PCOM Class of 2006!

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Hi everyone...this probably isn't the board to post this, but seeing as how all of you are at the school I'm hoping to attend, I thought I should ask you my questions. I applied to PCOM's MS program (post bacc). I haven't heard anything from them yet, except to say they've received my app and payment. Can anyone advise on what else I should do? Anyone specific I should speak to in Admissions?

Thanks,
water
 
Anyone know if PCOM's match list is available online anywhere?

Thanks,

Careofme
 
Hello Everyone:
Only few more months and life will change a great deal for most of us. I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. I was just wondering if there are anyone out there with children. I have a little one year old at home...she's the most precious thing I've ever held in my arms. What are your thoughts about school and family?
 
Not to burst anyone's bubble, but those of you who are so happy to be going to PCOM in the fall are in for a real shock!
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by fracky:
•Not to burst anyone's bubble, but those of you who are so happy to be going to PCOM in the fall are in for a real shocker!•••••I'm not going to PCOM in the fall, but I am curious nonetheless. What "shocker" are you talking about?
 
Yeah, what is it about PCOM?
 
All I am saying is keep your options open. Try to look beyond the cozy exterior and the circus side show that was put on for you during your admissions interview to make you believe that everything there is just peachy! Hold on to your wallet during orientation week because they will try to sell you everything from the sun to the moon. And that is just the begining!
 
I wouldn't pay too much attention to the previous poster. PCOM ain't the greatest school in the world, but it is pretty good and the vast majority of people are happy to be here. Sure, there are problems and irritants, just like every other school. Student affairs is absolutely worthless, it takes a long time to get tests back, admin. will try to scare you into going to class sometimes, the computer network sux. etc. Nothing too big. They will teach you what you need to know the first two years (albeit very disjointly in neuro) and the rotations are pretty good. But don't buy a bunch of crap (whatever crap the previous poster is referring to). The only book you need is Netter's atlas, the the man himself, aka God.

bobo
 
Just in case the question about financial aid application was not answered yet, I got some info. I actually spoke to a financial aid advisor at PCOM. She told me that they want your PCOM financial aid application with yours and your parent's Federal Income Tax Return by April 15. You should file your FAFSA as soon as humanly possible. Here is the snitch, they are not going to consider class of 2006 financial aid until sometime about early to mid August. THey do financial aid for all other upperclassmen and exit interviews for graduates. Then, with what is left over, they give to first year students, namely, US. Hope this helps, and if it doesn't, hope to see you all soon.
ONE LAST THING!!!!! - Is anyone else in the class of 2006 have a big dog and live in Philly? I have a big one, a Boxer to be exact. Does anyone know where there is a really cool place to take dogs in Philly, like a big park? Thanx. See you all soon. Cya L8r.
 
Hi all. I, too, am not too sure what Fracky is talking about. Let's face it, every school has it's faults - that's life. Not to be too cliche, but you can't please everyone all the time. I believe that all of you that chose PCOM have made the right decision.

If you have any concerns about 1st year, feel free to contact me at [email protected] (just put PCOM in the subject or I will delete it).

See you all in a couple months!!

Michelle
 
I don't want to get into a war of words here but I never intended to make anyone feel like they made a bad decision by choosing PCOM. Of course, there is no way for anyone to know how it is until you start classes. Be smart about the decisions you make and the people you talk to in school because PCOM tends to be a very in-crowd out-crowd type of situation. Some of your classmates will make you feel like crap if you ask about something during lecture that your confused about. Yes, unfortunately there is a large group of A-holes that think they are smarter than everyone else. For those of you out there who claim you don't understand what I'm talking about, I think you do know what I'm talking about. The difference between you and I is that I'm telling it like it really is and your not. By the way Dr.Netter is not a GOD, he's a person that created an atlas. I'm sick and tired of hearing medical students give a "god-like" status to doctors. They are human beings and not infallible.
 
hey bdrenfrew2, i also have a big dog. there are many parks to take your dog to in philly. there is also a big dog run at the schuylkill river park. they actually have their own website <a href="http://www.phillyfido.net.." target="_blank">www.phillyfido.net..</a>

where r u and your pooch going to live?
 
What about a match list? Does anyone have one????

care
 
Netter IS GOD.

For better or for worse, PCOM (and probably many med schools) is a lot like high school. Everyone is in a clique. Seems like they segment themselves off before school even starts. Can be tough when you don't know anyone (like me when I came to school). The cliques run the gamut - you just have to find out where you belong. If it doesn't happen right away, don't sweat it. But in a class of 250+, you will find your place. If you don't like a person or group, don't freakin' hang out or talk to them. There may be an "in-crowd" at PCOM but I don't know who they are. Probably I think the in-crowd is a bunch of dorks (if they are anything like the people who have nothing better to do than post garbage in "The Lounge"). If you don't understand something, ask your friend, not some starnger.

About the match list, PCOM does not publicize it that I know of. They put where everyone is going in the yearbook but not what specialty. The number matching into allopathic spots is not high, but I think that this is a matter of choice. Most people at PCOM are from the area, so they tend to stick around after they graduate. Since PCOM has many residency spots, a bunch are taken. Some people scatter across the country, but realize that a number of these are military.
 
My college is really "clicky" (sorry, no good at spelling). It just rubs me the wrong way.
 
man, I'd love to know who fracky is...you a first year, big guy? If so, I have no idea what you're talking about in regards to asking questions in lecture...altho I must admit, if someone asks something really dumb, yeah, it'll make me laugh. Call me an a$$hole, but foolish people make me laugh. Don't take it personal, everyone asks stupid questions at one time or another.

However, if you're one of those people who ask questions just to hear your own annoying voice reverb thru the lecture hall or just to brown-nose the prof...then yeah, I'll make fun of you and won't regret it. It's arrogant and it wastes our time. Otherwise, I'd never crack on a person for asking a question...heck, it might serve to ellucidate a complex point.

In regards to PCOM being 'clicky'...welcome to life. You gotta get in where you fit in...and unless you're a total knob I don't see how you'd have trouble fitting in at PCOM. Maybe you just haven't tried hard enough. Maybe you have...I don't know your situation, you chose just to 'bitch and run'. Anyways, most of those I've met here have been extraordinarily nice people...it's one of the reasons I like it here so much.

So don't go bad-mouthing PCOM because you're bitter. It's a good (if not great) school...you should feel fortunate for having the opportunity to learn here.

-d

ps: email me if you want to discuss anything...god (i.e. Netter) knows come Wednesday I'll have nothing but time (and beer bottles) on my hands 🙂
 
Thanx for the info BeachBabe. This is for anyone who has a large dog and is looking for an apartment. There are very few apartments in Philly that take big dogs, like over 30 pounds (mine is 90). Out of all of them, the best one by far is Summit Park Apartments. It is only a couple of minutes from Manayunk and maybe 10 from school. It is really nice. If anyone needs the number, it is 215-482-0788. I already got an apartment there. Hope this helps anyone. Cya L8r.
 
First of all, I want to congratulate the Class of 2006. Its going to be one wild ride. Overall, I received a good education. The school is always going through curriculum adjustments and changes but the core of what we need to know hasn't changed. The pathology professor is tough but you'll be surprised on what you will remember outside of the classroom. OMM is also going through an adjustment, especially because the rumor is a very good clinician and faculty member will be leaving. Rotations are what you make of it. My suggestion is to be somewhat aggressive, it can never hurt you...and be willing to say "I don't know." Never make assumptions and never be embarrassed to ask for help. I am in the process of applying to internships and what I gather, transcripts, board scores, CV, and letters are important, but the best thing to do is to actually perform one or more rotations at the hospital you are interested in and make a good impression. Also, in my rotation group, most of us do not plan to apply to programs in Philadelphia. Most of us are heading closer to home...ie. Pittsburgh, Miami, Wilmington, Baltimore...etc. The one advantage your class has over the other classes is that you will see, hopefully, the new and improved PCOM internship program. Good luck to all of you wherever you are going...and remember if you don't know the answer...say sarcoid or amyloid.
 
Sorry everyone but Shoedog made a mistake. If you can't remember the answer, say "SLE!" 😀

If Fogel asks the question, SLE is the answer!
 
•••quote:••• OMM is also going through an adjustment, especially because the rumor is a very good clinician and faculty member will be leaving. ••••Just curious as to who this is.
 
One more thing...

I think that this PCOM folder should have more posts than ANY of the other "Class of 2006" folders!

Just my $0.02
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by JPHazelton:
• •••quote:••• OMM is also going through an adjustment, especially because the rumor is a very good clinician and faculty member will be leaving. ••••Just curious as to who this is.•••••Dr. Alder-Michaelson is moving to Germany this summer to practice/teach there.

Bubba-- I agree, when in doubt, SLE. Although, Dr. Fogel admits that the new answer of the century may be HIV...

PhillyGirl
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by bdrenfrew2:
•Thanx for the info BeachBabe. This is for anyone who has a large dog and is looking for an apartment. There are very few apartments in Philly that take big dogs, like over 30 pounds (mine is 90). Out of all of them, the best one by far is Summit Park Apartments. It is only a couple of minutes from Manayunk and maybe 10 from school. It is really nice. If anyone needs the number, it is 215-482-0788. I already got an apartment there. Hope this helps anyone. Cya L8r.•••••Another good apartment complex is Henry on the Park (right down the street from Summit Park). The number there is (215)487-4400. They also take dogs, and they're a bit pricey (~$900), but REALLY NICE. I have a few friends who live there, one who is a student at PCOM.

Good luck!
 
i wish i were going to PCOM, i hear PCOM class of 2006 has a lot of cute girls. also i hear the curriculum is really good too!
 
Cute girls?

:clap:
 
Dr. Fogel is the pathology professor at PCOM. He has been known to ask questions in class to make sure you read Robbins the night before. If you don't know, he may make a comment about not wanting to go to your ER. I stand corrected...SLE and HIV are also legitimate default answers...but I always liked the "Bilateral Hilar Lymphadenopathy." It is a shame that Dr. Michaelson is leaving...I was fortunate enough to perform an OMM rotation with him earlier my third year and he was awesome. Well, good luck to everyone, time to get ready for COMLEX II. If anyone has questions about the school, rotations, etc...lmk and I'll try to answer from my experiences.
 
Fracky,

That's very mature of you. Thanks for responding.
 
Kick his ass Dave...i got your back! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
 
wow, dude, you have some serious issues. conversation over.
 
I must agree with Toots, Henry on the Park is very nice, but they don't take dogs over 30 pounds or so. Unfortunately, a lot of places that take dogs, have size limits and refuse dogs over about 20 or 30 pounds. I would have liked to live there, but no crash diet I could find would reduce my dog from 90 pounds to 30 pounds LOL. Anywho, hope every one is fine and see you all soon. Cya L8r.
 
hey bedrenfrew2, you're right the only places i know of that take dogs over 30lbs are Lincoln Green apt and Summit Park apt. I wish places were more dog friendly.
 
Anyone have any idea when we will be recieving information regarding our financial aid awards?

Someone told me August. Will this be too late to apply for alternative loans? Will we have to come up with the first tuition payment on our own and then be reimbursed from our financial aid awards?

Thanks
 
Hey JP, we will be getting our award letters soon. But if you think you will need more then the 38,5000, call them immediately to get an app for an alternative loan. And about the first tuition payment, the school takes it out of your loan money, then they give you a check for what is leftover. The check will approx. be $3000 and will be given to us at the begining of each trimester. But fin aid told me to have some money saved up for my first months rent. Because we won't get the first loan check till a week or two after school starts. Hope this helps.
 
JP & Beachbabe,

you guys will be able to apply for additional funding throughout the year. the Fin Aid ladies will repeatedly try to talk you out of it (for you own good), but they can't prevent you from getting up to the full amount of funding each year. i think it's around $47,000, but your EFC (estimated family contribution) is also factored into this, so keep that in mind. look into the available scholarships as well. i wish i would've have done this...by the time i did the deadlines had all passed. there is mad money to be had in the many available scholarships...you just have to apply. overall, things will pretty much just fall into place. like beachbabe said, have some cash saved up for the first part of school, but other than that you'll get your check soon after school starts. enjoy your last few months of freedom! the funs about to begin 🙂
later!
 
Hey Class of 2006...

I am in the class of 2005 and am looking for a roommate. If any of you are looking for a place, email me at [email protected] (put PCOM in the heading, so I don't delete it 🙂 )

It's a nice 2BR about a mile from school and I get the keys on June 17 and am moving in sometime after that. Rent is really cheap.

So, if you're looking, contact me and I will tell you all of the details...

Have a great summer!
Michelle
 
Michelle!!!

You're letting me know 3 months too late.

🙁

Really cheap, huh?

How cheap?
 
phillygrl-
i already emailed you earlier about the apartment and since I have cats, we can't live together...but I am curious as to where the apartment is located. i was recently down in philly visiting so i wanted to know where exactly there are apartments within a mile?
 
Hey Josh -- the rent is $650/mo plus utilities, so half of that per person...

Smokey -- are you sure that you don't want to leave the cats at home? Just kidding. there are apts within one-two miles everywhere. If you drive past school on Monument, you come to a Pathmark. If you turn left there, there is an area known as Wynnefield Heights and it's all the typical Philly style rowhomes. lots of students live there. There are also places if you make a right at that light and head down to Belmont. If you make a left on Belmont, there are apt complexes on your right and some privately owned properties.

There are also privately owned properties maybe 2-4 miles away if you go down City Ave near Bala Ave. There are some cute places on the Bala side of Bala ave, but they're a little pricier.

... hope this helps anyone who's looking. And, if you're interested in my place, let me know...

Michelle
 
michelle

wow, that is a pretty good deal

i was only joking about not letting me know earlier...i'm in a pretty sweet place myself....i pay about 310 + utilities

take care!
 
I heard yesterday that tuition for this fall at PCOM will be around $28,500 which is about a $2,000 increase from last year.
Can anyone confirm this?
Soon we will have to use our entire loan check just for tuition.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Bubba:
•I heard yesterday that tuition for this fall at PCOM will be around $28,500 which is about a $2,000 increase from last year.
Can anyone confirm this?
Soon we will have to use our entire loan check just for tuition.•••••Bubba-

They just sent us the letter in the mail. Yes, tuition went up, I am surprised that you didn't hear the rumor earlier. Many of the first years knew months ago. The new tuition is $28,510...
Apparently, the state gave us less appropriation this year and they can't cover their costs without the increase.

Michelle
 
When were they goign to tell the incoming class?

They never mentioned anything at the financial aid seminar...or maybe they did and I wasn't paying attention....hmmm.

Anyway, I'm still waiting for my financial aid package. Anyone know when they're suppose to arrive? If tuition is $28+, what will the other expenses be?

If I applied for stafford only, that's going to eat up a good chunk of that money.

Question for Michelle: On top of tuition, what other school expenses are there and what do they total?

Thanks!
 
Hey JPHazelton:

Did PCOM's tuition go up. I thought it was 25K+.

You having fun up in Conn. Center City is turing an entire block into a beach today.

Still waiting on UB (But somebody got in off the regular waitlist, I hope they are through the high priority people already).

AK
 
They didn't finalize the new tuition until about a week or so ago, so they didn't officially tell anyone until after that. Yes, it will take a big chunk of Stafford.

As far as other costs go, your class decides on class dues, which will probably be $300. If you like to read texts, count in lots of money or find second years to buy them from (I will have some for sale). SOMA may have a book swap/sale at the beginning of the year so second years can sell their books to first years. Joining clubs costs money, but only be a member of those clubs you are really interested in. You can go to most meetings even if you aren't in the club, but their are other events you can only do if you are in the club. You have to buy a dissection kit, which is like $3 from the anatomy dept. You need scrubs or crappy clothes for anatomy lab. You need a microscope, which you will get info in the mail about renting. They're about $100, so find a friend to share it with (someone at the opposite end of the alphabet).

Not to forget school supplies, etc.

That's all I can think of. I know that you will be getting a letter from Student Government covering all of the "extra" expenses so that no one in your class is shocked and uninformed like our class was.

🙂

Michelle
 
Michelle

Once again you have come through with a helpful post and calmed my worries.

I would be interested in your used books, so long as there are no coffee stains or erradic highlighting.

Hope you enjoy your summer.

Josh
 
DocAdam

Yeah...apparently tuition will hit me to the tune of $28,500 or so.

Ouch.

Hope stafford is nice and hands over the full $38,500.

Still waiting on Boofalo, huh? You'll get in. Not to worry.

Let me know how everything goes.
 
Ok, so like everyone else, this raise in tuition is a complete shocker! But, tis life. So if I get this right, after tuition, that leaves only $10,000 for living expenses, fees, books, etc from Stafford...and this is only if they give us the maximum. What I would like to know is how much should I expect to spend on books? Also, for any current students, how much did you take out, and what was this covering. I am pretty much depending COMPLETELY on loans to cover ALL my expenses. If you borrowed $10,000, was this able to cover rent, utilities, food, books, fees, health insurance, gas etc? Did anyone look into another loan besides Stafford for their first year??? This is obviously a huge concern for me. Thanks a bunch for anyone who can answer my questions, and to PhillyGirl who has answered so many already! 😀
 
I second Smokey's post.
 
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