.

 

[shaan]

Did you guys actually "describe" your recreational activities/hobbies? I feel like listing things you like to do is pretty self-explanatory of what those activities entail. The janitor from Scrubs may need to explain his, but do you think we need to?

The thing said list, so i listed lol. Not like one word or anything, but like sentences or phrases. I just thought list meant dont write a story/paragraph

 

[Dharma]

The thing said list, so i listed lol. Not like one word or anything, but like sentences or phrases. I just thought list meant dont write a story/paragraph

I agree. Where it says "list" just list. I only gave descriptions when prompted to do so.

 

[heroes31]

I also just listed my experiences without a description. I figure they already have that on the primary.
Also, its nice that you can edit your application until they process your payment from paypal. I ended up going back and changing a sentence to make it sound a little better.

 

[Tariq1989]

does anybody know anybody in NYCOM that got accepted with taking the MCAT in january as their first take?

 

[Dharma]

does anybody know anybody in NYCOM that got accepted with taking the MCAT in january as their first take?

I'd cruise through last year's application cycle forum and see what' up. Going by what I have heard about the school, I'm thinking a late January MCAT (which basically means a March score report) would be really pushing it. Then again, you never know until you try.

Have you taken the MCAT yet? Submitted your secondary to NYCOM? Complete all remaining facets of your application so the MCAT score is the only variable hanging in the balance.

Most importantly, nail that MCAT to the wall. Start hitting up loads of passage work. I'm sure you've heard it before, but it is easy to become enamored with the allure and security of content review- she's a tease; be sure to start hitting up loads of passage work early on. And keep em coming.

Anyhow, good luck. Do it right and we'll be calling ya doctor before ya know it 😎

 

[iamdo]

I'd cruise through last year's application cycle forum and see what' up. Going by what I have heard about the school, I'm thinking a late January MCAT (which basically means a March score report) would be really pushing it. Then again, you never know until you try.

Have you taken the MCAT yet? Submitted your secondary to NYCOM? Complete all remaining facets of your application so the MCAT score is the only variable hanging in the balance.

Most importantly, nail that MCAT to the wall. Start hitting up loads of passage work. I'm sure you've heard it before, but it is easy to become enamored with the allure and security of content review- she's a tease; be sure to start hitting up loads of passage work early on. And keep em coming.

Anyhow, good luck. Do it right and we'll be calling ya doctor before ya know it 😎

very well said.

 

[heroes31]

how long did it take people to receive confirmation from NYCOM that they received your paypal payment?

 

[shaan]

how long did it take people to receive confirmation from NYCOM that they received your paypal payment?

Got my confirmation today, submitted yesterday. 👍

 

[Tariq1989]

I'd cruise through last year's application cycle forum and see what' up. Going by what I have heard about the school, I'm thinking a late January MCAT (which basically means a March score report) would be really pushing it. Then again, you never know until you try.

Have you taken the MCAT yet? Submitted your secondary to NYCOM? Complete all remaining facets of your application so the MCAT score is the only variable hanging in the balance.

Most importantly, nail that MCAT to the wall. Start hitting up loads of passage work. I'm sure you've heard it before, but it is easy to become enamored with the allure and security of content review- she's a tease; be sure to start hitting up loads of passage work early on. And keep em coming.

Anyhow, good luck. Do it right and we'll be calling ya doctor before ya know it 😎

No i havent taken the actual MCAT mines in like 3 days but from doing the practice exams im doing worse than i thought due to the lack of sufficient content review...and you are absolutely right about too much focus on the content and less practice..but i was hoping that I would do well on the January mcat but before that submit application/secondary..im at least hoping for an invite..from what ive heard nycom is pretty slow so im kinda hoping that even though my scores will be at the end of feb. that maybe they may just give me a chance thank you for the advice

 

[painmd87]

how long did it take people to receive confirmation from NYCOM that they received your paypal payment?

Submitted 2 a.m., acknowledged 9 a.m. on Sept. 8.

 

[JHInt]

No i havent taken the actual MCAT mines in like 3 days but from doing the practice exams im doing worse than i thought due to the lack of sufficient content review...and you are absolutely right about too much focus on the content and less practice..but i was hoping that I would do well on the January mcat but before that submit application/secondary..im at least hoping for an invite..from what ive heard nycom is pretty slow so im kinda hoping that even though my scores will be at the end of feb. that maybe they may just give me a chance thank you for the advice

Do not focus too much on when NYCOM starts interviewing. The school does start later but it interviews 2-3 groups a day, and they make up for the initial start delay very quickly. Usually NYCOM is interviewing for Waitlist spots starting in January/February. Just focus on trying to do well on the MCATs and good luck! If you have to just apply the next cycle and get a job to save up money for the tuition and living expenses. Also do not forget NYCOM gets around 6,000 applications a year, the speed of your applications means everything.

Also for this year the secondary must be turned in BEFORE you are considered for a interview spot. NYCOM decided to only interview those they would accept, if the interview goes well. My advice to everyone is do not hold off too long on the secondaries. The interviews are for the best applicants first come first serve. You could have a 36 MCAT after January and there will be no more interviews slots...

MEDPREP is offered to those who qualify by the admissions standards as almost ready for medical school but not quite. It is a VERY intensive 6 weeks at NYCOM. IF you pass you are accepted, but it is intense.

 

[blueskies486]

I was browsing through some of the old posts from previous NYCOM threads and I stumbled upon a lot of people discussing the med prep program. I know it's not something that we can apply for since admissions decides on it, but do applicants have to put down that they are "disadvantaged" on the AACOMAS application to be considered? The program actually seems really cool because it gives people a chance to get into the school if they were not officially accepted the first time around. If anyone went through the med prep program or has additional information that would be great! Thanks

The program is for those who indicated that they were disadvantaged on the AACOMAS application. You must submit tax forms of your parents to prove that you are disadvantaged. The program is six weeks, from Memorial Day to a few days before July 4th. It is extremely intense.

 

[JuliaJulia]

Not sure if interview invites have been sent out but anyone who received an interview willing to post their stats.? Not sure if it's worth sending out my secondary here..

 

[bella592]

Did anyone get a NYCOM convocation invitation for September 13th? I feel like it was so random because that's in like two days.

 

[oncomine]

Slightly incorrect:
"Also for this year the secondary must be turned in BEFORE you are considered for a interview spot."

From what I garner: primaries are used to accumulate those they want to interview... then the interview is performed with secondary in hand (and no info. from primary ie #'s)

So, even if you don't complete a secondary one could be considered/receive an interview, AT WHICH POINT they will tell you how up to date your secondary info is.
Of course, the secondary must be complete before attending the interview.

 

[Dharma]

Slightly incorrect:
"Also for this year the secondary must be turned in BEFORE you are considered for a interview spot."

From what I garner: primaries are used to accumulate those they want to interview... then the interview is performed with secondary in hand (and no info. from primary ie #'s)

So, even if you don't complete a secondary one could be considered/receive an interview, AT WHICH POINT they will tell you how up to date your secondary info is.
Of course, the secondary must be complete before attending the interview.

So are they only sending secondaries to those they are interesting in interviewing or are they pretty much sending anyone a secondary who meets pre-req minimums. I heard that last year a secondary basically meant an invite, but that this is not the case any longer.

 

[Postal]

So are they only sending secondaries to those they are interesting in interviewing or are they pretty much sending anyone a secondary who meets pre-req minimums. I heard that last year a secondary basically meant an invite, but that this is not the case any longer.

I think they are requiring everyone to do the secondary. That's what is says on their website. Everyone is invited to complete the secondary and they just invite who they want to interview.

Just slightly annoyed that this school won't allow you to call in to check if your file is complete. I think for all the money I pay for the secondary, I should be allowed to call in and check on my status as an applicant. oh well, still my #1 school!

 

[MNBred]

Anyone heard anything from NYCOM in the past couple days? Any interviews? I'm freakin' out!

 

[angryazn88]

Anyone heard anything from NYCOM in the past couple days? Any interviews? I'm freakin' out!

dead silent lol, im hoping they sent out invites to new yorkers first cause we rock!! empire state of mind!!!

 

[bella592]

I called the admissions office on Thursday about interview invites. The lady said they're not going to start sending them about until the first week in October. That's kind of late considering they were sending them out already during this time last year.

 

[NYYk9005]

Hey, does anybody know which recommendations are required.
I have a committee letter and I don't know how to put that in the secondary under the 'Please provide information about the individuals who are recommending you for admission to NYCOM:'

Please Help!

 

[angryazn88]

Hey, does anybody know which recommendations are required.
I have a committee letter and I don't know how to put that in the secondary under the 'Please provide information about the individuals who are recommending you for admission to NYCOM:'

Please Help!

I wrote the name of the head premed advisor of my school cause I know she was the one who wrote the letter

 

[deleted248403]

I will be withdrawing my application - Good luck to everyone!