PCOM, wild admissions

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

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So I've been on MDapps for a long while and tend to find that PCOM has a strange acceptance spectrum. I've noticed that people with 3.5/29 or 3.6/27 tend to be rejected while people with 3.5/24 gets accepted with less EC's.

So I decided to see what you people who were accepted to PCOM had. I primarily want to know your GPA/SGPA/MCAT break down and if your from Penn or Philli and or went to school in Penn.

 

[Bacchus]

Matriculated last year:

3.55 (sci and cum.)
29Q (from 26R): 10BS/9VR/10PS
Undergrand in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania resident

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Matriculated last year:

3.55 (sci and cum.)
29Q (from 26R): 10BS/9VR/10PS
Undergrand in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania resident

Are a lot of PCOM's student's from Penn?

 

[Lewist02]

cGPA: 3.54
sGPA: 3.39
MCAT: 24Q (8BS, 9VR, 7PS)

NY Resident
Graduated from Gettysburg College (PA)


It seems like the consensus with PCOM having lower averages is that PCOM looks way beyond stats for a certain type of student. I wasn't even asked about my MCAT in my interview (but I was able to direct it well without them having extra time to ask 🙂)

As for state preference -- the admissions office told me they don't have a preference, but are always looking for students that are interested in providing to the Philadelphia community (possibly why they are so attracted to Philadelphia residents). I think last year I figured it out that out of ~6200 applications, 6% were accepted, less than 2% being OOS residents.

 

[GuitarFreak]

I know this is quite the opposite to what you asked but just for reference, I was rejected from PCOM (pre-interview)

CT Resident
cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.74
MCAT: 29R

So yeah, their acceptance stats are pretty much all over the place.

 

[Lewist02]

I know this is quite the opposite to what you asked but just for reference, I was rejected from PCOM (pre-interview)

CT Resident
cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.74
MCAT: 29R

So yeah, their acceptance stats are pretty much all over the place.

Wow. 👎 When did you apply?

 

[GuitarFreak]

Wow. 👎 When did you apply?

Mid September

😕😕😕

 

[Lewist02]

Mid September

😕😕😕

I can't believe you didn't get an interview invite at least. They didn't even start to give out interview dates until August I think. No one can figure out the method to their madness.

Glad to see you got into NYCOM! LOVED it there. It was a tough decision between the two. I hope you have a great time!

 

[Faith730]

I was rejected as well pre-interview:

NJ Resident
cGPA: 3.40
sGPA: 3.65
MCAT: 30O

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Hmm this is something I saw on MDapp's. I'm beginning to believe that PCOM has a high in-state bias. Or attempts to keep it's stat's down.

 

[DbDan]

Hmm this is something I saw on MDapp's. I'm beginning to believe that PCOM has a high in-state bias. Or attempts to keep it's stat's down.

They can keep their GPA down by taking me 😀 lol

 

[GuitarFreak]

I can't believe you didn't get an interview invite at least. They didn't even start to give out interview dates until August I think. No one can figure out the method to their madness.

Glad to see you got into NYCOM! LOVED it there. It was a tough decision between the two. I hope you have a great time!

Thank you so much! PCOM was infact the only osteo school that I got a rejection from. Oh well 🙂 Everything happens for a reason!

 

[Lewist02]

Hmm this is something I saw on MDapp's. I'm beginning to believe that PCOM has a high in-state bias. Or attempts to keep it's stat's down.

Not to be Devil's Advocate, because I have no idea how they pick and choose, but I know a bunch of incoming students with high 20's low 30's on the MCAT that are OOS. Maybe it comes down to EC's/Community Service/LORs for them???

I'm pretty sure I remember reading that PCOM receives the most amount of apps out of all the D.O schools, so maybe that plays a factor. It seems like the majority of everyone applying to D.O schools apply to PCOM.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Not to be Devil's Advocate, because I have no idea how they pick and choose, but I know a bunch of incoming students with high 20's low 30's on the MCAT that are OOS. Maybe it comes down to EC's/Community Service/LORs for them???

I'm pretty sure I remember reading that PCOM receives the most amount of apps out of all the D.O schools, so maybe that plays a factor. It seems like the majority of everyone applying to D.O schools apply to PCOM.

6000 apps is average. But I think PCOM values a high amount of EC's because they know their students are going to be the face and future of osteopathic medicine.

 

[Lewist02]

6000 apps is average. But I think PCOM values a high amount of EC's because it's basically there students are going to be the face and future of osteopathic medicine.

Yeah, I could see that. One of my questions in my interview was pertaining to medicine and why I was interested. Everything else was pertaining to the other interesting facts about my life on my resume.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Keep it up I want to see more stats!!!

 

[HimeMomo]

alternate status post interview:

cumGPA: 3.0
sciGPA: 2.95
nonsciGPA: 3.4

waiting .... 😀

 

[JaggerPlate]

3.3-3.4+ (top, top undergrad)
30++

Rejected pre-interview. I'm from the other coast, and it didn't seem like people got much love from my side of town (discussed it with a few others), and I also realized (about half way through the application season) that despite applying to several schools in the area, I didn't want to live in Phily. PCOM is one of the best DO schools out there, but I also had some big issues with the admissions office. Kind of left a bad taste in my mouth all around. Doesn't change the fact that the program is amazing ... just kinda weird.

 

[call me x]

i will not be matriculating but was accepted this year-

around 3.5 cgpa
3.3-3.4 sgpa
3.7 grad gpa
29Q MCAT
nj resident

 

[PhillDOc]

I agree with OP: I was initially wait-listed at PCOM which was my longstanding first choice school. NOT a PA resident. Attended Top 5 Undergrad. Ultimately was accepted late spring. This was a couple of years ago, though.

CGPA: 3.3
SGPA: 3.70
Post-bacc GPA: 4.0 (30 credits)- also at Top 5 university
MCAT: 28R

Not that my MCAT was incredibly high, but I do have a problem with EC's or "interesting backgrounds" supplementing the things that should matter more. There are many students who are accepted with low 20's MCATS. Will they be good doctors? Sure, probably....but they have to be in the top 87-89% of the class that PASSES COMLEX 1.

This is a statistic that you won't hear or see until you're well into first year. PCOM's board pass rate is BELOW national average. I wonder why. I say, stop the pity party. MCAT and grades unfortunately matter. I sincerely believe they have very little to do with being a good doctor, but we are REQUIRED to pass standardized tests to become licensed.

 

[ruiner]

I was rejected pre-interview.

28 MCAT
I don't remember my GPA from ACCOMAS but basically I graduated with a 3.1 and a 3.0 sGPA and then did two years post-grad...all science at 3.8-3.9 so it ended up decent with to grade replacement.

My EC's were good, I think what hurt me at PCOM was that I didn't have any real exposure to osteopathic medicine and no DO letter of rec.

 

[HaveHope]

rejected pre interview:
3.48/31 with tons of ECs.
CA resident and CA undergrad.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I agree with OP: I was initially wait-listed at PCOM which was my longstanding first choice school. NOT a PA resident. Attended Top 5 Undergrad. Ultimately was accepted late spring. This was a couple of years ago, though.

CGPA: 3.3
SGPA: 3.70
Post-bacc GPA: 4.0 (30 credits)- also at Top 5 university
MCAT: 28R

Not that my MCAT was incredibly high, but I do have a problem with EC's or "interesting backgrounds" supplementing the things that should matter more. There are many students who are accepted with low 20's MCATS. Will they be good doctors? Sure, probably....but they have to be in the top 87-89% of the class that PASSES COMLEX 1.

This is a statistic that you won't hear or see until you're well into first year. PCOM's board pass rate is BELOW national average. I wonder why. I say, stop the pity party. MCAT and grades unfortunately matter. I sincerely believe they have very little to do with being a good doctor, but we are REQUIRED to pass standardized tests to become licensed.

I never knew that little fact. I had always thought that PCOM was supposed to be plain out the best and has probably one of the best residency placement lists. But I'm surprised their scores are that low. Hmm I guess the PCOM name still gives it's students a good advantage in residency choice.

 

[Lewist02]

I agree with OP: I was initially wait-listed at PCOM which was my longstanding first choice school. NOT a PA resident. Attended Top 5 Undergrad. Ultimately was accepted late spring. This was a couple of years ago, though.

CGPA: 3.3
SGPA: 3.70
Post-bacc GPA: 4.0 (30 credits)- also at Top 5 university
MCAT: 28R

Not that my MCAT was incredibly high, but I do have a problem with EC's or "interesting backgrounds" supplementing the things that should matter more. There are many students who are accepted with low 20's MCATS. Will they be good doctors? Sure, probably....but they have to be in the top 87-89% of the class that PASSES COMLEX 1.

Are you still a current student? Not trying to go against you at all, because you obviously have the experience and I don't, but a few friends I have there that are M2s (just taking boards) said that last year's class pass rate was over 90%?

I also don't know how much MCAT plays a part in that lower percentage rate. LECOM-E had almost 100% pass rate and their average MCAT last year was right around PCOM's. However LECOM screens students out that do not meet standards to take the boards, but still said that after 2 tries, only 2 students from their previous class to take the boards did not pass. I forget from my interview, but does PCOM screen out students?

Glad to know this now though so I can keep it in the back of my mind for motivation!

 

[taylormade2006]

I have heard rumors on SDN about schools with lower MCAT/GPA averages rejecting students with higher credentials, assuming they'll get in somewhere else and decline the acceptance. That sounds backwards, but I remember people discussing it in a thread a while back.

 

[Lewist02]

I have heard rumors on SDN about schools with lower MCAT/GPA averages rejecting students with higher credentials, assuming they'll get in somewhere else and decline the acceptance. That sounds backwards, but I remember people discussing it in a thread a while back.

Yeah that does sound backwards, but I think I know the thread you're talking about because I've heard that too. It wouldn't make sense though. What makes sense to me is that schools afraid of that make their deposit amounts ridiculous (Touro's is $3000 total, and gives you 2 weeks for $2000, LECOM's is $1,500 and wouldn't budge on the date for me). PCOM and a couple other D.O schools make deposits just like MD schools ($250 to hold spot until April). I would think they would try to take advantage of their students with great stats by wanting to make the deposit hard to lose, but they don't. Not really sure..

 

[taylormade2006]

I think you're right about the high deposits. I think they make them so high to prevent students from getting acceptance, then bailing for another acceptance. It sucks though, because you sort of have to pay that first deposit, not knowing if there will be anymore acceptances to choose from.

On the other hand, since this is a PCOM thread, I think its great that their deposit is only $250.

 

[HimeMomo]

I heard PCOM is the most M.D school out of all the D.O schools..... if that makes any sense...thus, most students focus on taking the USMLE as well as COMLEX, that is why most of them are accepted to M.D residencies.

As for them rejecting high stats, that is also true, they have too many applicants applying to M.D schools and wanting M.D schools more than they want D.O schools. Thus, they have to screen applicants carefully to see if they really want the D.O philosophy/come to PCOM or was it just a back-up.....

Unfortunately for those that really want to go to PCOM, they have these people to thank.....but that is how it is at every school.

Majority of people are not satisfied, only a minority really wants to be at the school they were accepted to.

 

[PhillDOc]

Are you still a current student? Not trying to go against you at all, because you obviously have the experience and I don't, but a few friends I have there that are M2s (just taking boards) said that last year's class pass rate was over 90%?

I also don't know how much MCAT plays a part in that lower percentage rate. LECOM-E had almost 100% pass rate and their average MCAT last year was right around PCOM's. However LECOM screens students out that do not meet standards to take the boards, but still said that after 2 tries, only 2 students from their previous class to take the boards did not pass. I forget from my interview, but does PCOM screen out students?

Glad to know this now though so I can keep it in the back of my mind for motivation!

Every couple of months, we have "Deans meetings" where students can raise concerns/ask questions about various topics relating to the curriculum etc...One of the last meetings of the year was specifically held to answer board related questions. A student asked "what percentage of students taking the exam pass the test"....Deans answer was that is varies year to year, but the past few years has been slightly lower than or at national average. We were then quoted a statistic of between 87-89%. So, to be fair, maybe the pass rate is about 90%. That equates to 27-30 people in the class NOT passing. That just seems like a lot to me.

Your point about LECOM is very strong and true. PCOM is one of the best DO schools out there so it should follow suit that board scores and residency placements reflect this. LECOM may boast lower statistical MCAT averages and have a higher COMLEX pass rate....that would perhaps indicate a flaw in PCOM's preclinical curriculum. Good point though. I really don't know the answer. I think adequate preparation will yield a positive result, however.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Every couple of months, we have "Deans meetings" where students can raise concerns/ask questions about various topics relating to the curriculum etc...One of the last meetings of the year was specifically held to answer board related questions. A student asked "what percentage of students taking the exam pass the test"....Deans answer was that is varies year to year, but the past few years has been slightly lower than or at national average. We were then quoted a statistic of between 87-89%. So, to be fair, maybe the pass rate is about 90%. That equates to 27-30 people in the class NOT passing. That just seems like a lot to me.

Your point about LECOM is very strong and true. PCOM is one of the best DO schools out there so it should follow suit that board scores and residency placements reflect this. LECOM may boast lower statistical MCAT averages and have a higher COMLEX pass rate....that would perhaps indicate a flaw in PCOM's preclinical curriculum. Good point though. I really don't know the answer. I think adequate preparation will yield a positive result, however.

No it indicates the Lecom made a good policy when they decided to not allow people who are at risk of failing not take it.

 

[bigyihoroi]

I heard PCOM is the most M.D school out of all the D.O schools..... if that makes any sense...thus, most students focus on taking the USMLE as well as COMLEX, that is why most of them are accepted to M.D residencies.

.

What you said is correct...as told by one of our OMM instructors, PCOM is the most allopathically osteopathic medical school...which is reflected by the type of residencies that are offered at PCOM...with regard to the fact that most students focus on taking both USMLE and COMLEX at PCOM...this is not true...during the dean's meeting that PhillDOc was talking about...the dean told us that there's only 30-50 students who took USMLE last year

Serenade, i think what you said is very true...with 6000 apps, they value a lot in the applicant's EC...PCOM always want to create a diverse student body and to do that...the diversity really comes from EC...also i personally think that EC can reflect alot about the applicant more so than stats, which only reflects the ability to pass the board

With regard to the 6000 apps, i think what draws so many premeds to apply PCOM is the location....not only that you get to eat cheesesteaks and pretzel everyday...philly is a land of opportunities where you can work with world class clinicians at top rated medical centers...so it really comes down to whether the student will actually look for these opportunities...i think i am going a little off topic here 🙄

 

[PhillDOc]

No it indicates the Lecom made a good policy when they decided to not allow people who are at risk of failing not take it.

Another good point. I forgot to consider this. It is true that certain schools "screen" students before they take board exams to ensure or increase passing.

Interestingly, PCOM just started giving a "comprehensive exam" in the spring of M2 (this years second year class was the first class to take it). Its purpose is experimental at this point, but there's no doubt in my mind it's being tested as a tool to increase or predict pass rates given the unexplained decrease pass rates over the past 3-4 years. Stay tuned.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I actually kind of feel like PCOM is one of the most osteopathic of all the osteopathic medical schools. It's all a matter of what you're looking at.

I think KCOM takes that one tbh.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think KCOM takes that one tbh.

KCOM is the original DO school right?

 

[JaggerPlate]

KCOM is the original DO school right?

Original, best, it goes by many names ...

but yes, it was the original. Founded as the "American School of Osteopathy" in Kirksville Missouri by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1892. Interestingly enough, the original school has been refurbished and preserved, and it's now housed for display inside of KCOM. It's pretty cool!

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Original, best, it goes by many names ...

but yes, it was the original. Founded as the "American School of Osteopathy" in Kirksville Missouri by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1892. Interestingly enough, the original school has been refurbished and preserved, and it's now housed for display inside of KCOM. It's pretty cool!

Lol well that might explain it. It's got a strong tradition and thus likely see's the osteopathic principles as extremely important. PCOM being in Philli the medical capital of the US likely probably see's the improvement and developmental aspects as more important.

 

[Lewist02]

Every couple of months, we have "Deans meetings" where students can raise concerns/ask questions about various topics relating to the curriculum etc...One of the last meetings of the year was specifically held to answer board related questions. A student asked "what percentage of students taking the exam pass the test"....Deans answer was that is varies year to year, but the past few years has been slightly lower than or at national average. We were then quoted a statistic of between 87-89%. So, to be fair, maybe the pass rate is about 90%. That equates to 27-30 people in the class NOT passing. That just seems like a lot to me.

Your point about LECOM is very strong and true. PCOM is one of the best DO schools out there so it should follow suit that board scores and residency placements reflect this. LECOM may boast lower statistical MCAT averages and have a higher COMLEX pass rate....that would perhaps indicate a flaw in PCOM's preclinical curriculum. Good point though. I really don't know the answer. I think adequate preparation will yield a positive result, however.

I agree - 30 people in the class not passing is too many. Do they offer any information about the averages on the boards? I think i'd rather be at a school that has 89% passing but with a higher score than the national average than at a school where almost everyone barely passes. But then I guess it's really only up to me to make sure I do well! No statistic will really help my case. Just makes me feel better 🙂

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Lol well that might explain it. It's got a strong tradition and thus likely see's the osteopathic principles as extremely important. PCOM being in Philli the medical capital of the US likely probably see's the improvement and developmental aspects as more important.

First time I've ever heard that...

 

[futuredoc4432]

Lol well that might explain it. It's got a strong tradition and thus likely see's the osteopathic principles as extremely important. PCOM being in Philli the medical capital of the US likely probably see's the improvement and developmental aspects as more important.

maybe the medical capital of eastern pennsylvania?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

First time I've ever heard that...

It's the city where almost 1/3rd of all residents do their residency. It's the city with some of the best programs and research. It's been called the medical capital of America because it's where so much research and training happen. Not to mention it's the city with the most medical schools or 2nd most medical schools.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

It's the city where almost 1/3rd of all residents do their residency. It's the city with some of the best programs and research. It's been called the medical capital of America because it's where so much research and training happen. Not to mention it's the city with the most medical schools or 2nd most medical schools.

right, but who called it that?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

right, but who called it that?

I've seen many people in pre-allo and allo and osteo call it that. I believe the first time I heard it was from the Prawler.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

I've seen many people in pre-allo and allo and osteo call it that. I believe the first time I heard it was from the Prawler.

so it wasnt from a media source related to medicine, but an SDN user?

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

It's the city where almost 1/3rd of all residents do their residency. It's the city with some of the best programs and research. It's been called the medical capital of America because it's where so much research and training happen. Not to mention it's the city with the most medical schools or 2nd most medical schools.

Not being sarcastic but are these stats real? Do you have anything to back these up? 1/3rd of all residencies in Philly seems exhorbant, not saying you're wrong but I'd be suprised if you were right. I would guess 2nd most medical schools off the top of my head (NY being first). Also the city of the best programs and research seems like a subjective title.

 

[csmittyB]

I know this is quite the opposite to what you asked but just for reference, I was rejected from PCOM (pre-interview)

CT Resident
cGPA: 3.84
sGPA: 3.74
MCAT: 29R

So yeah, their acceptance stats are pretty much all over the place.

Mid September

😕😕😕

Same situation w/ a little lower GPA. Applied early/mid September and rejected in May with no interview.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Not being sarcastic but are these stats real? Do you have anything to back these up? 1/3rd of all residencies in Philly seems exhorbant, not saying you're wrong but I'd be suprised if you were right. I would guess 2nd most medical schools off the top of my head (NY being first). Also the city of the best programs and research seems like a subjective title.

Unfortunately I can't back up these stats. But like I said i've heard these stats from Mod's on the pre-allopathic part. These might be in fact in correct. However 1/3rd of all residencies was incorrect. It's more like "1/3 physicians will partake in some or all of their training in Philadelphia," which is why it's called the medical capital of the US.

 

[jzrull]

I thought the medical capital of the US was wherever Mr. Pres gets his physical done.


wahh wahh wahhhhh.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Same situation w/ a little lower GPA and CA resident. Applied early/mid September and rejected in May with no interview.

I've only personally seen one person from CA (SD) get interviewed and accepted in the past few cycles. Obviously there are others, but I just don't see a lot of CA love from PCOM.

 

[csmittyB]

I've only personally seen one person from CA (SD) get interviewed and accepted in the past few cycles. Obviously there are others, but I just don't see a lot of CA love from PCOM.

There does seem to be a lack of West coast love from PCOM. I remember reading the following post in the 2009-2010 PCOM app thread:

I think part of it has to do with PCOM being favorable to regional states. At my interview, the dean was joking about CA residents flying in. Not in a harsh way, but just saying that PCOM looks regionally first. At my interview I'd say out of the 10 or so people, 8 were from PA, one from New Jersey, and myself from Maryland. So I'd definitely wait it out, but I got the impression that PCOM is region favored.

 

[csmittyB]

Maybe they just don't want you to waste your money because you'll more than likely choose a school near home.

I'll be in PA anyway...moving in a few weeks to Erie, LECOM starts end of July