OUCOM Discussion thread 2007-2008

[sistahnik]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey there Concubine how's it going? I read the website and it says that the apps are screened to see if you are eligible to receive a secondary. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't misreading it or misunderstanding it. I am being patient so I don't get all worked up or anything, but I will admit that this process is pretty nerve wrecking. 😀

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

Hey there Concubine how's it going? I read the website and it says that the apps are screened to see if you are eligible to receive a secondary. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't misreading it or misunderstanding it. I am being patient so I don't get all worked up or anything, but I will admit that this process is pretty nerve wrecking. 😀

They do have an OOS minium. Over the phone, the dean of admissions told me that as an OOS applicant, in order to get a secondary I would have to get at least a 24 on the MCAT or have a 3.5 overall GPA. Any OOS applicant that doesn't met one of those two, for lack of a better word, "standards" will get an automatic rejection letter after submitting the AACOMAS.

 

[sistahnik]

Thanks HrvatskiDoktor!!

 

[Onelesscar]

Any OOS heard about interviews? I completed my secondary mid-October. I grew up in Ohio, so spent a good 18 years there, but I don't think that will help my cause at this point 😳

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

Any OOS heard about interviews? I completed my secondary mid-October. I grew up in Ohio, so spent a good 18 years there, but I don't think that will help my cause at this point 😳

Did you just move away for college? Because that shouldn't hurt you too badly. But no, I am OOS and haven't heard anything about interview yet. Good luck!

 

[Concubine]

Any OOS heard about interviews? I completed my secondary mid-October. I grew up in Ohio, so spent a good 18 years there, but I don't think that will help my cause at this point 😳

OOS, interviewed, and accepted. There were a few other OOS when I interviewed as well, but I couldn't tell you about their status.

 

[sistahnik]

OOS, but haven't heard anything yet either. Just hang in there people it will happen. 🙂

 

[btc8]

I am in-state, was interviewed two weeks after my secondary was completed, and I was put on the ALTERNATE list! Grr... Everyone interviewing with me was instate.

I hope you all get in/get the interview. I had a bad experience that day, the Director of Admissions made a rather flippant remark about my current undergraduate institution in front of everyone at the beginning of the day. We wore those nametags and everyone knew I went there. It was awful. Some of my interviewers clearly showed me some animosity for some reason because of my current undergrad institution (they said it many times during the interviews). So, I didn't get a good vibe from the staff....

But, the students there are rather amazing and very awesome! It's not the place for me, but it's definitely a good spot to be!

Good luck to you all!

 

[sistahnik]

I'm so sorry about your experience btc8.😳 They obviously liked you if you got on the alternate list right? 🙂 Maybe we'll hear something tomorrow eh?!

 

[btc8]

hehe, it's okay..but I have no desires to attend OU any more.... kind of felt pissed when they verbally attacked my school for no reason.👎

 

[Onelesscar]

Yes, I left for undergraduate, but then I stayed for 9 years...took a liking to Colorado, how could I not?? However, my family is still in Cincinnati, and thus still feel connected there and would be happy returning to my home state.

 

[Isoprop]

hehe, it's okay..but I have no desires to attend OU any more.... kind of felt pissed when they verbally attacked my school for no reason.👎

i'm sorry you had such a bad experience. i was generally impressed with the staff in ou. parking sucks though.

 

[PatriotsForever]

OU is a cool school but for OOS it just is not worth it unless you plan on spending 5 years there after school is over. That is a deal breaker for me!

 

[sistahnik]

Yea, it sounds like an amazing place to learn medicine! 👍

 

[sistahnik]

Hello everyone. Just wanted to check and see if anyone has heard anything from OUCOM. I am waiting on pins and needles.

 

[med0110]

Hey everyone, I had an interview over at OU and I really wasn't impressed. The school is really small (only 2 buildings) and since it is on the undergrad campus, resources have to be shared. The staff was nice and I liked that, but the OOS 5 year contract kinda ended it for me as everyone else has mentioned. OU is located in a small town without much surrounding it so if you like small towns then you should enjoy the area. OK school but not for me. Good luck to the rest of you.

 

[Concubine]

I must have lost my paperwork for the deposit. Can anyone that has already sent it in tell me how they did it? Do we just send a check? How much? I know that it is due by the 14th.

 

[3shtr]

I must have lost my paperwork for the deposit. Can anyone that has already sent it in tell me how they did it? Do we just send a check? How much? I know that it is due by the 14th.

It's $100. I wrote a short business-type letter along with that addressed to Dr. Schriner. Nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[cgjock80]

what program did you guys use to writer script on their secondary. I have poor handwriting and would much rather complete it electronically but dont currently have the means. Thanks!

 

[DocNurse]

I want to go to OUCOM soooo bad! Athens is a beautiful area and has a great med school (not to mention very good instate tuition). I have not heard anything from the school and I am kind of surprised (3.5GPA 29Q MCAT, nurse with plenty of clinical hours). I have called them multiple times checking on the status of my application. I have already turned down 3 acceptances to other schools and I have WVSOM I have to let know in 30 days!! What's wrong with me!!???

 

[soccer12]

i'll be interviewing here on friday. was supposed to interview back in dec. but flight was cancelled due to a big snowstorm in new england. i know the students don't start back until jan. 7th. not sure if this is a good/bad thing that they won't be around... any advice on what to expect? anyone else interviewing?

 

[Concubine]

i'll be interviewing here on friday. was supposed to interview back in dec. but flight was cancelled due to a big snowstorm in new england. i know the students don't start back until jan. 7th. not sure if this is a good/bad thing that they won't be around... any advice on what to expect? anyone else interviewing?

I interviewed on the first day they even offered interviews. Just be yourself. They were super-nice. You can expect several interviews with multiple faculty, and finding your way around can be a bit tricky. Expect standard questions, I looked at the ones on SDN and got some of them. Good luck!

 

[Eugepae]

i'll be interviewing here on friday. was supposed to interview back in dec. but flight was cancelled due to a big snowstorm in new england. i know the students don't start back until jan. 7th. not sure if this is a good/bad thing that they won't be around... any advice on what to expect? anyone else interviewing?

in addition to what concubine mentioned, you'll also get a van tour of the ou campus, housing options, and parts of athens. expect a somewhat long (depending on the individual interviewer) yet relaxing day. all the interviewers come together at the end of the interview day and decide whether you're accepted/waitlisted/rejected so you know if you're accepted by monday morning via e-mail.

good luck!

 

[soccer12]

called me on my way to columbus to let me know i was accepted! 😀😀😀

 

[Concubine]

called me on my way to columbus to let me know i was accepted! 😀😀😀

Congrats! Maybe I'll see you next fall!

 

[Concubine]

Anybody know what time of year classes start for OUCOM? If I'm going to go here, I want to start planning...

 

[MedDO101]

I believe its early Aug though OUCOM does have a summer program where they invite students a month earlier.

Has anyone paid the second deposit yet? Does anyone remember how much it is?

 

[soccer12]

it's $500 by March or May?? not sure on the exact time frame.

 

[MedDO101]

Its May but I might just go ahead and get that turned in as soon as possible.

 

[Punchap]

Finally!

I got a letter from OUCOM saying my interview is Feb. 1st. Now I'm wondering if there are even spots left...has anyone else received an interview this late in the game?

I thought I made up my mind for LECOM-B, but maybe not depending on how this day goes.

 

[hollaATCHAdoc]

i interviewed there in december. i seem to remember that the dean of admissions mentioned that the class will be nearly half filled by the end of december. who knows, just go there and enjoy your day!

Finally!

I got a letter from OUCOM saying my interview is Feb. 1st. Now I'm wondering if there are even spots left...has anyone else received an interview this late in the game?

I thought I made up my mind for LECOM-B, but maybe not depending on how this day goes.

 

[Concubine]

I interviewed at OUCOM a few months ago and got accepted, but after time and more interviews, the details on each individual school are getting a little hazy. I turned down AZCOM, TOURO-NV, TOURO-MI, and Western. I am still waiting on a few schools to give me a decision before I decide on a place to go (UWSOM, University of Utah SOM, and WVU). I don't really care about the initials after my name, but the quality of education and opportunities for a great residency. Money will also be a big factor in my decision. I was wondering if anyone that currently attends OUCOM or is familiar with their program (specifically the CORE, rotations, and residency opportunities) could let me in on some of the pros and cons of the school (I've listed a few that I remember)?

Pros:

I like small towns
Faculty seemed very nice
Part of a larger University, so superior research opportunities
Cheap ($25,000 a year)

Cons:

5 year contract

 

[spazzz]

the 5 year contract is a bit much. I'd go for Utah if i were you.

 

[Shinken]

I was wondering if anyone that currently attends OUCOM or is familiar with their program (specifically the CORE, rotations, and residency opportunities) could let me in on some of the pros and cons of the school (I've listed a few that I remember)?

Cons:

5 year contract

The 5 year contract really isn't that big of a deal. I don't know why people on SDN make it sound so horrible. Questions for you: Which residency are you interested in? Would you be interested in staying within the CORE hospital system? (which includes several hospitals named in USNews as top 50 hospitals). If you stay within the CORE system, you will most likely fulfill your contract. Three years of primary care in the CORE is enough to fulfill your 5 year commitment. A five-year surgery residency in the CORE, for example, will also fulfill your commitment. You also have the option of buying out of your contract. It's not like OU is going to take you to court if you leave the state after graduation. They'll work with you.

Do you have any specific questions about the CORE and residency opportunities? I'll be glad to answer them or you can PM me as well.

 

[EEL08]

Okay I have a question about the five year contract. If each year of a primary care residency counts as 1.5 years towards the contract then after three years wouldn't you have only served 4.5 years? What would you do about the other 6 months?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Cons: its called "ou"

 

[Shinken]

Okay I have a question about the five year contract. If each year of a primary care residency counts as 1.5 years towards the contract then after three years wouldn't you have only served 4.5 years? What would you do about the other 6 months?

Yes, you would've served the equivalent of 4.5 years, and according to their guidelines, your agreement will be considered fulfilled.

No, they won't require you to stay in Ohio and practice medicine for 6 months.

 

[Shinken]

Cons: its called "ou"

Pros: TexasTriathlete will not attend the school. 😉

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

Pros: TexasTriathlete will not attend the school. 😉

burned

 

[Concubine]

The 5 year contract really isn't that big of a deal. I don't know why people on SDN make it sound so horrible. Questions for you: Which residency are you interested in? Would you be interested in staying within the CORE hospital system? (which includes several hospitals named in USNews as top 50 hospitals). If you stay within the CORE system, you will most likely fulfill your contract. Three years of primary care in the CORE is enough to fulfill your 5 year commitment. A five-year surgery residency in the CORE, for example, will also fulfill your commitment. You also have the option of buying out of your contract. It's not like OU is going to take you to court if you leave the state after graduation. They'll work with you.

Do you have any specific questions about the CORE and residency opportunities? I'll be glad to answer them or you can PM me as well.

I would most definitely stay in the CORE system, since that would both fulfill my contract and help me avoid moving too much. However, does going to OUCOM give you a leg up when applying to CORE residencies?

 

[MaximusD]

OU is psychotic with a five-year contract. It is an excellent school with excellent rotations, but the prospect of being stuck in Ohio with a contractual agreement for five years was too much for me.

 

[Lokhtar]

Anyone else interested in OUCOM DO/PhD program? I am definitely going to apply for it, though I have no idea how competitive it is.

 

[Shinken]

OU is psychotic with a five-year contract. It is an excellent school with excellent rotations, but the prospect of being stuck in Ohio with a contractual agreement for five years was too much for me.

Well, psychotic is not the way I would put it. OU gets funding from the state to offer a relatively low tuition for medical education, and as a "condition" for that funding is that out of state students at least offer some service back to the state.

No worries, OU gets plenty of applicants that want a seat in the school. For a couple of years OU has had to "bribe" students to give up their seats for a year or two in order to comply with accreditation rules (too many students enrolled, more than expected).

 

[Shinken]

does going to OUCOM give you a leg up when applying to CORE residencies?

If you rotate at a CORE hospital that has the residency you want, there's definitely an advantage when applying.

It's a good strategic move to go to a CORE site that has the residency you want (derm, ortho, optho,...) in order to have an advantage. Of course, this could backfire if you suck during your rotations, so work hard.

 

[james4524]

So with the 5 year contract, that does not apply to applicants who do live in the state of Ohio?

 

[Shinken]

Anyone else interested in OUCOM DO/PhD program? I am definitely going to apply for it, though I have no idea how competitive it is.

It's not a question of "competitive" because I've only known two people interested in the DO/PhD program in the 4 years I've been at OU. You probably won't have anybody competing against you for a spot.

If you truly are interested in the DO/PhD program, talk to student affairs at OU and ask them to put you in touch with a former graduate of the program or send an e-mail to Dr. Nowak (look her up in the OU-COM website).

 

[Shinken]

So with the 5 year contract, that does not apply to applicants who do live in the state of Ohio?

By "live in the state of Ohio" you mean residents of Ohio?

If you're a resident of Ohio, the 5 year contract won't apply to you. After you graduate you can do whatever you want.

If you're an out of state applicant or live in Ohio as a resident of another state, then the contract applies to you. Even if you enroll as an out of stater and later become a resident of the state (like I did), the contract still applies to you (but after becoming a resident you'll pay in-state tuition).

 

[Lokhtar]

It's not a question of "competitive" because I've only known two people interested in the DO/PhD program in the 4 years I've been at OU. You probably won't have anybody competing against you for a spot.

That sucks 🙁. Do you know why? Is the program considered a bad program? I want to (obviously) practice academic medicine, and do research.

If you truly are interested in the DO/PhD program, talk to student affairs at OU and ask them to put you in touch with a former graduate of the program or send an e-mail to Dr. Nowak (look her up in the OU-COM website).

Thanks, I'll do that.

 

[Concubine]

It's not a question of "competitive" because I've only known two people interested in the DO/PhD program in the 4 years I've been at OU. You probably won't have anybody competing against you for a spot.

If you truly are interested in the DO/PhD program, talk to student affairs at OU and ask them to put you in touch with a former graduate of the program or send an e-mail to Dr. Nowak (look her up in the OU-COM website).

I interviewed with the DO/PhD people. Their was only one student in the program. It sounded like a great program, but you have to take the GRE to get in. I would love to go that route, but I don't really care to take the GRE.

 

[Lokhtar]

I interviewed with the DO/PhD people. Their was only one student in the program. It sounded like a great program, but you have to take the GRE to get in. I would love to go that route, but I don't really care to take the GRE.

GRE is not a problem, to be honest. That test is easy as hell comparatively (to the MCAT). I've already taken it and got 700 on both sections, and if I have to take it again, I'm sure I can do similar (and really, probably, so can you. If you can get a decent score on the MCAT, you can get a decent score on the GRE, even though the subjects are different).