PCOM (Philadelphia) Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[TallScrubs]

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Accepted today!!!

Interviewed on 11/1.

Congrats broseph! Feels pretty good doesn't it?

Now we need to get some action going in the PCOM c/o 15 thread and on the FB thread

 

[lovemed1c1ne]

Got accepted too! Interviewed 10/11. But I got into my top choice yesterday so I'll be opening up a spot for someone else. It's tough turning down PCOM though, I was very impressed when I interviewed.

 

[twinklystar]

heyy! thnkx for answering my previous q guys!

just had another q, it'd be great if soem1 cud answer it:

about the letter from an academic advisor: what does it need to include??? for me, i haven't met any of my advisors - never felt the need to.. and now i just realised PCOM requires a letter..so i contacted an advisor..she has asked to meet me, and she wud need the specific info that is required.. i can ofcourse call PCOM, but just asking here as welll since the ans wud be much quicker... ??? thnkx =)

 

[ND10]

Accepted today!!!

Interviewed on 11/1.

Congrats! Quick turnaround. I had my interview on the 3rd and they told us that we'd hear before Dec. 1. I assumed it'd be 2 weeks like the early interviewees so that's good to know.

 

[Eye Cue]

Received an interview invite today (11/05) for 11/17. I was complete on 10/4, but was acknowledged that I was complete on 10/21.

 

[cuhubris]

heyy! thnkx for answering my previous q guys!

just had another q, it'd be great if soem1 cud answer it:

about the letter from an academic advisor: what does it need to include??? for me, i haven't met any of my advisors - never felt the need to.. and now i just realised PCOM requires a letter..so i contacted an advisor..she has asked to meet me, and she wud need the specific info that is required.. i can ofcourse call PCOM, but just asking here as welll since the ans wud be much quicker... ??? thnkx =)

This has been answered at least once already in this thread.

Doesn't need to include much, just date of and acknowledgment that you actually graduated.

 

[TallScrubs]

Does anyone know if PCOM has some sort of summer program like many other schools?

 

[wcubiochem55]

Does anyone know if PCOM has some sort of summer program like many other schools?

From past posts it looks like some people take biochem in the summer before MS1..This is something I would contemplate doing but will most likely not as I feel like the general consensus is that the best thing to do before your first year is to chill out before the grind starts...Are any of you guys planning on doing summer courses?

 

[TallScrubs]

I was planning on just rockin' out the whole summer: taking road trips, who knows what else.

 

[Lewist02]

Does anyone know if PCOM has some sort of summer program like many other schools?

If you mean like a "prep" program, not that i've ever seen advertised. Unless it's required for admittance (like a conditional program that NYCOM has), I would enjoy your summer off. Plenty of people haven't taken classes like anatomy or biochem and they handle it just fine. You're going to spend a lot of time with the material whether or not you have had the class before, so do something this summer worth while, or just spend time with family and friends.

 

[wcubiochem55]

If you mean like a "prep" program, not that i've ever seen advertised. Unless it's required for admittance (like a conditional program that NYCOM has), I would enjoy your summer off. Plenty of people haven't taken classes like anatomy or biochem and they handle it just fine. You're going to spend a lot of time with the material whether or not you have had the class before, so do something this summer worth while, or just spend time with family and friends.

agree...thanks for the info

 

[TallScrubs]

I also agree. I wasn't worried about getting a head start on the material--I know I'll do fine with that.

I heard you guys finished SPOM today? How'd that go?

 

[RIdoc11]

Have my interview december 20th, getting very anxious... any accepted students have tips for the interview? types of questions, etc.

thanks!

 

[Lewist02]

I also agree. I wasn't worried about getting a head start on the material--I know I'll do fine with that.

I heard you guys finished SPOM today? How'd that go?

Awesome, except for the fact that CMBM started today and requires probably twice the amount of time. I have a feeling I am going to miss my cadaver more than I thought... 🙁

 

[thegame11]

Does this school consider letter of intent/"very much interested in the school letter"? If so, is it better to send it now or should I wait few more weeks?

I know I have been passed over because my application was complete at the end of August and people who were complete after me have received interviews. I think my stats are good enough (OOS/international, 33/3.85) but my ECs may be the problem.

 

[ND10]

Does this school consider letter of intent/"very much interested in the school letter"? If so, is it better to send it now or should I wait few more weeks?

I know I have been passed over because my application was complete at the end of August and people who were complete after me have received interviews. I think my stats are good enough (OOS/international, 33/3.85) but my ECs may be the problem.

It's not too late in the cycle so I don't think LOI are completely necessary yet. I'd hold out for a bit, but it's up to you.

 

[DoctorJDO]

Does this school consider letter of intent/"very much interested in the school letter"? If so, is it better to send it now or should I wait few more weeks?

I know I have been passed over because my application was complete at the end of August and people who were complete after me have received interviews. I think my stats are good enough (OOS/international, 33/3.85) but my ECs may be the problem.

you are international. unfortunately, the admissions process will be harder on you. it does not mean that you have been passed over for an interview, though. if you are really interested in PCOM particularly, or any school for that matter, letting them know shouldn't be a problem. but like ND10 said, it's not late yet. they interview through March. 2/7 of the way through the cycle right now. plenty of time

 

[TallScrubs]

Awesome, except for the fact that CMBM started today and requires probably twice the amount of time. I have a feeling I am going to miss my cadaver more than I thought... 🙁

Its funny you say that. I have friends at other medical schools who say anatomy is WAYYYY worse than their version of CMBM. Any thoughts? What do other classmates think?

 

[Lewist02]

Its funny you say that. I have friends at other medical schools who say anatomy is WAYYYY worse than their version of CMBM. Any thoughts? What do other classmates think?

Well, all the second years I have talked to said life is a little hard through Feb (when second trimester ends). Depends on the type of learner you are - SPOM to me was more visual and memorization, where CMBM is much more conceptual since it's on a micro scale. PCOM's nice because in CMBM you get really nicely organized handouts of the information before class starts. But there's no doubt there is a lot more information. With SPOM you had about 3 hours of lab time a day, and maybe 2-4 hours of lecture. With CMBM, the next two weeks are 4-6 hours of lecture a day, and no lab to help solidify information. I'm not too worried about it, just hoping not to burn out! We have 5 exams, one every two weeks, so just gotta stay on top of it!

 

[Bacchus]

CMBM was a cakewalk compared to SPOM for me. I was so happy to get out of anatomy.

 

[TallScrubs]

You guys mind sharing what a typical day is like?

Like, how long for lecture, lab, studying, eating, all that ****.

By the way, thanks for all the info.

 

[Lewist02]

You guys mind sharing what a typical day is like?

Like, how long for lecture, lab, studying, eating, all that ****.

By the way, thanks for all the info.

Well, Bacchus can probably give you the best idea since he/she's a MSII, but for me so far...

Lecture can be anywhere from 8-12 or 8-4 (with usually an hour for a lunch break and in the first trimester a few hours of that is lab, and one day a week is OMM lab, and then occasionally PCS labs). When you start systems in 3rd trimester you'll have a few days 8-12 (or so I hear 🙂). Every student is different in their day to day schedule, but the majority of us spend most of our day studying. Some students choose not to go to lecture, which gives them more time throughout the day (if you learn that way). I usually like to unwind at the end of the day instead of studying until late, so I study after lecture, either at the library or my apt, and give up hopefully around 9 (with some time for dinner in between). My roommate still finds time to work out 2 times a day and she is surviving, so you have time for normalcy. I was also working 16 hours a weekend until my dad got sick and I had to go home a lot, and was still doing well, so a lot is doable.

I wouldn't stress about anything too much...PCOM's a very social place, and plenty of students go out for happy hours or to watch the games at the bars during the week, or to social events on the weekend. I notice that the atmosphere here is a lot different than other places I interviewed at. It's not overly stressful or competitive. The school wants you to be well rounded, so even though you can feel overwhelmed about the amount of studying you're responsible for, there is still time for other things.

 

[TallScrubs]

I just need to be able to watch the Eagles next year, even if it's just a half. How much of your schedule changes during exam weeks?

 

[Lewist02]

I just need to be able to watch the Eagles next year, even if it's just a half. How much of your schedule changes during exam weeks?

Not much because I stay on top of the material. The week after an exam and the week before for SPOM were a lot lighter in terms of lecture and material. Then you get about a day and a half before the exam to prepare. Plenty of time!

 

[lovemed1c1ne]

Wow got a merit scholarship here.. had no idea med schools even did that.

 

[Bacchus]

Wow got a merit scholarship here.. had no idea med schools even did that.

Congrats! That means you got a pretty substantial one, then 😉.

 

[ND10]

Besides the last batch of decision letters that went out, most people received notifications in about 2 weeks. Does anyone know how often they meet / when they meet? Thanks.

 

[Cyclist4Ever]

Besides the last batch of decision letters that went out, most people received notifications in about 2 weeks. Does anyone know how often they meet / when they meet? Thanks.

It seems like they always have a meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, I'm not sure they have more meetings between that. I had my interview at the end of the October and got the offer a week later. Letter was dated 11/3.
Good luck.

 

[ND10]

It seems like they always have a meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, I'm not sure they have more meetings between that. I had my interview at the end of the October and got the offer a week later. Letter was dated 11/3.
Good luck.

I'd assume that they have a mid-month meeting, or so I hope. I had my interview on 11/3 so otherwise, I'd have quite a wait.

 

[bluefaeriedusts]

I just need to be able to watch the Eagles next year, even if it's just a half. How much of your schedule changes during exam weeks?

One of the great things is that the day before exams is always a study day, so no new information.

 

[Bacchus]

Eh... yes and no. Administration accomplishes this by having Monday exams so you have those two weekend days to study and not get new material. But, let's face it...look at the 2nd years who had an OMM exam yesterday, we had class up until the day before and the morning of the exam. There's also days you'll have class after a morning exam. Be it OMM or one of the block exams for the block you're in, you don't always get a "true" study day off.

 

[Lewist02]

I'd assume that they have a mid-month meeting, or so I hope. I had my interview on 11/3 so otherwise, I'd have quite a wait.

Last year I was told they met once a month. I interviewed 11/12 last year and found out before Thanksgiving, so you should be hearing very soonnnnnnn!

 

[HOPINGTOBE]

Has anyone been invited to interview lately? Have not heard anything yet (complete end of September). OOS and impressed with the school. Congratulations to all who have been accepted and good luck to those already invited for an interview.

 

[ND10]

Last year I was told they met once a month. I interviewed 11/12 last year and found out before Thanksgiving, so you should be hearing very soonnnnnnn!

I was spoiled by azcom's 3 day turn around, but I guess I can wait a little longer... as long as it's good news!

 

[HOPINGTOBE]

Yesterday went to check the online status site and it seem to be down...is anyone else experiencing the same problem?

 

[selfhealer]

Has anyone been invited to interview lately? Have not heard anything yet (complete end of September). OOS and impressed with the school. Congratulations to all who have been accepted and good luck to those already invited for an interview.

Completed my app around the same time as you and still no word regarding the interview. Thank God several schools have invited me for interviews because the wait is killing me.

 

[thegame11]

Completed my app around the same time as you and still no word regarding the interview. Thank God several schools have invited me for interviews because the wait is killing me.

I was complete at PCOM in Sept I think. I haven't heard anything.

 

[Longshanks]

Yesterday went to check the online status site and it seem to be down...is anyone else experiencing the same problem?

Its not down for me, but Firefox and google are warning me that the security certificate is expired and that the site may now be malicious, so I haven't logged in to check anything since then.

 

[Hyazuma]

Interviewed on 11/11

Predicting an acceptance soon 😉

Good luck to all the people who interviewed with me. I know your reading this lol.

-H-

 

[HOPINGTOBE]

Its not down for me, but Firefox and google are warning me that the security certificate is expired and that the site may now be malicious, so I haven't logged in to check anything since then.

Thanks for checking- I am getting the same warning now. will see what happens tomorrow.

 

[DrHuman]

I, too, am in the waiting... Interviewed and accepted down at NSU, and loved it down there, but would love to see PCOM too.
Good luck!

 

[TropicalKitty]

Its not down for me, but Firefox and google are warning me that the security certificate is expired and that the site may now be malicious, so I haven't logged in to check anything since then.

It's down for me in IE. I've tried logging on several times in the past few days (and just now) and I get the expired cert, click to view page anyway, and it says that the page cannot be displayed. 😡 I've also tried messing with the URL to see if I can get anywhere and no luck.

On another note, do any of you know how long after a LOR is made available on Virtual Evals PCOM will get it?

Thanks!

 

[jzrull]

It's down for me in IE. I've tried logging on several times in the past few days (and just now) and I get the expired cert, click to view page anyway, and it says that the page cannot be displayed. 😡 I've also tried messing with the URL to see if I can get anywhere and no luck.

On another note, do any of you know how long after a LOR is made available on Virtual Evals PCOM will get it?

Thanks!

I called up there this morning and I guess they ran a software update over the weekend. Whoever I talked to in Admissions said that the system should be back up in a day or two.

 

[TropicalKitty]

I called up there this morning and I guess they ran a software update over the weekend. Whoever I talked to in Admissions said that the system should be back up in a day or two.

Cool thanks. I'll just check the system in a couple days to make sure they have my letters.

 

[Longshanks]

Good to know the system will be back up this week.

How did people find out about invites? Was it through the webstar system or did you receive an email?

 

[ND10]

Good to know the system will be back up this week.

How did people find out about invites? Was it through the webstar system or did you receive an email?

Email.
You won't really need webstar for anything.

 

[Longshanks]

Email.
You won't really need webstar for anything.

OK. That's what I figured, since there's really not much up there.

Thanks.

 

[joliarte]

i was also complete near the end of sept...though i'm oos i was hoping that having gone to undergrad in philly would help me in some way but apparently not...🙁...

 

[karaoke910]

i was also complete near the end of sept...though i'm oos i was hoping that having gone to undergrad in philly would help me in some way but apparently not...🙁...

ditto but I was complete at the end of August...😴

 

[TropicalKitty]

So the status check system page is back up, however when I tried using my login information in the email it said FORBIDDEN. I feel naughty now. 😀

Either the system isn't finished or they lost me. haha But at least the login page is loading now, hopefully it'll be fully functional by tomorrow like they told jzrull.