Philadelphia COM - Philadelphia (PCOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[Lewist02]

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Does it have any effect on our chances if we apply to both campuses? Also reapp

No. The applications are reviewed by completely separate committees. I applied to both and only interviewed at PHL.

 

[hemlocktree]

Hey guys,

I saw that pcom listed 28 as avg mcat on their website. Just wanted to know what you thought was their absolute minimum, given a decent gpa. I have a 26 (8/8/10) and wanted to know if I'm wasting my time applying here. Thank you.

 

[Bacchus]

Hey guys,

I saw that pcom listed 28 as avg mcat on their website. Just wanted to know what you thought was their absolute minimum, given a decent gpa. I have a 26 (8/8/10) and wanted to know if I'm wasting my time applying here. Thank you.

You'll be fine. I would apply.

 

[TheNewGuy8]

I called the office and besides the pre health comm, advisor etc you can now get three letters from faculty members but two have to be from science faculty and on letterhead and they prefer it signed (electronically if necessary). They apparently still prefer the other one but at least there is another option.

I want to make sure I understand this.

I'm a nontrad, 6 years out of school and I did my postbac piecemeal. My undergrad school said they dont do committee letters for folks this far out. I don't even know who the dean of studies was when I was there, but I know they don't work there anymore.

Right now I have one science prof LOR, are you saying if I get 2 more that will suffice? And can they still be interfolio electronically submitted? how does letterhead work with that?

Thanks

 

[circulus vitios]

I'm guessing the secondary prompt will remain the same as last year's:

Noting the mission and objectives of the Osteopathic profession and PCOM, please describe your personal characteristics that demonstrate your interest in this field. Include an example of an event in which your actions directly influenced the life of another person and relate this to your goal of becoming a DO.

How the hell am I supposed to answer this? I wasn't aware that the "osteopathic profession" had an overarching mission statement or objective, I don't know what personal characteristics would demonstrate my interest in this, and I sure as hell don't have any examples of personal actions that influenced the life of another person that can be related to medicine. This is so ridiculous.

 

[futurexray]

I want to make sure I understand this.

I'm a nontrad, 6 years out of school and I did my postbac piecemeal. My undergrad school said they dont do committee letters for folks this far out. I don't even know who the dean of studies was when I was there, but I know they don't work there anymore.

Right now I have one science prof LOR, are you saying if I get 2 more that will suffice? And can they still be interfolio electronically submitted? how does letterhead work with that?

Thanks

Interfolio is done digitally so that should not be a problem and two science professors and one other faculty letter apparently will do the trick

 

[Skeeks]

I'm guessing the secondary prompt will remain the same as last year's:



How the hell am I supposed to answer this? I wasn't aware that the "osteopathic profession" had an overarching mission statement or objective, I don't know what personal characteristics would demonstrate my interest in this, and I sure as hell don't have any examples of personal actions that influenced the life of another person that can be related to medicine. This is so ridiculous.

You didnt know that Osteopathic medicine was created to treat the body as a whole integrating mind, body and spiritual health and to promote preventative medicine and well being by facilitating the body's natural healing process? Its in every D.O. school's description of what Osteopathic medicine is. You can talk about your own desire to maintain your own health. After all how can you promote healthy, holistic well being if you dont practice it yourself. And you're telling me in all your premed years you have never encouraged someone to live a healthier life? Noting the emphasis on spiritual health alone you could talk about how you helped someone through a difficult emotional time.

 

[Yehoshua24]

Does anybody know if all 3 letters have to be from the same institution? For instance, I went to a community college for my first 2 years, and I'm looking to obtain my last non-science LoR. Currently I have 2 science LoR's from my 4 year institution. Would it be ok to obtain the last LoR from a community college?

Personally, all of my LOR's are coming from community college profs because I connected better with them. Also I am a non-trad who went back to complete pre-med reqs, most of which are 100 & 200 level classes so I ended up doing most of my science courses at the CC.

I'm sure they would take them, the question which is more difficult to answer is, will the person reviewing my application look down at the LOR if they come from a community college professor. I haven't addressed this with PCOM, however I've spoke with about 3 other schools and they don't really care much about the LOR. I think most schools look at is more as a proof that you have made professional/personal connections.

 

[circulus vitios]

You didnt know that Osteopathic medicine was created to treat the body as a whole integrating mind, body and spiritual health and to promote preventative medicine and well being by facilitating the body's natural healing process? Its in every D.O. school's description of what Osteopathic medicine is. You can talk about your own desire to maintain your own health. After all how can you promote healthy, holistic well being if you dont practice it yourself. And you're telling me in all your premed years you have never encouraged someone to live a healthier life? Noting the emphasis on spiritual health alone you could talk about how you helped someone through a difficult emotional time.

Every physician practices that, in theory. It's not unique to osteopathic medicine, it's just a bunch of BS.

No, I've never encouraged someone to live a healthier life because I'm not a physician and it's none of my business.

 

[Bacchus]

Every physician practices that, in theory. It's not unique to osteopathic medicine, it's just a bunch of BS.

No, I've never encouraged someone to live a healthier life because I'm not a physician and it's none of my business.

Play the game. This won't be the last time you're playing some sort of game. You'll be doing it fourth year when you rotate at potential places you'd like to go, just to find out 2 days in you hate it and realize you're going to have to smile on the outside for the next few weeks.

 

[Skeeks]

Every physician practices that, in theory. It's not unique to osteopathic medicine, it's just a bunch of BS.

No, I've never encouraged someone to live a healthier life because I'm not a physician and it's none of my business.

Sure every physician practices that theory, but we are talking about what you are going to say to an adcom member on why you are going to be a good fit for osteopathic medicine. Thats why osteopathic medicine was created and that's its overall mission and focus. If you want to tell an adcom member of a D.O. school that you think Osteopathic medicine's mission is BS be my guest.

As for that second part I guess you have nothing to say... I have had lots of experiences like that, but maybe I am just nosey

 

[circulus vitios]

Play the game. This won't be the last time you're playing some sort of game. You'll be doing it fourth year when you rotate at potential places you'd like to go, just to find out 2 days in you hate it and realize you're going to have to smile on the outside for the next few weeks.

I knew I had to spew some BS for secondaries but how am I supposed to answer this without indirectly ****talking MDs?

 

[EnergyDrink]

The only thing that really separates MD and DO is OMM, and most DOs don't perform OMM. Saying that DOs treat holistically does not make any sense at this point, and doesn't distinguish them from MDs. 100 years ago, yes, but not today. When AT Still was around, doctors were still doing things like blood letting.

Read a bit about it and I'm sure you'll be at least somewhat interested in it. You can talk about why you find it interesting.

Read this book, its really short, and tells you more than enough about DOs to get you past that question. You're applying to a historical osteopathic school, you should at least know what it is.

 

[Skeeks]

I knew I had to spew some BS for secondaries but how am I supposed to answer this without indirectly ****talking MDs?

I am not trying to antagonize at all but just because you can speak to fulfilling the D.O. philosophy doesnt mean you're saying you couldn't receive the same experience or education at an M.D. school. Asking you to talk about this is just a reassurance that your values are the same as the "Osteopathic mission".

For example they are not asking you to say "I am applying to Osteopathic medical schools because they are far superior in training holistic thinking physicians than Allopathic medical schools are." Saying something like that will make you sound like a d-bag no matter who you're talking to. But you could say "I feel that I have many qualities that fit osteopathic medicine's mission to train holistic thinking physicians". See the difference?

 

[Bacchus]

I am not trying to antagonize at all but just because you can speak to fulfilling the D.O. philosophy doesnt mean you're saying you couldn't receive the same experience or education at an M.D. school. Asking you to talk about this is just a reassurance that your values are the same as the "Osteopathic mission".

For example they are not asking you to say "I am applying to Osteopathic medical schools because they are far superior in training holistic thinking physicians than Allopathic medical schools are." Saying something like that will make you sound like a d-bag no matter who you're talking to. But you could say "I feel that I have many qualities that fit osteopathic medicine's mission to train holistic thinking physicians". See the difference?

This is how I'd go about it, circulus. I actually wrote and focused on an OMM encounter, however.

 

[G2M]

Out of curiosity does anyone know how/when secondaries are sent out for this school??? I've been verified for quite some time now. Just curious, thanks!

 

[HopefulReapp]

I am not trying to antagonize at all but just because you can speak to fulfilling the D.O. philosophy doesnt mean you're saying you couldn't receive the same experience or education at an M.D. school. Asking you to talk about this is just a reassurance that your values are the same as the "Osteopathic mission".

For example they are not asking you to say "I am applying to Osteopathic medical schools because they are far superior in training holistic thinking physicians than Allopathic medical schools are." Saying something like that will make you sound like a d-bag no matter who you're talking to. But you could say "I feel that I have many qualities that fit osteopathic medicine's mission to train holistic thinking physicians". See the difference?

I was having the same issues as the person you quoted, and your response really helped me. Thank you

 

[Skeeks]

Hey, not a problem at all. Best of luck to you!

 

[kratosis]

hi guys,

just wondering what my chances would be at this school. cGPA 3.1 (health issues during first 2 years of college), sGPA 3.6 (with some retakes), 23 MCAT (first take) 27 MCAT (retake): 8,9,10 (PS,VB,BS). i have volunteered at a hospital, shadowed a DO, tutored chemistry and biology at my undergrad institution for over 3 years, student mentor for incoming science majors w/ the Student Development Department, volunteered in soup kitchens feeding the homeless to name a few ECs.

 

[Skeeks]

I think you have a decent chance. I'd give it a try if I were in your shoes! Best of luck!

 

[MCAT1982]

Hello,

What do you guys think about my chances for an interview invite ?

sGPA - 4.0 (still taking prereqs) ; cGPA - 4.0
MCAT - 24
Masters degree in Business (MBA) - GPA - 3.9
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering - 3.98

MD Job shadowing - 80 hours
Medical Missions - 150/200 hours
Volunteering - 100/150 hours

Residency: Texas

I have good reco letters from my Professors/Doctors as well.

Do you guys have anything to say about my chances ?

Thanks !

 

[EnergyDrink]

Hello,

What do you guys think about my chances for an interview invite ?

sGPA - 4.0 (still taking prereqs) ; cGPA - 4.0
MCAT - 24
Masters degree in Business (MBA) - GPA - 3.9
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering - 3.98

MD Job shadowing - 80 hours
Medical Missions - 150/200 hours
Volunteering - 100/150 hours

Residency: Texas

I have good reco letters from my Professors/Doctors as well.

Do you guys have anything to say about my chances ?

Thanks !

Any plans to retake the MCAT? How did you do so poorly with your GPA?

I think you're good for an interview considering the MBA. If you have a decent PS and your ECs are substantiated, I'd imagine you'd get a slot.

 

[MCAT1982]

Any plans to retake the MCAT? How did you do so poorly with your GPA?

I think you're good for an interview considering the MBA. If you have a decent PS and your ECs are substantiated, I'd imagine you'd get a slot.

Thanks a lot for that response.

I took the MCAT while working and without having my prereqs taken - Just went through some test materials without any formal coursework and thats why it ended up the way it did.

 

[Nesmall2]

Out of curiosity does anyone know how/when secondaries are sent out for this school??? I've been verified for quite some time now. Just curious, thanks!

Hey, so today I got lucky, went to PCOM and was able to speak with the director of admissions.Amazing person, fell in love with the school immediately. When asking about secondary applications she said that everyone will get a secondary and that they will send them out late Julyish

 

[Bacchus]

Hey, so today I got lucky, went to PCOM and was able to speak with the director of admissions.Amazing person, fell in love with the school immediately. When asking about secondary applications she said that everyone will get a secondary and that they will send them out late Julyish

She has the most soothing and calming voice. She's a stark contract to Ms. Debbie (who I love).

 

[EnergyDrink]

Hey, so today I got lucky, went to PCOM and was able to speak with the director of admissions.Amazing person, fell in love with the school immediately. When asking about secondary applications she said that everyone will get a secondary and that they will send them out late Julyish

Mrs. Shotwell?

 

[Nesmall2]

Mrs. Shotwell?

Yea it was Mrs. Kari Shotwell

 

[Back 5]

I know PCOM is a slower school as far as secondaries and interviews etc, but I'm anxious to try my chances here.

 

[EnergyDrink]

Yea it was Mrs. Kari Shotwell

She interviewed me, and she was really awesome. One of the best interviewers I had, although it definitely wasn't my best interview.

 

[doublefrick]

I have a 3.55 cgpa and a 3.61 sgpa. 26 MCAT (9/7/10) with lots of extracurriculars. You guys think I would have a chance with that 7 in verbal? Also OOS.

You should be okay. They will not consider you if you have below a 6 in any section.

 

[doublefrick]

Hello,

I'm reapplying here with the only real difference being I'm applying earlier with a possibly different personal statement. Last cycle I applied in January and PCOM completely rejected me.
I'm a NJ resident, cGPA: 3.67, sGPA: 3.5, MCAT 29S. Am I competitive?

Yes.

 

[doublefrick]

I'm guessing the secondary prompt will remain the same as last year's:



How the hell am I supposed to answer this? I wasn't aware that the "osteopathic profession" had an overarching mission statement or objective, I don't know what personal characteristics would demonstrate my interest in this, and I sure as hell don't have any examples of personal actions that influenced the life of another person that can be related to medicine. This is so ridiculous.

It's doable; worst part is getting it down to 500 words.

 

[futurenjdoc]

.

 

[MrsHopeful]

I have my committee packet which is from my head college member, I also have an advisor from my school does that count?

 

[shinymk36]

You didnt know that Osteopathic medicine was created to treat the body as a whole integrating mind, body and spiritual health and to promote preventative medicine and well being by facilitating the body's natural healing process? Its in every D.O. school's description of what Osteopathic medicine is. You can talk about your own desire to maintain your own health. After all how can you promote healthy, holistic well being if you dont practice it yourself. And you're telling me in all your premed years you have never encouraged someone to live a healthier life? Noting the emphasis on spiritual health alone you could talk about how you helped someone through a difficult emotional time.

+1

that's very helpful way to think about the prompt. 😀 thanks!

 

[icevermin]

When will this secondary come out for this school?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Skeeks]

on the COM handbook it says earliest secondary filing is July 30th

 

[MedGrl@2022]

You didnt know that Osteopathic medicine was created to treat the body as a whole integrating mind, body and spiritual health and to promote preventative medicine and well being by facilitating the body's natural healing process? Its in every D.O. school's description of what Osteopathic medicine is. You can talk about your own desire to maintain your own health. After all how can you promote healthy, holistic well being if you dont practice it yourself. And you're telling me in all your premed years you have never encouraged someone to live a healthier life? Noting the emphasis on spiritual health alone you could talk about how you helped someone through a difficult emotional time.

I was thinking about talking about a non-medically related experience. I mentored/tutored a child and we helped him get into college. Do you think this will work?

 

[Back 5]

I was thinking about talking about a non-medically related experience. I mentored/tutored a child and we helped him get into college. Do you think this will work?

You must answer the question, otherwise you've just wasted your money and time with the secondary. If your story answers the question, use it.

 

[Skeeks]

I was thinking about talking about a non-medically related experience. I mentored/tutored a child and we helped him get into college. Do you think this will work?

You must answer the question, otherwise you've just wasted your money and time with the secondary. If your story answers the question, use it.

+1 The experience is yours to interpret. I highly doubt they are going to discount any experience that is explained logically to fit the question. Obviously none of us are physicians so don't worry about your experience fitting that mold because no one's will. My opinion on these secondaries is that they are trying to tease out more of your personality and thinking process. Everyone is given a chance to explain themselves in the PS on the primaries. Secondary essays are meant to illustrate the applicant by mapping out our thought processes and gauging our ability to respond to directions. It's cliche to say but "there is no right answer" and the only wrong answer is the hastily typed BS given to fill space. Just my $0.02.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

+1 The experience is yours to interpret. I highly doubt they are going to discount any experience that is explained logically to fit the question. Obviously none of us are physicians so don't worry about your experience fitting that mold because no one's will. My opinion on these secondaries is that they are trying to tease out more of your personality and thinking process. Everyone is given a chance to explain themselves in the PS on the primaries. Secondary essays are meant to illustrate the applicant by mapping out our thought processes and gauging our ability to respond to directions. It's cliche to say but "there is no right answer" and the only wrong answer is the hastily typed BS given to fill space. Just my $0.02.

Thanks! 👍

 

[binderring]

Anyone know when the secondaries roll out?

 

[Skeeks]

The aacom COM book says the earliest filing date is July 30th

 

[novafan3000]

It's doable; worst part is getting it down to 500 words.

i think i recall the secondary thread saying 250 words can anyone confirm from last years app cycle?

 

[MedGrl@2022]

i think i recall the secondary thread saying 250 words can anyone confirm from last years app cycle?

I think that is about right

 

[shinymk36]

sorry if this is a stupid question, but should i send my letters in before i receive their secondaries?

 

[meetmymuse]

I would. The sooner you get everything in, the sooner you'll be ready for review. As far as the secondary, though, I think it's independent of letters--it's just that some (most?) schools require the letters before considering you for interview.

 

[futurexray]

Just remember they will not have a file for you so no place to put the letters if your application is not in. It will get filed in a main folder so you may have to let them know it was sent in early so they can find it. Personally I would not sent anything in until I know in fact they have my AACOMAS application - too many chances for things to get misplaced and having to send it in again and delaying everything.

 

[kratosis]

I am excited to attend the PCOM open house today from 4pm to 8pm. If anyone has any questions they want me to ask admissions or anything... Let me know. Good luck to all.

 

[Hemorrage]

I am excited to attend the PCOM open house today from 4pm to 8pm. If anyone has any questions they want me to ask admissions or anything... Let me know. Good luck to all.

Can you post a summary of your experience?