PCOM waitlisted

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When did you apply? When did you have your secondary complete?

PCOM works on a rolling admissions, so if you applied late, regardless of your qualifications, they aren't going to bump you in front of someone who had their apps in earlier. Sad reality unfortunately. You have a very good resume'. Don't be discouraged, you have the requirements and will get in somewhere with those marks.

This kind of statement has been made by current PCOM students enough times for me to worry a bit...does this mean that when reviewing wait-listed candidates they take people off in the order they applied and NOT based on credentials/fit. I've gotten this impression, but I find it very difficult to believe.

Anyway, waitlisted as well...29R/3.3 cum, 3.8 science, A LOT of ECs/research (i'm an older non-trad)....went to Ivy for undergrad and different Ivy for post-bacc (not that this matters). NY resident.

Complete in October, invited to interview in December, Interviewed in February. Delayed decision in March. Waitlisted in April. Good times. This school is my first choice.

I hate to go on even the tiniest rant, but I'm a bit jaded by the way this cycle has gone. I completely realize that every year the pool of applicants is different than the year before BUT it appears that PCOM received a surge of strong applications later in the season (and by late i mean after the summer) and had already given out invites/acceptances to MANY earlier applicants. The result, and I say these entirely based on internet/sdn/mdapps/convos anecdotes, is that tons of very good applicants were rejected and/or waitlisted while a significant number of applicants with significantly lower numbers were admitted earlier. I actually interviewed 5 whole months after I submitted my secondary. I'm starting to think Harvards pretentious non-rolling admissions cycle might be the wave of the future...it actually seems more fair. Best of luck!
 
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My application was complete in September, interview invite in December for February interview. Delayed decision in March, waitlist in April.... it's been a long road...

I'm a CT resident and feel as though there is at least a bit of preference given for PA residents. When I interviewed an overwhelming majority of people interviewing with me were from PA.
 
My application was complete in September, interview invite in December for February interview. Delayed decision in March, waitlist in April.... it's been a long road...

I'm a CT resident and feel as though there is at least a bit of preference given for PA residents. When I interviewed an overwhelming majority of people interviewing with me were from PA.

PCOM does give preference to PA and Delaware applicants. The dean says his focus is to provide doctors for the region. OF the graduating class 65% are staying in PA and DE with 80% going to pcom affiliates. They like having a national name but they have loyalty to those two states
 
PCOM does give preference to PA and Delaware applicants. The dean says his focus is to provide doctors for the region. OF the graduating class 65% are staying in PA and DE with 80% going to pcom affiliates. They like having a national name but they have loyalty to those two states

I've never really understood this reasoning as a defense to showing preference to instate students. Who is to say that these students are going to stay in the state after graduation, and who is to say that the students that come from out of state won't stay in the area?
 
I've never really understood this reasoning as a defense to showing preference to instate students. Who is to say that these students are going to stay in the state after graduation, and who is to say that the students that come from out of state won't stay in the area?

When you look at an applicant's background and their involvement within the community, you can reasonably infer that they have some dedication towards that region (i.e. state).

This type of reasoning is not only used by PCOM, but many other schools, both DO & MD, who prefer applicants from specific regions. They assume, and statistically they are right in their assumptions more often than not, that students will practice in their preferred region.
 
When you look at an applicant's background and their involvement within the community, you can reasonably infer that they have some dedication towards that region (i.e. state).

This type of reasoning is not only used by PCOM, but many other schools, both DO & MD, who prefer applicants from specific regions. They assume, and statistically they are right in their assumptions more often than not, that students will practice in their preferred region.

Well I am from MI and I would like to practice in the Philly area when I'm done. I just don't want to be weeded out of their admissions process because of some notion that I might not stick around after graduation.
 
Well I am from MI and I would like to practice in the Philly area when I'm done. I just don't want to be weeded out of their admissions process because of some notion that I might not stick around after graduation.

Then I hope you mentioned that in the secondary essay where they specifically asked Why PCOM? 👍
 
I've never really understood this reasoning as a defense to showing preference to instate students. Who is to say that these students are going to stay in the state after graduation, and who is to say that the students that come from out of state won't stay in the area?

You cannot say that these people will stay in the state but its more likely that they will if they have family in the state. Also PCOM does recieve some money from both PA and DE to show preference to these students.
 
You cannot say that these people will stay in the state but its more likely that they will if they have family in the state. Also PCOM does recieve some money from both PA and DE to show preference to these students.

Delaware's DIMER program pays Jefferson to hold 20 seats for DE residents but they only pay PCOM for 5 seats. I would guess that even without that agreement, it's pretty likely that at least 5 out of 280-ish people in each class would be from Delaware anyway. I wonder if they just strive to meet their obligation to fill 5 seats with DE students (which they likely have always done anyway) or if they give extra consideration and preference to DE residents even after the 5 DIMER kids are in?
 
Delaware's DIMER program pays Jefferson to hold 20 seats for DE residents but they only pay PCOM for 5 seats. I would guess that even without that agreement, it's pretty likely that at least 5 out of 280-ish people in each class would be from Delaware anyway. I wonder if they just strive to meet their obligation to fill 5 seats with DE students (which they likely have always done anyway) or if they give extra consideration and preference to DE residents even after the 5 DIMER kids are in?

They go above the 5 for that program. They count on having delaware students because we have a number of rotations in delaware set up. This spreads the students out more and its also convient for the people from delware as they are close to home.
 
Want to hear something funny?...and by funny I mean not funny at all.

I just received a letter from PCOM (4170 City Ave.). Heart started pounding just like my delayed decision letter AND my wait-list letter. It was a letter stating that my application has been withdrawn from the GA campus. I put the GA campus on my primary, but I never followed through with the secondary. The letter was also signed by Deb Benvenger. It clearly came from Philly.

Do you guys thing it looks bad for the wait-list to have put GA on my primary without following through? I really thought these two schools were entirely different entities so I was surprised to see Ms. Benvenger's name. My heart is still pounding.
 
Want to hear something funny?...and by funny I mean not funny at all.

I just received a letter from PCOM (4170 City Ave.). Heart started pounding just like my delayed decision letter AND my wait-list letter. It was a letter stating that my application has been withdrawn from the GA campus. I put the GA campus on my primary, but I never followed through with the secondary. The letter was also signed by Deb Benvenger. It clearly came from Philly.

Do you guys thing it looks bad for the wait-list to have put GA on my primary without following through? I really thought these two schools were entirely different entities so I was surprised to see Ms. Benvenger's name. My heart is still pounding.

Hmm, that is very strange. I always thought they were separate entities in terms of admissions, but I guess not. I'm betting you're fine. I wonder how many times she signs her name a day... must be astronomical.
 
well she "signed" the letter, but it was most definitely a stamp. I believe all other letters from Philly campus were indeed really signed though.
 
you are totally fine! Yes, everything goes through Philadelphia, they control the GA admissions.
 
It's May 15th.... let's hope for some movement off the waitlist! :luck:
 
LOL That sounds a little bitter. Good luck in your career and thanks for your opinion.👍 Does anyone else have any input?

I don't think he/she was being bitter, just a little harsh.

Still, while I wouldn't agree with mcp's tone, I would agree with his/her statements. While your GPA is not bad, there are many weaknesses to your app that you can and should improve on for next year's cycle if you didn't get in anywhere else.

You'll get in eventually...hell, even I did, and that's saying a lot 🙂

Good luck
 
Quick question--

I'm waitlisted and I made an appointment for this week to go in and discuss how I can improve my application for the next time around. What do you think I should wear? (I'm female.)

Formal as the interview (a suit), or just nice pants and top?

Any advice would be appreciated!!
 
Quick question--

I'm waitlisted and I made an appointment for this week to go in and discuss how I can improve my application for the next time around. What do you think I should wear? (I'm female.)

Formal as the interview (a suit), or just nice pants and top?

Any advice would be appreciated!!
I think the more serious you look the bigger the chance you will have toget off the waitlist this year. Go in there determined. But of course, don't beg.
 
No offense to you, premed, or anyone else establishing such a meeting, but does anyone else think it is unfair that going in person to chat with admissions can help get off the waitlist? Are these meetings really all that helpful? I don't live close enough to Philly to do so and have limited time and funds to travel for such a meeting but can assure you that I am just as serious about PCOM and getting off the waitlist this year. Is it worth missing a few days of work and spending a few hundred dollars to set up such a meeting?
 
No offense to you, premed, or anyone else establishing such a meeting, but does anyone else think it is unfair that going in person to chat with admissions can help get off the waitlist? Are these meetings really all that helpful? I don't live close enough to Philly to do so and have limited time and funds to travel for such a meeting but can assure you that I am just as serious about PCOM and getting off the waitlist this year. Is it worth missing a few days of work and spending a few hundred dollars to set up such a meeting?
Probably not. Its all speculation. You can't tell if its going to help.
 
I'm waitlisted and I made an appointment for this week to go in and discuss how I can improve my application for the next time around...

I was going to do the very same thing as you, but I just got off the wait list :soexcited: (this has to be one of my fav. smileys)

  1. Dress as nicely as you can (treat this as a second interview... because, well, it pretty much is)
  2. Anticipate the weaknesses so you don't seem shocked and can reply to them in a positive manner. Have others you trust look at your application and tell them to be objective. Do not try to defend your weaknesses! Now is the time to listen, but at the same time, try to show that you are doing everything in your power to improve.
  3. Actually bring a pad with questions on them (pre-written) and a pen to write down the answers. Seriously, take notes while you are there. It shows you are serious about this.
  4. Now is the chance to update the adcom on what you have done to improve your app since you got on the waitlist. I'm sure you've probably done a thing or two since the waitlist. Are you doing any summer programs... anything significant in the summer?
  5. If they don't give you any signs of getting off the wait list, inquire about their biomed program. From what I know, there are still a few seats open if you are dead set on getting into PCOM.
  6. Try to restate why you want to go to PCOM
There's been a few people that I've known that have had luck with meeting to find out "weakenesses". This was why I was planning to do the same.

Best of luck to you:luck:
 
I was going to do the very same thing as you, but I just got off the wait list :soexcited: (this has to be one of my fav. smileys)

  1. Dress as nicely as you can (treat this as a second interview... because, well, it pretty much is)
  2. Anticipate the weaknesses so you don't seem shocked and can reply to them in a positive manner. Have others you trust look at your application and tell them to be objective. Do not try to defend your weaknesses! Now is the time to listen, but at the same time, try to show that you are doing everything in your power to improve.
  3. Actually bring a pad with questions on them (pre-written) and a pen to write down the answers. Seriously, take notes while you are there. It shows you are serious about this.
  4. Now is the chance to update the adcom on what you have done to improve your app since you got on the waitlist. I'm sure you've probably done a thing or two since the waitlist. Are you doing any summer programs... anything significant in the summer?
  5. If they don't give you any signs of getting off the wait list, inquire about their biomed program. From what I know, there are still a few seats open if you are dead set on getting into PCOM.
  6. Try to restate why you want to go to PCOM
There's been a few people that I've known that have had luck with meeting to find out "weakenesses". This was why I was planning to do the same.

Best of luck to you:luck:


Congrats plausible!!!! 🙂

Would you mind sharing your stats?

Thanks!
 
I just got off the wait list on Thursday. I was emailing Marsha Williams almost every week with updates and more reasons why I wanted to go to PCOM. After a few weeks of emails I eventually started calling. She told me she had mentioned me to Deborah Benvenger who pulled my file to re-evaluate it and the next thing I know, I'm off! So do whatever it takes to get the point across that PCOM is your number one choice.
 
Would you mind sharing your stats?

3.0/24. I'm a non-trad applicant and am glad that the adcom tries to understand where their non-trad applicants are coming from. I've been out of college for some time and have been spending the past 3-4 years working on my dreams of getting into DO school. I seriously wish I could have miraculously known I wanted to be a doctor when I started college. I've had more than my share of rejections and false-starts when moving forward, but never gave up hope, never stopped trying, and never stopped lurking around SDN (I finally have a username :laugh:). I think I would have NEVER ever had a shot at PCOM if it weren't for their biomed program, but I was waitlisted for biomed too... The program was an epic opportunity to really show off what I was capable of, and it has even opened the door for me to do research with faculty. I've been pretty active in answering questions about the biomed program over in the post-bac. section of the forums in some sort of attempt to pay back all the SDNers who have helped me along the way... so let me know if you've got any questions about the program.

And Gewhon is right... try to relay to the adcom that they are not only your number 1 choice, but most importantly, that you are ready to become a med student. Since I received the waitlist letter, I've been preparing to take a MCAT course and have my aacomas app ready to submit for the next cycle... so seriously, don't give up hope and don't give up trying to move fwd. I've got my fingers crossed for you and everyone here:xf:. Did you get elsewhere?
 
3.0/24. I'm a non-trad applicant and am glad that the adcom tries to understand where their non-trad applicants are coming from. I've been out of college for some time and have been spending the past 3-4 years working on my dreams of getting into DO school. I seriously wish I could have miraculously known I wanted to be a doctor when I started college. I've had more than my share of rejections and false-starts when moving forward, but never gave up hope, never stopped trying, and never stopped lurking around SDN (I finally have a username :laugh:). I think I would have NEVER ever had a shot at PCOM if it weren't for their biomed program, but I was waitlisted for biomed too... The program was an epic opportunity to really show off what I was capable of, and it has even opened the door for me to do research with faculty. I've been pretty active in answering questions about the biomed program over in the post-bac. section of the forums in some sort of attempt to pay back all the SDNers who have helped me along the way... so let me know if you've got any questions about the program.

And Gewhon is right... try to relay to the adcom that they are not only your number 1 choice, but most importantly, that you are ready to become a med student. Since I received the waitlist letter, I've been preparing to take a MCAT course and have my aacomas app ready to submit for the next cycle... so seriously, don't give up hope and don't give up trying to move fwd. I've got my fingers crossed for you and everyone here:xf:. Did you get elsewhere?

Thanks and congrats on admission to PCOM! I'm currently waitlisted at PCOM and UConn med, PCOM is definitely my first choice and I'd rather go the D.O. route.

Right now I'm just glad to see movement on the waitlist this early. Hope the upcoming weeks are pleasantly eventful for us waitlisters! :xf: :luck:
 
I just got off the wait list on Thursday. I was emailing Marsha Williams almost every week with updates and more reasons why I wanted to go to PCOM. After a few weeks of emails I eventually started calling. She told me she had mentioned me to Deborah Benvenger who pulled my file to re-evaluate it and the next thing I know, I'm off! So do whatever it takes to get the point across that PCOM is your number one choice.


Congrats! 🙂
 
For those of you who just got off the waitlist, are you M/F and where are you from?
 
No offense to you, premed, or anyone else establishing such a meeting, but does anyone else think it is unfair that going in person to chat with admissions can help get off the waitlist?

In all honesty, I really did just want to go over ways to improve the application. I'm sure it can be done on the phone. I'm not getting my hopes up about the waitlist and I'm trying to set a good plan for the upcoming year (shadowing, improving my clinical experience, etc.). I really wasn't using this as a way of getting off the waitlist. PCOM is my first choice, though, so I really, really hope they take me next cycle.

Plausible--Thanks for the advice, and congratulations on getting off the waitlist!
 
Hey! Does someone have Deborah Benvenger's e-mail address? I lost her card! Thanks 🙂
 
Update bump...

Anything new?

I just got into the biomed sciences program at PCOM so I finally have a another option if the waitlist falls through.
 
Congrats! I just applied yesterday. They are just awaiting my transcripts which should be there next week and then hopefully I'll hear something about the biomed program too.

My situation is pretty unique. I was accepted to two schools already but I really want PCOM. If they hadn't interviewed me I totally would be going to one of the schools but since they showed interest now I can't let it go. If I don't get off of the waitlist for this fall, I'm thinking of withdrawing should I get accepted to the biomed program...I know it probably sounds a little crazy but PCOM has everything I want in a med school and I think it is worth the wait.
 
Congrats! I just applied yesterday. They are just awaiting my transcripts which should be there next week and then hopefully I'll hear something about the biomed program too.

My situation is pretty unique. I was accepted to two schools already but I really want PCOM. If they hadn't interviewed me I totally would be going to one of the schools but since they showed interest now I can't let it go. If I don't get off of the waitlist for this fall, I'm thinking of withdrawing should I get accepted to the biomed program...I know it probably sounds a little crazy but PCOM has everything I want in a med school and I think it is worth the wait.

I think its great you are so interested in attending PCOM, however I don't think it is the best idea to turn down 2 acceptances to enroll yourself in an expensive BIOMED program and lose a year or 2 if you don't get in the first time around. Where were your acceptances? Is Philly your hometown?
 
I think its great you are so interested in attending PCOM, however I don't think it is the best idea to turn down 2 acceptances to enroll yourself in an expensive BIOMED program and lose a year or 2 if you don't get in the first time around. Where were your acceptances? Is Philly your hometown?

I was accepted to LECOM and WVSOM. I am set to start at WVSOM in the fall but I'm going to see if they will allow me to defer should I not get off PCOM's waitlist for this year. I live about an hour outside of Philly and because of some family things that happened earlier this year I really want to stay in the area should I be needed for anything or if something happens. Plus I really want to practice in a city and not rural medicine. I don't really know what the best thing is to do.
 
I was accepted to LECOM and WVSOM. I am set to start at WVSOM in the fall but I'm going to see if they will allow me to defer should I not get off PCOM's waitlist for this year. I live about an hour outside of Philly and because of some family things that happened earlier this year I really want to stay in the area should I be needed for anything or if something happens. Plus I really want to practice in a city and not rural medicine. I don't really know what the best thing is to do.

I say, withdraw from WVSOM! haha I am on the Alternate List there...I have a guaranteed spot for 2010 (awesome how they do that) but maybe I can have your spot this year! LOL. Good luck making the right decision...WVSOM is a great school...def not city-esque if that's what you're looking for, but it really is a great institution and I would still seriously consider it! 🙂
 
I got this e-mail from Deb B. this Morning.


Good morning:

On behalf of the Faculty Admissions Committee at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, I wanted to provide an update regarding the alternate list for the fall, 2009 first year DO class.

Currently, there has been minimal withdrawal activity from the DO Class of 2013. The Committee has started to review alternate applications; a few candidates were selected and decisions rendered. Please keep in mind if an applicant is selected by the Committee, a decision letter is sent in the mail. The Faculty Committee does not rank the alternate list.

As a reminder, this is a process which can extend throughout the next several months prior to orientation on August 10th. Classes begin on Monday, August 17th. Any status changes will depend on additional withdrawal activity we may or may not experience with the first year DO class. Again, we ask for your patience as we continue with the rolling Admissions cycle. If you want to submit additional information to be included in your file, please feel free to mail it directly to the Admissions Office.

If you are no longer interested in remaining on the alternate list at PCOM because your educational plans have changed, you can respond directly back to this email and we will update your record accordingly.

Another update will be sent by July 17, 2009. As always, if you have specific questions or concerns, you can contact any member of the Admissions staff at 215-871-6700.





Does not sound good 🙁
 
I got this e-mail from Deb B. this Morning.


Good morning:

On behalf of the Faculty Admissions Committee at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, I wanted to provide an update regarding the alternate list for the fall, 2009 first year DO class.

Currently, there has been minimal withdrawal activity from the DO Class of 2013. The Committee has started to review alternate applications; a few candidates were selected and decisions rendered. Please keep in mind if an applicant is selected by the Committee, a decision letter is sent in the mail. The Faculty Committee does not rank the alternate list.

As a reminder, this is a process which can extend throughout the next several months prior to orientation on August 10th. Classes begin on Monday, August 17th. Any status changes will depend on additional withdrawal activity we may or may not experience with the first year DO class. Again, we ask for your patience as we continue with the rolling Admissions cycle. If you want to submit additional information to be included in your file, please feel free to mail it directly to the Admissions Office.

If you are no longer interested in remaining on the alternate list at PCOM because your educational plans have changed, you can respond directly back to this email and we will update your record accordingly.

Another update will be sent by July 17, 2009. As always, if you have specific questions or concerns, you can contact any member of the Admissions staff at 215-871-6700.





Does not sound good 🙁

I got it, too. I agree, this does not sound good at all.
 
I find rolling addmission to be kind of a joke. I got waitlisted at DMU last year with above average stats and interviewed the very first day. I was suprised because I know for a fact the class wasn't full.
 
Disappointing indeed. Looks like it's time to start seriously filling out more apps again..... 🙁
 
I say, withdraw from WVSOM! haha I am on the Alternate List there...I have a guaranteed spot for 2010 (awesome how they do that) but maybe I can have your spot this year! LOL. Good luck making the right decision...WVSOM is a great school...def not city-esque if that's what you're looking for, but it really is a great institution and I would still seriously consider it! 🙂

I do like WVSOM a lot but its going to cost me $81000 per year because I am out of state. That is kind of outrageous. PCOM would cost probably 20 grand less per year I imagine which essentially is $80,000 less total or like going to WVSOM for 3 years instead of 4. I mean if that is what I have to do then I'll do it but I'll be paying debt off for the rest of my life at that point. But the money isn't really why I want PCOM anyway...
 
I do like WVSOM a lot but its going to cost me $81000 per year because I am out of state. That is kind of outrageous. PCOM would cost probably 20 grand less per year I imagine which essentially is $80,000 less total or like going to WVSOM for 3 years instead of 4. I mean if that is what I have to do then I'll do it but I'll be paying debt off for the rest of my life at that point. But the money isn't really why I want PCOM anyway...

It costs 60 grand a year to go to PCOM?? what is the base tuition now? My God!!...I graduated in 2005 with 170 grand-ish which included alternate loans..that is impressive if its gone up 70 grand in 4 years. 81 grand a year for WV?? that's a ripoff... you're right you'll be paying off that until your 70....what does the boston schools cost now.... 100 grand a year? The cost of medical education in this country is getting really out of control. I knew a resident in NC who payed like 7 grand a year for med school(7 thousand a year!!!... my undergrad in 2000 cost more than that).
 
It costs 60 grand a year to go to PCOM?? what is the base tuition now?

It's about $37k, plus lab fees, books, equipment, and it's supposed to be abover $40k. Then add living expenses, so depending how you live it can go much higher (as you already know).

I knew a resident in NC who payed like 7 grand a year for med school

Well if money is the main concern you can always go military either via HPSP or FAP in your case Patrick O. Then you get paid to go to school

And I know I'm not the only one to be accepted to a cheaper school like LECOM or CMC. But when it comes down to it I think that PCOM suits me better and is (for me) the best choice.

Were you happy with the education you received at PCOM considering how much it cost? Did you defer loan payments until after residency, or do you start paying them back already? I would appreciate it if you gave us some insight!

You are right Patrick, medical education is incredibly expensive in this country and I wish that would change. That said, I can't imagine myself doing anything else at this point in my life, and there are plenty of loan forgiveness programs available especially in rural areas
 
Were you happy with the education you received at PCOM considering how much it cost?
Did you defer loan payments until after residency, or do you start paying them back already?I would appreciate it if you gave us some insight!

Yes, overall a good education and well prepared for the boards, some clinical rotation sites were getting a little shaky during my 3rd and 4th years but overall were good exposures
defer + 6mos of forbearance and i will defer in fellowship too
Good Luck!
 
I do like WVSOM a lot but its going to cost me $81000 per year because I am out of state. That is kind of outrageous. PCOM would cost probably 20 grand less per year I imagine which essentially is $80,000 less total or like going to WVSOM for 3 years instead of 4. I mean if that is what I have to do then I'll do it but I'll be paying debt off for the rest of my life at that point. But the money isn't really why I want PCOM anyway...

Wow...81G? I know our tuition is just over 50 but wow an extra 30 for living expenses? I guess that's realistic. I am going to have a rude awakening with loan/expenses when I start looking into that :/

However, idk what will or will not happen...but Obama/his admin. have been rumored to speak of improvements for med students' school financing. Let's hope something happens...soon.
 
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