PCSOM Class of 2008

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Aaron,

I would appreciate the info about the apartments. The email that I regularly check is in my profile. I've also found the website of the newspaper for Pikeville. They have so listings for apartments and houses. (Unfortunately they only give the bare essentials on the places that are listed.) If you want the address, I would be happy to send it to you though.
 
Hey All!

Does anyone know if Pikeville is interviewing applicants that are NOT Kentucky residents (or that live close by)?

Also, how long after sending in your secondary did you have to wait to hear about an interview?

Thanks!
😕
 
sandiflipflops,

I was not a KY resident. I live in West Virginia, about an hour from Pikeville. I was sent a secondary in mid October, mailed it by October 20th, and was offered an interview for December 6 on November 1.

A little history, at least what i know, about Pikeville. They interview one saturday per month, and have around 30 applicants during each interview date. They told us at my interview that getting the interview was a good sign and that we had very good chances of getting in. After the interview, on the following Monday, the committee meets to decide who to accept. I was accepted and contacted 4 days after my interview, so they are very quick.

I will say that they really push to get students that reside in the Appalachian region, but, I met one student there that was from Texas. I think that residing in a rural region will also help you. I see that you are in Conneticut, so you would want to be able to explain why you are willing to move so far away to go to medical school in the small, rural region of Pikeville, Kentucky. They will ask you this when you interview there.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and hope that you get into the medical school of your choice. I am confident that you will do very well. When they schedule your interview, please let me know and I will give you some pointers. Have a wonderful day!

Aaron
 
Aaron,

Thanks for your post! Until now, the interview process at Pikeville has remained a mystery to me.. I did, however, get in contact with someone in admissions and was told that only 29 people have been accepted so far - So, Congratulations! You're one of few! I suppose this is good news for me - there are still some spots left! :laugh: I guess it's all about waiting now.. Do you happen to know how long Pikeville interviews for?

-sandiflipflops
 
Sandiflipflops- We interview till around the last week of April, just depend if we get enough students that we feel meets our requirements. Which are kind of unique, being we accept lower gpa/MCAT then we reject.

The current time we interview about 2-3 times a month in the spring...so I think we have about 5-6 interview dates left. We do accept students from outside KY and the Appalachain realm. In my class we have one from Chicago, Miami, Cincy, Philly, Memphis, Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlanta, and a Michigan pipeline (about 8 students from there). My class dosen't have anyone from the New England area, but other classes have, so don't get discourage if you think that you don't have a shot. Also, I would suggest either coming and talking to Steve Peyson (if you are able too) or calling him. If you need anymore help feel free to ask.
 
Hey guys,

I got the call Monday that I have a seat in next year's class. I am from Mississippi (to answer sandiflipflops question). I was notified mid-December that my file was complete. The second week of March I received an invitation to interview in early February (on a Saturday). I got the call two days later. My understanding is that they will have two more interviews (March and April) to fill the rest of the seats. Does anyone have any advice on housing in Pikeville since it seems some of you are already looking? I have a family so I would prefer to rent a house or townhouse. I am also curious as to how long it takes to get an information packet once you have been accepted?

Thanks.
 
hossofadoc,

Thanks for your post! Who is Steve Peyson? And, how would I get in contact with him? (Perhaps I should already know this..) It's encouraging to hear that there are some students from states other than Kentucky - thanks for letting me know! (By the way, Congratualtions Simtech! 😀)

-sandiflipflops
 
Simtech,

Congratulations and welcome to PCSOM class of 2008:clap: :clap: . I received my packet about two weeks after I had my interview.

Sandiflipflops,

Steve Peyson is the Associate Dean for Student Services (He is in charge of the admissions staff and other people) at PCSOM. Also, I submitted my secondary application in Aug./Sept. (I can't remember which🙂 ) and I didn't hear anything until December. But I have to say that it took a while for my LOR to be received. As far as tips on the interview go: First, be able to articulate why you want to be a DO instead of an MD. Second, be able to explain why you want to come to PCSOM. And third, be ready for one of the interviewers to offer some "real world impressions" i.e. try to talk you out of becoming a physician. Try not to stumble on this last one. That is about all that I remember from my interview. Just relax about the interview and you will be fine. I know other people say this, but my really was one of the least stressful interviews that I have been on.
 
Sandiflipflops,

Sorry, I forgot to post this in my previous message😀 . You can find Steve Peyson's e-mail, phone number, and home page at the PCSOM home page. Just click on "Contact Us" from the home page. Then click on " People@PC", then click on "Search by First and Last Name". I'm sure that you can figure out how to find him once you reach this screen😀 .
 
Willie B,

Thanks for your posts! Gosh.. Everyone is just so helpful! 😀

-sandiflipflops
 
Congratulations on your acceptance to PCSOM. I am so excited about starting in August, and I look forward to meeting you and your family soon. If you would give me your emial, I will send you the apartment information that I have so far. Once again, Congratulations!

:clap: :clap: :clap:
 
sandiflipflops,

I wanted to apologize to you. After reading my previous post to you, I think that I may have sounded like I didnt think you had a chance at Pikeville because you were from Connecticut. THIS IS NOT SO!!! I think that you have a great chance, I just meant that you should have an explanation for wanting to leave your homestate. Sorry for the misconcection, if that was the case. Please forgive me!!!!!

I would be happy to give you some advice on the interview process at pikeville.

1. The interviews are on Saturday mornings, starting at 8:00 sharp. The have all the applicants in a nice, comfortable conference room in the new library on Pikeville's campus as a meeting place. There were about 25 students interviewing on the day of my interview in December. They have a welcome speach from Dr. Payson, Dr. Bedford, and a couple of other PCSOM faculty. They show you a slide presentation that is supposed to help relax you for your interview. This all takes approximately 40 mintes.

2. They interview about 4 to 5 students at a time. Each applicant is interviewed by two to three faculty members, in separate locations throughout the library. You only have one interview slot and they last around 30 minutes. Mine lasted about 45 because I was talking the interviewers ears off!!! While you are waiting on your interview, you and the rest of the applicants sit around and talk to current students, faculty members, and other staff. I WILL SAY THIS. THE STAFF AND STUDENTS AT PCSOM ARE THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. THEY ARE VERY, VERY HELPFUL.

3. After your interview, the students volunteer to take you on a tour of the school. The gross lab is one of the best that I have seen. The students working in the lab were very friendly and offered their assistance while they were working. They also show you several of the classrooms and labs that you will be working in.

4. The entire process, for my group, lasted from 8am till about 10:30 am. This was the most pleasant interview that I have ever been on. Pikeville is an excellent institution, with a staff that WANTS you to succeed. There was a bad snow on the ground in pikeville that saturday, so several applicants were not there.

5. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW BEING STRESSFUL. THEY TOLD US UP FRONT THAT THE PEOPLE THEY INTERVIEW ARE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN, AND IT IS UP TO US TO SHOW THEM WHO WE REALLY ARE.

They like to ask ethics questions. They want to know why you want to be a DO instead of an MD. They will ask you why you want to leave ...... to come to pikeville. Just be yourself, and you will be absolutely fine. I wish you luck. Have a great day.

Aaron
 
Aaron,

No worries! 😀 I actually thought your post was very helpful and quite encouraging! Thanks for sharing your interview experience with me! It puts my mind at ease knowing what to expect.

-sandiflipflops
 
You are welcome Sandiflipflops. Oh, and if you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to express them. We are all in this together.
 
Aaron, I pm'ed you with my email.

I also agree with your post about people being very friendly in Pikeville. I spent the evening before my interview checking out the town and I was blown away by how nice everyone was. (in town and at the school). This was one of several factors that persuaded me to accept at Pikeville.
 
Hey Paul,

I got you private message. I emailed the info to you. Another thing i really liked about pikeville was the camaraderie of the students. I dont like real competitive environments. I liked how well the students interacted at the day of my interview. They seemed to really want to help each other. See you soon.

Aaron
 
Congratulations on your acceptance Simtech!

I know you still must be very excited! It's been 2 months since I was accepted and I still can't believe it! I can't wait to meet you and the rest of our "family" in August, or maybe even before then!

Sandiflipflops,
I just wanted to say that what hossofadoc said about meeting with Dr. Payson is probably the best advice anyone can give you right now. I met with him about 6 weeks before I was given an interview and his input helped me out A LOT! I cannot stress enough how important it would be for you to speak with him. As far as the interview goes, mine was pretty much the same as everyone else's experience. It was very low stress, and they want to get to know the real you. They told us at the beginning of the day that the people interviewing that were not from KY might have a harder time convincing the committee that they wanted to practice in an underserved area, but that is probably the main point that out-of-state students must get across. I hope this helps!
Misty
 
Misty,

It has been awhile since we've seen you around here. I suppose classes have been keeping you busy though. BTW, what classes are you taking this semester???
 
Aaron,

Hey! I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back with you here lately, but I've been so busy. I'm never hardly home anymore, so that's the reason I haven't been able to chat with you. I'm doing fine, thanks for asking. Did you end up going back to Pikeville since the last time we talked? I got your email with all of the apartment info, and I really appreciated it. I hope to hear from you soon!

Willie B,

Yes, my classes have been keeping me very busy, two of them in particular. I'm taking an upper level history class that is killing me! My professor is unreal! We have to do paper after paper, and quizzes and tests like crazy, not to mention the fact that history has always been my least favorite subject. I have a few more classes that I took b/c I thought they would be easy and I wanted to have a relaxing last semester before med school, but they have ended up being a ton of "busy work." I am so ready for Spring Break! Anyway, I'll talk to you all soon!

Misty
 
Misty,

I understand that you are busy with classes. I have not been able to get back to Pikevegas since my last trip. I have been kinda busy around the house and preparing for my little bro's wedding. Anyway, once I get some more info, I will let you know. Have a wonderful day!

Aaron
 
Hi PCSOM people!

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I have heard that PCSOM is raising tuition to $27,000 for next year :scared: and I thought you all should know. Keep in mind this is only what I have heard, it's not written in stone yet, but last year at this time I was under the assumption tuition was $25K and it wasn't until June (I think) I was told about the increase to $26K. Just in case that is a problem for any of you guys.

Aaron - I survive on just the $38,500 from the government, but it is tight. With the raise in tuition I'm considering an outside loan of 2K. Not sure though.

As for a budget, the FA office gives you a guideline budget, then hands you your check with tuition subtracted. I just drew up my own budget and tweaked it when I figured out how much my utilities, etc really cost me.

Also, be prepared to not get your check until beginning of September (I thought we got it in August, so it threw my rent payment off getting it later).

Hope this info helps you guys and doesn't discourage anybody.

Can't wait to meet all of you next year!
 
Misty,

I know about those types of classes just being busy work. I've had more than my share of busy work classes😡 . But atleast you only have a few more weeks left and, then it is spring break :clap: . And then only two months left until the semester is over with. The end is in sight.

Cookie Monster,

Thanks for the heads up about the tuition increase. Atleast it is only 1K instead of much higher. Even with the tuition increase, going to school at Pikevegas is still a relative bargain compared to other schools😀 .
 
Cookie Monster,

Thank you for the heads up about the tuition increase. I agree with Willie, Pikevegas is still a good bargain, but it is nice to know about the increase in advance. I do have a question for you when you get the time. When you go with private loans, like Nowloans, Access Group, etc, is that money disbursed through the school as well, or does the lender send the money directly to the applicant?

Hope your semester is going well. I look forward to meeting you in August. Take care!

Aaron
 
Aaron - I am not sure where the loans go, but I would guess directly to you. I don't see why the school would be involved (since it's not a federal loan). Anybody else that knows, please correct me if I am wrong.
 
Cookie Monster,

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I think that I am going to Pikeville this saturday to continue checking out apartments in the area. I just wanted to get an idea of how much money extra I will need ( other than the federal stuff) See you soon.

Aaron
 
Inspect a 1K increase about every year at Pikevegas...there has been a few years when it didn't go up, but since the first two.
 
Does anyone have information on apartments? 😕

Thanks!

-dcratamt
 
Dcratamt,

Aaron has a lot of good information about apartments in Pikeville. He might send it to you if you ask real nicely😀 .

Also,

How was everyone's weekend? Mine started off with me getting my first speeding ticket since I was a sophmore in college+pissed+ . But not much exciting has happened to me this weekend except for the above mentioned incident.
 
Dcratamt,

Did you decide on PCSOM? I posted on another one of your threads. I was just curious. I have information on a lot of apartments in Pikeville. I will email you the list if you like. You can PM me with your email address and I will send it to you this afternoon if you like. See you soon.

Aaron
 
This past weekend must have been the weekend for speeding tickets.

Hey, has anyone found out when the white coat ceremony for us will be? Both of my parents' work schedules vary from one week to the next and I would kind of like to have them both there for this event. (Since it is THE ceremony that we make our first real committment to osteopathic medicine)

Thanks and I hope to see you all soon.
 
Hey Willie,

I am not for sure when the ceremony is. I would say that once the majority of the class is filled that Teresa will let us know. I will have both of my parents there as well. Sorry about your speeding ticket this weekend. I remember my first speeding ticket. HAHA... i was coming home late one night from my Princeton review class. hahahahahaha

See you soon

Aaron
 
Hey everyone,

I have a quick question. On the financial aid packet that Teresa Jones mailed us, there is a form that is the Application for Financial Assistance. On the back of this form, it asks your sources for medical school funding. Did you guys put the Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized loans) on this line? Also, did you guys list the private loan company that you are planning to use. I appreciate your input. I had to wait to submit my FAFSA because my parents info was so slow getting completed. I hope that it is not too late. hahaha. See you all soon.

Aaron
 
Hello all,

Found out yesterday I got into Pikeville. Also, I was told that ALL the people who interviewed over the weekend got in as well. Kinda cool. Anyway, I can't wait to meet you guys.

Take care,

Eric Stanley
 
eadysx,

Congratulations on your acceptance!!!!!!!!!
:clap: :clap: :clap:

Did you guys interview this past weekend? I was in Pikeville looking for some apartments to live in. I saw a lot of people around the telecommunications building. I assumed that they were interviewing. Well, anyway, I cant wait to meet you soon. If you have any questions, please let me know. See you soon.

Aaron
 
Hey guys!

Congratulations eadysx! How many people interviewed with you? It's great that everyone got accepted! That's amazing! I'm very happy for you!

Aaron,
How did the apt. search go? Did you find out any new info? I just submitted my FAFSA also, so I hope it isn't too late.

Willie B and sandiflipflops,
Sorry to hear about the speeding tickets. I've been there! I tried everything to get out of it, including crying, but the officer showed no sympathy. I ended up having to go to traffic school!

See you all later!
 
MISTY!!!!!!!!!

I have missed you so. hahaha. To answer your question, yes, I will have some more info in about an hour. I went to Pikevegas last saturday and found a couple of new places, but, was unable to get them to answer the phone. Once I get all the information updated, which will be sometime today, I will email you a copy of what I have. I hope that your classes are going well.

See you soon Misty,

Aaron
 
Geez, I go to sleep and we almost add a page to our thread.🙂

eadysx,

Congratulations and I hope to see you in August.

Aaron,

I didn't fill in the information on the back of the financial aid page. It said that if you didn't know to just leave it blank, so I did. Also, I submitted my FAFSA a couple of weeks ago and got it processed. Then I found out the Pikeville requires parental info on the FAFSA. (I submitted it without the info) . So, now I have to go and make corrections to the FAFSA.:wow: But first, I have to wait until the parental figures get there taxes done.+pissed+
 
Misty,

It looks like I will be going to traffic school on the speeding ticket. I haven't decided whether or not I should just pay it or go and see about attending traffic school.
 
Willie, Misty, or anyone else,

What company are you each thinking about getting a private loan from? I was thinking about NOW LOANS, what do you guys think?

Aaron
 
Willie B,

If I were you, I would go to traffic school. It's only 4 hours, and your insurance won't find out about the ticket. If you pay the ticket, then your insurance will probably find out. Also, it was much cheaper for me to go to driving school ($50 I think) than to pay for my ticket. It would be awful to have an increase in car insurance rates right when we are getting ready to have to go in debt over our heads! Are you planning on taking the KY Osteopathic Scholarship?

Aaron,
On my financial form for Pikeville, I'm leaving the stuff on the back blank since it said to do that if you're not sure. I don't know anything about the private loan companies. As of now, I'm thinking about taking the Osteopathic Scholarship, so hopefully I won't have to borrow more than the government loans. I'm still not sure though. Just send me the apt. info whenever you get a chance. I've been busy with school so I haven't had much time to do anything lately! I'll talk to ya later!

Misty
 
I think most people use Republic Bank because they do not charge any fees. So just write Stafford loans up to 38,500 with Republic Bank. You can call Teresa Jones and ask her what banks do not charge a fee if you feel uncomfortable using a bank you don't know.
Check you later!!
 
Hey all - I just received my invitation to interview on 3/20 as well.

Also, I'm another one from New England, CT. Interested in sharing a ride? Ya, I was thinking of driving, but maybe I'll come to my senses!

Are there any other non-trads out there?
 
BACMEDIC,

Congratulations on the interview! I am sure that you will do just fine. What is considered non traditional? I think that someone once told me that over the age of 27. hahaha.. If that is the criteria, then I am 27 and non traditional.

Good luck to you!

:clap: :clap: :clap:
 
Aaron,

I remember reading somewhere that anything over 22 your first year was considered non-traditional. Although, with the average age of incoming 1st years being around 26 at most schools these days, I don't know how we could be classified as being non-traditional😕 . So, I suppose what I am trying to say, is that although we won't be "traditional" we also won't be "abnormal" (in the usual sense of the word:laugh: ). Furthermore, I'm "more experienced", i.e. older, than the traditional student too.

Also, I haven't really looked at the alternative loans yet. I'm hoping that I will have enough money saved up, by the time school starts, that I won't have to worry about until the second year. I also thinking about dropping down to PRN status at the hospital that I work at right now. This way I will still have a job, and be able to work when I choose to (the holiday breaks and one or two weekends).
 
Misty,

Yeah it is looking like I'm going to goto to traffic school. I just hope that I can schedule it in the morning or one of my days off. And no, I'm not planning on taking the KY Osteopathic scholarship. To be honest, I'm a little undecided as to what I want to go into. So, I can't really see limiting myself to just primary care.
 
Basically, a non-traditional is someone going into med school, but not right from college. However, I think that adcoms look at a non-traditional as those that have been out of school for a considerable amount of time and have had careers prior to going into med school, and so age many indeed be a part of the definition, at least for some adcoms. For example, when I left work to go back to school to meet the pre-requisites, there was a 25 year old who also left work to pursue school (she did have a BS), but she was not considered a non-trad, just someone who took some time off.

Can anyone from PCSOM relate what a day is like at the school? When do lectures start and when do they end (8am ? 5pm)? How about labs?

Can?t wait to get down there!
 
Originally posted by BACMEDIC
Can anyone from PCSOM relate what a day is like at the school? When do lectures start and when do they end (8am ? 5pm)? How about labs?
Click to expand...
The schedule is different everyday, but basically, life outside of school is nearly non-existent for the first semester. Typically, class runs from 8 to 3-5 with random breaks thrown in there. Anatomy lab is twice a week, 3 hours each. OPP lab is a once a week for two hours.

Life after anatomy (second semester) is nothing like life with it. This semester, class starts at 9 and ends around noon, for four of the five days. I've got the first semester schedule on my hard drive, if anybody wants it.
 
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