PCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[Bacchus]

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You need to include your parents' info to be considered for GRANT/Merit/Needbased aid from a lot of medical schools. If you go to PCOM's website and type in Financial Aid Handbook you can find a detailed PDF.

 

[JonnyG]

You must be a 2nd year lol I love how every teacher/class we have has told us how much better we are doing then you guys.

It's alright though. As an aside to that, if you noticed most of the 1st years actually attend lectures... Could the be a correlation? Who knows.

pwnt.

(as far as biomeds go. honestly its one thing to learn the info once before... its another thing to learn it from the same prof's, via the same notes, who ask very similar if not the same questions on exams, as well as having old study guides for the biomed exams that arent available to M1s... Biomeds have no learning curves with how prof's teach/test... = advantage)

Actually, I am a fourth year. Your averages are pretty much the same as my class and the class behind us did a bit better. Its nice to think the biomeds have an advantage but they really dont. They generally end up doing the same as everyone else. They have a slight advantage of anatomy but everythign is much more intense then when they had it before. All the info they have access too can be gotten by just talking to people in other years.

 

[Semicolon]

You need to include your parents' info to be considered for GRANT/Merit/Needbased aid from a lot of medical schools. If you go to PCOM's website and type in Financial Aid Handbook you can find a detailed PDF.

Ah, I didn't know that. There's a section on the FAFSA where you answer a series of questions and if you answer "yes" to any of them, you "are not required" to give your parents' information.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0910/WorksheetServlet?locale=en_US&wstype=WSDEP

So to answer the original question, you do not HAVE to give parental information, but you CAN if you choose to (such as for the type of aid Bacchus mentioned).

 

[cliquesh]

Anyone notice that PCOMs website doesn't get updated very often? What's the deal with that, hah?

 

[Bleurberry]

where did you do your post-bac love?

Those PCOM post-bac students have a disgusting advantage over everyone else. It frankly isn't fair. (we have about 50/270 that attended PCOMs post-bac which is essentially M1 thats not called M1... so all these kids have had the SAME lectures by the SAME professors who in many many many instances use the SAME notes and SAME powerpoints) I think its so LOL when they complain about things.

Temple U.
It's complicated in some sense, but I returned and did the "post-bacc" schedule with the bona-fide post-bacc students, but under the auspice of my undergraduate work, since I hadn't graduated before I left in 2003.
When I returned, my major and core was all but done, so I took on the post-bacc schedule (without really knowing it until the pre-med advisor told me I was in all of their labs and classes) and finished my pre-reqs in a year. It was mind-numbing.

 

[Bleurberry]

Actually, where it has you answer that question on the FAFSA, it does stipulate that Health Professions Graduate students are strongly recommended to include parental information.

Ah, I didn't know that. There's a section on the FAFSA where you answer a series of questions and if you answer "yes" to any of them, you "are not required" to give your parents' information.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0910/WorksheetServlet?locale=en_US&wstype=WSDEP

So to answer the original question, you do not HAVE to give parental information, but you CAN if you choose to (such as for the type of aid Bacchus mentioned).

 

[DannMann99]

Anyone notice that PCOMs website doesn't get updated very often? What's the deal with that, hah?

Get used to it. My Nucleus page still has information about orientation and whatnot plastered all over page 1... God I hate nucleus.

 

[Semicolon]

Actually, where it has you answer that question on the FAFSA, it does stipulate that Health Professions Graduate students are strongly recommended to include parental information.

I see. I'm glad you pointed that out; looks like I'll be bothering my parents once again. 😛

 

[ARR]

how do you think you did on the interview and what type of questions did you had? I will interview on the 27th.
Thanks

My interview went well, I think. Please look at the interview feedback for my info on questions asked. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Bleurberry]

i see. I'm glad you pointed that out; looks like i'll be bothering my parents once again. 😛

 

[dsjar]

I'm still waiting to get an interview
i have competitive stats and I'm starting to lose hope on PCOM...ive been accepted other places but PCOM is my #1
Does anyone have encouraging news?! Does anyone know if there are even seats open at this point and if they are they still giving out interviews?

 

[tatstyl]

i'm still waiting to get an interview
i have competitive stats and i'm starting to lose hope on pcom...ive been accepted other places but pcom is my #1
does anyone have encouraging news?! Does anyone know if there are even seats open at this point and if they are they still giving out interviews?

i believe they still have interviews. They emailed me last week for an interview next week. I was giving up too. Keep your head up. They will come and will raise; it will be all yours to play with; just give them the best you have

 

[237696]

i believe they still have interviews. They emailed me last week for an interview next week. I was giving up too. Keep your head up. They will come and will raise; it will be all yours to play with; just give them the best you have

They are interviewing at least through the end of February and I'm sure later. I was notified in December for an interview on February 24. My mom, who graduated from there in the 90's, told me she didn't interview until early May, was waitlisted, then got in in June. Although I'm sure the timing varies cycle to cycle I doubt they're done selecting for interviews in January.

 

[Irish37]

when were you complete by? i think i may have just been cokmplete instead of back in November because of the stupid letter from the dean they require (i graduated, plese refer to transcript!!!)

so worst case, if i just completed, is there hope?

 

[rkaz]

when were you complete by? i think i may have just been cokmplete instead of back in November because of the stupid letter from the dean they require (i graduated, plese refer to transcript!!!)

so worst case, if i just completed, is there hope?

If a student needs a letter from the dean, do they let you know??... or do they just not say anything, and wait for you to ask them??

I called back in November to find out that I was complete, but haven't heard anything from them since. I called PCOM's office a few weeks ago, and they had no new information for me.

Since I'm a graduate student, I wonder if they need a dean's letter. Actually in my case one of my LOR writers who is a physician (and a former professor of mine) was then the interim-dean of my college... but she has since been promoted to the dean! So technically they already have a dean's letter for me (though she may not have listed herself as such).

If the office says you are complete, does that mean they don't still need a dean's letter? This whole application process is just complicated... or I am making it that way...

 

[nevinleiby]

If a student needs a letter from the dean, do they let you know??... or do they just not say anything, and wait for you to ask them??

I called back in November to find out that I was complete, but haven't heard anything from them since. I called PCOM's office a few weeks ago, and they had no new information for me.

Since I'm a graduate student, I wonder if they need a dean's letter. Actually in my case one of my LOR writers who is a physician (and a former professor of mine) was then the interim-dean of my college... but she has since been promoted to the dean! So technically they already have a dean's letter for me (though she may not have listed herself as such).

If the office says you are complete, does that mean they don't still need a dean's letter? This whole application process is just complicated... or I am making it that way...

It sounds like your "complete" is good enough for them, but I would still call and ask directly to confirm.

They heavily stressed having a deans letter if you were doing any post-bacc/grad work when I was at the fall open house. I made darn sure that I had one...I even got one from my post-bacc school (yeah, I was that concerned that something might be foul up my app). I got the impression that they didn't consider that your application was complete unless it was there. It sounds like you might be in there clear...? Anyone else have any input?

I don't know if it applies to you, but they didn't say if that was necessary if you want to the same institution for your undergrad and grad school.

They basically said that you had to have one from the dean, but mine was actually the Manager of Student Services or whatever. I was marked complete and I was scheduled for an interview.

fyi: I submitted primary 8/26, received and submitted secondary 10/26, marked completed in mid November, received interview invite on 12/17 for Feb 🙂🙂🙂

Longest.

Wait.

EVER.....

 

[237696]

It sounds like your "complete" is good enough for them, but I would still call and ask directly to confirm.

They heavily stressed having a deans letter if you were doing any post-bacc/grad work when I was at the fall open house. I made darn sure that I had one...I even got one from my post-bacc school (yeah, I was that concerned that something might be foul up my app). I got the impression that they didn't consider that your application was complete unless it was there. It sounds like you might be in there clear...? Anyone else have any input?

I don't know if it applies to you, but they didn't say if that was necessary if you want to the same institution for your undergrad and grad school.

They basically said that you had to have one from the dean, but mine was actually the Manager of Student Services or whatever. I was marked complete and I was scheduled for an interview.

fyi: I submitted primary 8/26, received and submitted secondary 10/26, marked completed in mid November, received interview invite on 12/17 for Feb 🙂🙂🙂

Longest.

Wait.

EVER.....

I never heard anything about needing a Dean's letter from my graduate school. I earned an MEd. from a different institution than my undergrad school and never had them send anything but the transcript for AACOMAS. I also completed an informal post-bac at yet another institution, no letters from them. I only submitted two letters: pre-med committee from my undergrad alma mater and a D.O. LOR. I don't think they would've offered me an interview if they still needed other letters, right?

 

[Lithium311]

I never heard anything about needing a Dean's letter from my graduate school. I earned an MEd. from a different institution than my undergrad school and never had them send anything but the transcript for AACOMAS. I also completed an informal post-bac at yet another institution, no letters from them. I only submitted two letters: pre-med committee from my undergrad alma mater and a D.O. LOR. I don't think they would've offered me an interview if they still needed other letters, right?

I think it really differs for everyone. I submitted my application in early September and every time I called until early November I was told they had no information on my file to share. Then in November I was told that my committee letter was missing. So I overnighted my entire packet to them again. I called them two days later and they said my committee letter was missing. I asked them to be more specific and they meant a letter from my undergraduate institution and since I did not complete my post-bacc program there I needed to get a Dean's letter. I was told I would have been complete much earlier but I didn't have this letter. So I had to scramble to get a letter from my undergrad saying that I was a student there who had graduated in good standing ( I would think my transcript would have indicated this but whatever!) out before thanksgiving, and one week after thanksgiving I was sent an invite to interview. My friend who applied earlier than me but from the same post-bacc program never sent a letter in from his undergraduate institution or Dean and got an interview. So I feel like it depends on who reads through your application the first time to make sure it's complete. Sorry this was so long winded.

 

[Bleurberry]

I think it really differs for everyone. I submitted my application in early September and every time I called until early November I was told they had no information on my file to share. Then in November I was told that my committee letter was missing. So I overnighted my entire packet to them again. I called them two days later and they said my committee letter was missing. I asked them to be more specific and they meant a letter from my undergraduate institution and since I did not complete my post-bacc program there I needed to get a Dean's letter. I was told I would have been complete much earlier but I didn't have this letter. So I had to scramble to get a letter from my undergrad saying that I was a student there who had graduated in good standing ( I would think my transcript would have indicated this but whatever!) out before thanksgiving, and one week after thanksgiving I was sent an invite to interview. My friend who applied earlier than me but from the same post-bacc program never sent a letter in from his undergraduate institution or Dean and got an interview. So I feel like it depends on who reads through your application the first time to make sure it's complete. Sorry this was so long winded.

If you had a letter from the advisor who is charged with the post-bacc program, that suffices as a "pre-med advisor" letter, or even a committee letter. In that event, the deans letter isn't really required.

That's my best guess as to why there seems to be some variability in the process from the outside looking in.

 

[DrMaz]

I have an interview on Wednesday, and I was wondering how likely is the school to cancel an interview due to inclement weather? The forecasters are calling for ice in Philly and up in State College we're supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow.

 

[MissD2148]

Can someone please send me Deborah A. Benvenger's email address? I can't seem to find it =/

Thank you!

 

[235750]

To all you accepted PCOMers:

have any of you gotten the nucleus login/passwrd, or whatever it's called? The PCOM website says they start shipping out binders in december to accepted students who paid the down payment. I haven't received jack. Has anyone?

 

[rugger14]

To all you accepted PCOMers:

have any of you gotten the nucleus login/passwrd, or whatever it's called? The PCOM website says they start shipping out binders in december to accepted students who paid the down payment. I haven't received jack. Has anyone?

i was accepted in Nov, put in my deposit in Dec. I haven't received any of that yet, but maybe we will in Feb?

 

[235750]

i was accepted in Nov, put in my deposit in Dec. I haven't received any of that yet, but maybe we will in Feb?

I've already emailed too many times. No response. If anyone finds out, please post!!

 

[bigyihoroi]

I've already emailed too many times. No response. If anyone finds out, please post!!

i haven't received anything either. I remember someone posted earlier that he/she received some scholarship info. I know the PCOM website said that they will send out binder at the end of december, but I remember Deborah said they will send out binder by the end of Jan.

 

[Bacchus]

End of January supposedly. I live about 3-5 miles from the school. I'll post when I get mine because I'll probably be one of the first.

 

[whateva07]

uhh what is going on PCOM. I sent in my secondary in october and probly complete since late Oct/early Nov...and Ive called/emailed them so many times and I'm still under review. ..and they said interviews go til April by the way.

 

[Bleurberry]

One just had to put down the $250 to secure the seat to get the binder, right? I can't afford the $2000 yet, yet I'd like my binder.

 

[Bacchus]

One just had to put down the $250 to secure the seat to get the binder, right? I can't afford the $2000 yet, yet I'd like my binder.

I hope so. I won't be sending that $2000 until the week before, in April.

 

[Bleurberry]

I hope so. I won't be sending that $2000 until the week before, in April.

Exactly. Me too. First week of April.

 

[AMEHigh]

To all you accepted PCOMers:

have any of you gotten the nucleus login/passwrd, or whatever it's called? The PCOM website says they start shipping out binders in december to accepted students who paid the down payment. I haven't received jack. Has anyone?

I'm 99% sure that one of the letters that I received from PCOM stated that they begin shipping binders out at the end of January. Check any paperwork/letters you've received from them.

 

[AMEHigh]

uhh what is going on PCOM. I sent in my secondary in october and probly complete since late Oct/early Nov...and Ive called/emailed them so many times and I'm still under review. ..and they said interviews go til April by the way.

I've been complete and under review since Sept at several schools and have heard absolutely nothing. I guess that's the nature of the game.

 

[mashmetoo]

Hi guys, for those of you who sent in their secondary, did you do so after receiving the secondary via email from PCOM? Or did you mail it in from the secondary pdf file on their website (without receiving any email from them)? I ask because my primary was verified and sent to them on December 17th 2008, and I still haven't heard from them yet regarding the secondary.. even though they supposedly sent the secondary to everyone.. what should I do? 😕

 

[udsoccer7]

call and make sure they have your primary application.

 

[niranjan162]

Hi guys, for those of you who sent in their secondary, did you do so after receiving the secondary via email from PCOM? Or did you mail it in from the secondary pdf file on their website (without receiving any email from them)? I ask because my primary was verified and sent to them on December 17th 2008, and I still haven't heard from them yet regarding the secondary.. even though they supposedly sent the secondary to everyone.. what should I do? 😕

that is crazy late. I doubt it would do any good to just send in random secondaries unless u want to give them lots of checks

 

[phillypd]

Hello guys, i'm new to this particular forum. I wanted to ask a question that i'm sure was answered in this forum some where. But i can't find it
Once you got through the interview, how long did it take to get a response?
Also, does everyone get at the least wait listed? Or are there people who acually got rejected after the interview?

 

[235750]

Hello guys, i'm new to this particular forum. I wanted to ask a question that i'm sure was answered in this forum some where. But i can't find it
Once you got through the interview, how long did it take to get a response?
Also, does everyone get at the least wait listed? Or are there people who acually got rejected after the interview?

To answer your questions: I got notified within a week that I had been accepted. From this thread, it looks like it has taken some people 2 weeks to hear back

You can get rejected post interview, I know one person who has. BUT getting the interview is the hard part. If you have that, then things look good for you

Let me know if anyone hears back about the binders!! It is just about the end of Jan. so I'm hoping to get them soon

 

[Bacchus]

It took almost 4 weeks for me to hear back. I interviewed Sept. 24 and didn't hear until the 15th of October. The committee didn't meet after my interview until that week in October.

 

[Batman20]

Hey I'm just looking for some knowledge and information regarding PCOM in general. What makes PCOM a better Medical School than other DO Schools? Thanks ahead of time for your interesting and time.👍

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Hey I'm just looking for some knowledge and information regarding PCOM in general. What makes PCOM a better Medical School than other DO Schools? Thanks ahead of time for your interesting and time.👍

Moving to the PCOM discussion thread, so those familiar with the school can give their expert insight. 🙂

 

[DannMann99]

Hey I'm just looking for some knowledge and information regarding PCOM in general. What makes PCOM a better Medical School than other DO Schools? Thanks ahead of time for your interesting and time.👍

One of the older medical schools in the country. (founded 1899 i believe)
Huge alumni base.

Very good reputation, students aside, PCOM being from Philly competes with 4 MD medical schools and its interns do as well or better then the other students.

On the higher end of entrance stats... Not the highest tuition out there... (but not the cheapest at all)

Actively engaged in research, in both osteopathic and the sciences (which you may not find at other COMs)

go to its website and read.

 

[mashmetoo]

that is crazy late. I doubt it would do any good to just send in random secondaries unless u want to give them lots of checks

So I called them today... and as Saul Tigh would say in battlestar galatica: "gods damn it!!"

Turns out they didn't include me on the list of applicants to receive the secondary email invite.. they said they are "correcting the problem"... I was told to print off their secondary on their website, then sent it in asap... bah 😱

 

[PipiChen]

So I called them today... and as Saul Tigh would say in battlestar galatica: "gods damn it!!"

Turns out they didn't include me on the list of applicants to receive the secondary email invite.. they said they are "correcting the problem"... I was told to print off their secondary on their website, then sent it in asap... bah 😱

every single time I called PCOM I felt lost.... and their response was always "your application is complete and you will receive something in the mail when we reach a decision..." There was no room for additional information... I understand they have a lot of applicants, but this is my second month after completion and nothing yet... yet yet yet 😱

 

[DrMaz]

So my interview was canceled on Wednesday and pushed back to Feb 10 now. Why did we have to have such weather on the day I interview? I bet the med students enjoyed the day off though. Does PCOM close regularly for bad weather?

 

[DannMann99]

from what i hear about once a year if that...

On the other hand, the day off was nice but rearranging 4 hours of lecture into already packed weeks is not fun at all lol.

I had class from 8am-3pm non stop, not even a lunch break. 👎

 

[nevinleiby]

you would be very fortunate lol. My guess is they'll convene October 20th. Good luck though, and I heard that if you buy a first year lunch during your day at the school your chances skyrocket. So if you run into me.... well...
hook-a-brotha-up

Does this still apply to the Feb cycle, DannMann? 😀

 

[FerdBurfle]

I JUST GOT ACCEPTED!! Anyone else get an email from Deborah Benvenger?

Oh yes!!!! Can't wait to see you all at PCOM!!!

I get emails from her all the time! Maybe it's just because we're friends. Because I don't know the difference from a hematoma to a hang-nail.

 

[Homebrew13]

Awesome!!! I was just accepted!! I am so excited! I interviewed on Monday, holy cow that was quick. My roommate called me and read the letter to me today as I was eating lunch at my LECOM interview. I couldn't jump up and down or anything, it was hard. Couple of things my interview group asked during breakfast how many spots were left. We were told the class is still only half full - so there's still hope everyone. Also $250 is due to secure a seat and $2000 dollars is due by April 15th (tax day). Hope this helps. I am so excited!!

PS: Erie seems great as well, the PBL pathway seems like a really interesting idea and I think that it will really help some students. I am from Philly and have been living here for awhile, hence my decision.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

YAY! Congratulations!!!

 

[rc4ch]

Awesome!!! I was just accepted!! I am so excited! I interviewed on Monday, holy cow that was quick. My roommate called me and read the letter to me today as I was eating lunch at my LECOM interview. I couldn't jump up and down or anything, it was hard. Couple of things my interview group asked during breakfast how many spots were left. We were told the class is still only half full - so there's still hope everyone. Also $250 is due to secure a seat and $2000 dollars is due by April 15th (tax day). Hope this helps. I am so excited!!

PS: Erie seems great as well, the PBL pathway seems like a really interesting idea and I think that it will really help some students. I am from Philly and have been living here for awhile, hence my decision.

When was your interview? And did you receive it by snail mail today? No emails?