Opinions please...

[stubbedtoe]

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I already interviewed at CSPM and got acceptance there. I was offered 4 other interviews but I haven't scheduled them yet. I was weighing the pros and cons of going to CSPM and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Also, I'm from so cal so it's great that I get to stay. At first, I was thinking of going to at least 1, if not 2 more interviews just to check out the school and make a comparison.

I was really shocked because I thought I would have more time to make a decision and respond, but they only give me 2 weeks to decide and turn in a nonrefundable $1000 tuition deposit to hold my spot otherwise I lose it.

The thing is, I don't think I even have enough time to make other interview dates, and I don't know how long I have to wait to hear back from the schools. (I was thinking of interviewing at DMU and Temple).

What do you guys think? Am I cheating myself out of anything? All comments appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Feli]

...they only give me 2 weeks to decide and turn in a nonrefundable $1000 tuition deposit to hold my spot otherwise I lose it...

I'm calling total BS on that one^. You could probably call in 6 months, say you lost the letter, and get in just fine. I'd be 99% sure that the "put in the deposit now or lose your spot" is just a pathetic tactic to try to make sure you matriculate there. I don't care for that at all...

If you want to do a couple other campus visits elsewhere for comparison or other perspectives, I say go for it. A good pod school would have confidence in their program and encourage you to look around. If you were impressed with CSPM, you could always go there in the end, but it doesn't hurt to see what's out there. Your Cali spot will still be there.

 

[krabmas]

I already interviewed at CSPM and got acceptance there. I was offered 4 other interviews but I haven't scheduled them yet. I was weighing the pros and cons of going to CSPM and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Also, I'm from so cal so it's great that I get to stay. At first, I was thinking of going to at least 1, if not 2 more interviews just to check out the school and make a comparison.

I was really shocked because I thought I would have more time to make a decision and respond, but they only give me 2 weeks to decide and turn in a nonrefundable $1000 tuition deposit to hold my spot otherwise I lose it.

The thing is, I don't think I even have enough time to make other interview dates, and I don't know how long I have to wait to hear back from the schools. (I was thinking of interviewing at DMU and Temple).

What do you guys think? Am I cheating myself out of anything? All comments appreciated. Thanks!

I would call the school and discuss the situation with the admissions people and request a longer time to make a decision and explain that you need time to compare the schools. If they are as interested in your success as you are then they will comply. If all they are interested in is your check and their bank account they will not allow you more time.

I would visit more schools if I were you. You will wonder what the other schools are like once you start. It ia pretty difficult to transfer in the later years since the schools follow such different schedules.

 

[crhoody12]

I was thinking I might run into the same situation as you with applying to schools and interview dates spread out. Since this thread started I'll put this info out there...

According to the NYCPM Guidelines Catalog from 2007-2008

"First year - First Semester: A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due within thirty days of notice of acceptance, with a matriculation fee of $1000 due sixty days from the date of acceptance or before matriculation (whichever comes first). Both the $500 deposit and the $1000 matriculation fee are applied towards tuition. Only one half of the matriculation fee is refundable."

 

[Buspar]

I was thinking I might run into the same situation as you with applying to schools and interview dates spread out. Since this thread started I'll put this info out there...

According to the NYCPM Guidelines Catalog from 2007-2008

"First year - First Semester: A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due within thirty days of notice of acceptance, with a matriculation fee of $1000 due sixty days from the date of acceptance or before matriculation (whichever comes first). Both the $500 deposit and the $1000 matriculation fee are applied towards tuition. Only one half of the matriculation fee is refundable."

This does not sound bad at all, but 2 weeks is just rediculous!

 

[Feli]

... 2 weeks is just rediculous!

They technically could give away your seat +/- scholarship if you let the deposit deadline pass, but the bottom line is that your seat will be there until enough other people put their $ down to fill all of the spots. Some of the schools don't get a whole lot of interest, have a nearly 1:1 app:accept ratio, and are always accepting almost right up until orientation starts. I don't think any pod schools except AZ and DMU filled last year (maybe Scholl or Temple filled late?). Hopefully all of the schools will be more competitive and filling early in the future, but it's just not the case right now. The tactic of "hurry up and get your seat before they fill" is one I'm not a fan of whatsoever.

If you were interviewing in Jan/Feb or later or got offered a significant scholarship, then, yes, you probably should get your $ in if it's your top choice school and you want to secure your seat/scholarship. However, most schools that don't fill very fast, Cali being one to my knowledge, will still take a qualified applicant even in the early summer months (unfortunately, some schools will even take a lesser applicant in late summer as long as they have the $). If you search threads from 6mo back, I'm sure CSPM was still interviewing and accepting into late spring or even summer. The "you will lose your seat" and "must decide now" are just dumb scare tactics to get your $ in and lock you into that school.

The only real advantage to making application and interview early is better shot at the more selective schools and more scholarship availability. You guys who are applying now are smart, but don't be fooled into thinking that the school will fill up by Halloween. If you want to look at a couple other programs, I say do it. As I said above, a strong program would encourage you to look around before making your decision anyways...

 

[Buspar]

They technically could give away your seat +/- scholarship if you let the deposit deadline pass, but the bottom line is that your seat will be there until enough other people put their $ down to fill all of the spots. Some of the schools don't get a whole lot of interest, have a nearly 1:1 app:accept ratio, and are always accepting almost right up until orientation starts. I don't think any pod schools except AZ and DMU filled last year (maybe Scholl or Temple filled late?). Hopefully all of the schools will be more competitive and filling early in the future, but it's just not the case right now. The tactic of "hurry up and get your seat before they fill" is one I'm not a fan of whatsoever.

If you were interviewing in Jan/Feb or later or got offered a significant scholarship, then, yes, you probably should get your $ in if it's your top choice school and you want to secure your seat/scholarship. However, most schools that don't fill very fast, Cali being one to my knowledge, will still take a qualified applicant even in the early summer months (unfortunately, some schools will even take a lesser applicant in late summer as long as they have the $). If you search threads from 6mo back, I'm sure CSPM was still interviewing and accepting into late spring or even summer. The "you will lose your seat" and "must decide now" are just dumb scare tactics to get your $ in and lock you into that school.

The only real advantage to making application and interview early is better shot at the more selective schools and more scholarship availability. You guys who are applying now are smart, but don't be fooled into thinking that the school will fill up by Halloween. If you want to look at a couple other programs, I say do it. As I said above, a strong program would encourage you to look around before making your decision anyways...

Great info👍...thanks!

 

[jonwill]

I was really shocked because I thought I would have more time to make a decision and respond, but they only give me 2 weeks to decide and turn in a nonrefundable $1000 tuition deposit to hold my spot otherwise I lose it.

I would certainly question their motives. This is an extremely important decision. Why would someone want to rush you??? I would also recommend interviewing at another school. Otherwise, you have nothing to compare CSPM with.

 

[Cheetos]

I agree with Feli, the 2 week deadline is somewhat BS. I was in your same exact position this time last yr. My AZPOD interview was 2 weeks after my CSPM interview and my DMU interview was 3 weeks after CSPM. They gave me the same exact "2 weeks" deadline. About a month after my CSPM interview, which was clearly past the deadline, CSPM emails me asking me if I was still interested and that my spot and scholarship was still saved if I still wanted to attend there. On top of this, they gave me an additional week to reply to this email. Hence, I doubt the deadline is really firm unless this yr they had a massive surge of early applicants. But do call the school and explain your situation to be safe.

Like you, at first, I was really amazed with the facilities, classes, and experience that was offered at CSPM and didn't want to attend anywhere else. (I'm from Nor Cal so CSPM was close to home). But after interviewing at AZPOD and DMU, my whole perspective changed and I saw the different opportunities that the other schools had to offer. So do visit a few of the other schools. Your perspective will change and you won't be disappointed. You're about to invest 4+ yrs of your life and tons of $$$ so you definitely want to see what options are out there. Goodluck!!!

 

[krabmas]

I keep reading people post "it's 4 years of your life" about pod school. Yes school lasts only 4 years or a long 4 years - depends how you look at 4 years.

But think about this...

The schools offer vastly different teaching styles, average board pass rates, numbers of externships, 4th year obligations to the school?, different focuses in education from forefoot surgery, biomechanics, rearfoot surgery, medicine classes with DOs, different hospital affiliations for rotations, different 4th year rotations.

All these differences will give you a different education and set you up differently for interviews for residency.

It is very important that you pick the school that you will succeed in best. This can effect more than the next 4 years of your life. The school you pick can effect the rest of your life.

 

[Red Head]

The schools offer vastly different teaching styles, average board pass rates, numbers of externships, 4th year obligations to the school?, different focuses in education from forefoot surgery, biomechanics, rearfoot surgery, medicine classes with DOs, different hospital affiliations for rotations, different 4th year rotations.

I'm actually interested in biomechanics, physics, kinesiology, sports medicine etc... is there a school that stands out from the rest, that has a very good program or research in that area? or a school that is most notable in those areas...

 

[Cheetos]

I keep reading people post "it's 4 years of your life" about pod school. Yes school lasts only 4 years or a long 4 years - depends how you look at 4 years.

But think about this...

The schools offer vastly different teaching styles, average board pass rates, numbers of externships, 4th year obligations to the school?, different focuses in education from forefoot surgery, biomechanics, rearfoot surgery, medicine classes with DOs, different hospital affiliations for rotations, different 4th year rotations.

All these differences will give you a different education and set you up differently for interviews for residency.

It is very important that you pick the school that you will succeed in best. This can effect more than the next 4 years of your life. The school you pick can effect the rest of your life.

Very true! I just edited it to 4+ years 😀

 

[krabmas]

I'm actually interested in biomechanics, physics, kinesiology, sports medicine etc... is there a school that stands out from the rest, that has a very good program or research in that area? or a school that is most notable in those areas...

most of that will be self taught, but...

NYCPM is typically more focued on non-surgical aspects of podiatry. You learn the surgical aspects too but many more hours will be spent in classes on biomechanics, functional orthopedics, peds, orthotic treatment...

Scholl offers a pedorthics class for certification

that is all I know.

 

[Red Head]

most of that will be self taught, but...

NYCPM is typically more focued on non-surgical aspects of podiatry. You learn the surgical aspects too but many more hours will be spent in classes on biomechanics, functional orthopedics, peds, orthotic treatment...

Scholl offers a pedorthics class for certification

that is all I know.

ok thanks

 

[stubbedtoe]

I agree with Feli, the 2 week deadline is somewhat BS. I was in your same exact position this time last yr. My AZPOD interview was 2 weeks after my CSPM interview and my DMU interview was 3 weeks after CSPM. They gave me the same exact "2 weeks" deadline. About a month after my CSPM interview, which was clearly past the deadline, CSPM emails me asking me if I was still interested and that my spot and scholarship was still saved if I still wanted to attend there. On top of this, they gave me an additional week to reply to this email. Hence, I doubt the deadline is really firm unless this yr they had a massive surge of early applicants. But do call the school and explain your situation to be safe.

Like you, at first, I was really amazed with the facilities, classes, and experience that was offered at CSPM and didn't want to attend anywhere else. (I'm from Nor Cal so CSPM was close to home). But after interviewing at AZPOD and DMU, my whole perspective changed and I saw the different opportunities that the other schools had to offer. So do visit a few of the other schools. Your perspective will change and you won't be disappointed. You're about to invest 4+ yrs of your life and tons of $$$ so you definitely want to see what options are out there. Goodluck!!!

If you don't mind my asking, cheetos, what made you pick AZPOD (I think you go there right since it says AZLAND underneath "cheetos") over CSPM?

 

[Cheetos]

If you don't mind my asking, cheetos, what made you pick AZPOD (I think you go there right since it says AZLAND underneath "cheetos") over CSPM?

After visiting Midwestern Univ, and seeing the area, the atmosphere and location just felt right here. The combined classes with the DOs was a big factor and the facilities are all new and resourceful. We take all of our core courses with the DOs, which creates an equal opportunity playing field. They also just finished building the MWU Clinic which is next ot the campus which we will be able to utilize as Pod students. We actually start basic clinics there (introduction, physical exams, etc) in 2 weeks. The campus still has lots of room for expansion. Current construction of the dental school, more lecture halls, and a larger gym are underway which will open next school yr. Glendale is also safer than Oakland Also AZ isn't too far from home so it was perfect. The only things that I find negative about the school is unlike the other schools, they offer no sholarships and tuition gradually rises with a small percentage (something like 1-3%) every yr. Also, we are on the quarter system and take 6-8 classes per quarter so you get hit with material really fast but it forces you to keep up. Other than that I am happy with my choice of attending here. But please keep in mind that my opinion is biased so do check out other schools as well. DMU and Scholl are also really good schools as well.

BTW, we do have a few ppl here from So Cal too 👍

 

[stubbedtoe]

After visiting Midwestern Univ, and seeing the area, the atmosphere and location just felt right here. The combined classes with the DOs was a big factor and the facilities are all new and resourceful. We take all of our core courses with the DOs, which creates an equal opportunity playing field. They also just finished building the MWU Clinic which is next ot the campus which we will be able to utilize as Pod students. We actually start basic clinics there (introduction, physical exams, etc) in 2 weeks. The campus still has lots of room for expansion. Current construction of the dental school, more lecture halls, and a larger gym are underway which will open next school yr. Glendale is also safer than Oakland Also AZ isn't too far from home so it was perfect. The only things that I find negative about the school is unlike the other schools, they offer no sholarships and tuition gradually rises with a small percentage (something like 1-3%) every yr. Also, we are on the quarter system and take 6-8 classes per quarter so you get hit with material really fast but it forces you to keep up. Other than that I am happy with my choice of attending here. But please keep in mind that my opinion is biased so do check out other schools as well. DMU and Scholl are also really good schools as well.

BTW, we do have a few ppl here from So Cal too 👍

I see. It's safer than Oakland? I think Oakland, at least near the school, is pretty safe right? More so during the day of course. Wow..I didn't know that podiatry schools could be the on quarter system?! Is AZPOD the only school like that? I am so through with the quarter system, it would be like college all over again for me.

Actually, I grew up in Tucson, AZ. I moved to soCal in 5th grade. So technically, I am an AZ kid.

 

[jonwill]

I see. It's safer than Oakland? I think Oakland, at least near the school, is pretty safe right? More so during the day of course.

Mind you I interviewed at CSPM in 2003 but I believe the school is in a pretty bad part of town. I was told that, if you leave after dark, you have to be escorted by security.

 

[Cheetos]

I see. It's safer than Oakland? I think Oakland, at least near the school, is pretty safe right? More so during the day of course. Wow..I didn't know that podiatry schools could be the on quarter system?! Is AZPOD the only school like that? I am so through with the quarter system, it would be like college all over again for me.

Actually, I grew up in Tucson, AZ. I moved to soCal in 5th grade. So technically, I am an AZ kid.

Oakland may not be as bad as south central LA but it's still pretty ghetto. Glendale and Des Moines are much safer suburbia towns. I remember seeing Oakland ranked in the top 10 for the highest percent increase in homicides on CNN recently. Although I do have to admit the area did look somewhat better when I interviewed compared to my previous visits with the area. My theory is they bribed the local hoodlums with steriod injections so they stay away on interview days

 

[DrNdogg]

The immediate area around the school isn't that bad. The campus is in a 4 or 5 block area of health care facilities, hospitals, and laboratory facilities. Of course I wouldn't go wandering around alone at night, that's just asking for trouble. As long as you're aware of your surroundings you shouldn't run into trouble. This past year, they just completed a state of the art simulation lab that the students are able to use during the first medicine rotation and learn to do a full physical exam, and they are in the process of completing the research lab.