Pros and Cons of your DO School

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
ILikeFood said:
Siggy would say that Western is better. But we all know that Siggy's a liar.
Click to expand...
you-lie-1450-1252561174-84.jpg
 
The more I read, the more I know I need to get in touch with 3rd and 4th year students of the schools I'm applying to. I guess tomorrow I should send out emails/make calls to the schools that I'm applying to, to see if I can get more information.

Did you all find it relatively easy to get in touch with students/people in the know? I would think that schools would try to make sure that applicants think the world of them and keep a lid on anything negative.

I have to take some time to finish going through this entire huge thread, but I'd love an opinion on my extremely tentative ranking of the schools I'm applying to (and hope I get some interviews from):

1. LECOM Erie
2. LECOM Bradenton
3. CCOM
4. AZCOM
5. Western
6. TOURO-NV
7. ATSU-SOMA
8. ATSU-KCOM
9. TOURO-CA
10. Pacific Northwest
11. TOUROCOM-NY

It seems like the LECOMs, CCOM, AZCOM, and---of the TOUROs---TOURO-NV appeared to come up frequently in a positive light. I would have liked to apply to PCOM, PCOM (in GA), and NSU, but due to letter requirements I just can't. I'm having to come up with the letter requirements on rather short notice for various reasons.

For me, I understand that 3rd and 4th year are critical in picking a school; location doesn't matter to me much. That, and the manner of teaching: I think I'd like PBL over normal lectures. Hence, putting the LECOMs at the top.

I'd really appreciate any advice and guidance---I know it's important not to succumb to the temptation of jumping at and committing to the first school that grants acceptance.
 
Last edited:
CheddarIsBetter said:
I would have liked to apply to PCOM, PCOM (in GA), and NSU, but due to letter requirements I just can't. I'm having to come up with the letter requirements on rather short notice for various reasons.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by letter requirements? If you mean a DO letter, then the LECOMs require one. At least they did last year and I haven't heard any differently
 
(this might be stupid... but does anyone know how to delete your post??)
 
Last edited:
bleeker10 said:
What do you mean by letter requirements? If you mean a DO letter, then the LECOMs require one. At least they did last year and I haven't heard any differently
Click to expand...

For PCOM and GA-PCOM, the letter from a DO is strongly recommended, but not required.

My problem is that PCOM and GA-PCOM need a letter from a premedical advisor/committee OR from the dean of the institution where you received your degree from. You CANNOT substitute it with two letters from science faculty, which is what most of the other schools allow.

Being as I've been out of college for two years now, AND that my college, UCLA, does not have a premedical anything (unless that changed in two years), getting such a letter does not seem feasible.
 
Oh, and then for NSU/NOVA, letter requirements are a physician letter and a premedical letter. If no premedical letter, you need two letters from science faculty and a letter from a liberal arts professor.

Again, the being-out-of-college-for-two-years shtick doesn't help me there. With things as they were for me, there wasn't time to try to get my UCLA liberal arts professors to try to remember me and get a letter. Fortunately, I've talked a bit to my science profs and they remembered who I am and gave me letters for this time around.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
For PCOM and GA-PCOM, the letter from a DO is strongly recommended, but not required.

My problem is that PCOM and GA-PCOM need a letter from a premedical advisor/committee OR from the dean of the institution where you received your degree from. You CANNOT substitute it with two letters from science faculty, which is what most of the other schools allow.

Being as I've been out of college for two years now, AND that my college, UCLA, does not have a premedical anything (unless that changed in two years), getting such a letter does not seem feasible.
Click to expand...

The required letters for the PCOMs is just a letter that states you are in good academic standing and not a personal LOR. I'm sure you can get the dean or any academic advisor to look that information up for you and write you a letter stating that.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
It seems like the LECOMs, CCOM, AZCOM, and---of the TOUROs---TOURO-NV appeared to come up frequently in a positive light. I would have liked to apply to PCOM, PCOM (in GA), and NSU, but due to letter requirements I just can't. I'm having to come up with the letter requirements on rather short notice for various reasons.
Click to expand...

Agree strongly with punkmedgirl. The idea of not applying to a school because of letter requirements is a huge mistake.

Whatever the requirement is, I'm sure you could find a substitute, or simply submit your application anyway and see what happens.

Med school is full of these silly, little requirements. Learn to jump through the hoops. They are meaningless, but you have to do it to get to the next step.

bth
 
PunkmedGirl said:
The required letters for the PCOMs is just a letter that states you are in good academic standing and not a personal LOR. I'm sure you can get the dean or any academic advisor to look that information up for you and write you a letter stating that.
Click to expand...

I guess I'll contact PCOM and ask them exactly what kind of letter they are wanting from the academic advisor/dean. If it is as you say, it's feasible. If they want a bonafide LOR, though, I don't know if that's going to happen. I'll try to call them on Monday---more likely that I'll get a quicker, direct response rather than email.

I'll also have to see how to go about doing that; mildly out of touch with some of the processes now. I'd have to research to see how, after two years of being graduated, I can waltz back in and poke them for the letter. Hopefully it's not harder than it sounds.
 
Last edited:
CheddarIsBetter said:
I guess I'll contact PCOM and ask them exactly what kind of letter they are wanting from the academic advisor/dean. If it is as you say, it's feasible. If they want a bonafide LOR, though, I don't know if that's going to happen. I'll try to call them on Monday---more likely that I'll get a quicker, direct response rather than email.

I'll also have to see how to go about doing that; mildly out of touch with some of the processes now. I'd have to research to see how, after two years of being graduated, I can waltz back in and poke them for the letter. Hopefully it's not harder than it sounds.
Click to expand...

PM Bacchus, he's a current student and he can definitely confirm it for you.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
I'd have to research to see how, after two years of being graduated, I can waltz back in and poke them for the letter. Hopefully it's not harder than it sounds.
Click to expand...


Dude, people walk back in decades later.

It's expected. Everyone understands you need letters like this.

It's not unusual for professors/deans/whoever to ask YOU to write the letter, which they will then sign. I'd even recommend walking in with a well-written letter already printed in your bag. If they offer, you can whip it out and they can sign it and seal it in an envelope and send it away. Problem solved.

Don't walk in unprepared. Prepare a resume, and a statement of why you want to go to med school. They will give them something to work off of. Be prepared to describe some of what you've been up to the past few years. Leave them feeling that the want to write you a letter.

bth
 
bth7 said:
Dude, people walk back in decades later.

It's expected. Everyone understands you need letters like this.

It's not unusual for professors/deans/whoever to ask YOU to write the letter, which they will then sign. I'd even recommend walking in with a well-written letter already printed in your bag. If they offer, you can whip it out and they can sign it and seal it in an envelope and send it away. Problem solved.

Don't walk in unprepared. Prepare a resume, and a statement of why you want to go to med school. They will give them something to work off of. Be prepared to describe some of what you've been up to the past few years. Leave them feeling that the want to write you a letter.

bth
Click to expand...

Good thought. Although, I bet they'd have to retype any letter I might make to have that lovely official letterhead, but I'll see what I can do. I'll see if I can rustle up something, then call UCLA on Monday. Well that, and confirm with PCOM about how personal they want this thing.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
Good thought. Although, I bet they'd have to retype any letter I might make to have that lovely official letterhead, but I'll see what I can do. I'll see if I can rustle up something, then call UCLA on Monday. Well that, and confirm with PCOM about how personal they want this thing.
Click to expand...

jump drive.
 
ILikeFood said:
If you'd like pictures of any of the hospitals, let me know. And plz don't say ALL OF THEM. I don't have time to go to all of them. One or two.
Click to expand...

Can you post some pics of Broward General??
 
I am a 4th year NSU student, and i will be posting my review of the school as soon as I match...fingers crossed..So be on the lookout for my review :meanie:
 
MikeyLu2010 said:
I am a 4th year NSU student, and i will be posting my review of the school as soon as I match...fingers crossed..So be on the lookout for my review :meanie:
Click to expand...

What field you applying for?? Looking forward to reading it.
 
MikeyLu2010 said:
I am a 4th year NSU student, and i will be posting my review of the school as soon as I match...fingers crossed..So be on the lookout for my review :meanie:
Click to expand...

Match Day is in March right? I recently got into Nova and am interested in reading as much as I can about the school before I make my decision. Though, Nova seems pretty awesome from everything I've seen so far.
 
MikeyLu2010 said:
I am a 4th year NSU student, and i will be posting my review of the school as soon as I match...fingers crossed..So be on the lookout for my review :meanie:
Click to expand...
Please tell me the guy who does cardio for physio, mayrovitz doesn't write tests like Dr T.
 
Yes, for PCOM the academic advisor letter is just a letter for good academic standing. I'll go to UCLA tomorrow, since I can get it done the same day I go. Then I'll rustle up some essays tonight and get it edited/finalized ASAP so I can get it all sent out this week.

Thanks bth7 and punkmedgirl for kicking my ass and getting me to get this done 🙂 It'll give me two more chances to get in somewhere, and PCOM seems to be greatly lauded here on SDN.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
Yes, for PCOM the academic advisor letter is just a letter for good academic standing. I'll go to UCLA tomorrow, since I can get it done the same day I go. Then I'll rustle up some essays tonight and get it edited/finalized ASAP so I can get it all sent out this week.

Thanks bth7 and punkmedgirl for kicking my ass and getting me to get this done 🙂 It'll give me two more chances to get in somewhere, and PCOM seems to be greatly lauded here on SDN.
Click to expand...
That letter shouldn't be the nail in the coffin. We've got a good school over here. 😛
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
Yes, for PCOM the academic advisor letter is just a letter for good academic standing. I'll go to UCLA tomorrow, since I can get it done the same day I go. Then I'll rustle up some essays tonight and get it edited/finalized ASAP so I can get it all sent out this week.

Thanks bth7 and punkmedgirl for kicking my ass and getting me to get this done 🙂 It'll give me two more chances to get in somewhere, and PCOM seems to be greatly lauded here on SDN.
Click to expand...

No worries.
 
Bacchus said:
That letter shouldn't be the nail in the coffin. We've got a good school over here. 😛
Click to expand...

You know I was completely turned off from PCOM until I really researched them and so far I'm kinda digging the PCOM. It moved from that not going to bother applying to the top five.😀
 
Bacchus said:
That letter shouldn't be the nail in the coffin. We've got a good school over here. 😛
Click to expand...

It seems that PCOM has a great reputation: my brother, who's in at UMD for medical school has heard of it and said that the people he knew from there seemed good.

I must say, though, I love how med school is about the running around and jumping through hoops =P I would think that having a transcript would show that a student is/was in good academic standing, but I guess not. And the physician letter is only "strongly recommended." But hey.
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
It seems that PCOM has a great reputation: my brother, who's in at UMD for medical school has heard of it and said that the people he knew from there seemed good.

I must say, though, I love how med school is about the running around and jumping through hoops =P I would think that having a transcript would show that a student is/was in good academic standing, but I guess not. And the physician letter is only "strongly recommended." But hey.
Click to expand...
A big pro (back on topic 😛) I witness here is the ease that the students are in. There is not much that is thrown at us. We don't have a dress code, we don't have mandatory lectures, we don't have administration breathing down our necks. We do have helpful faculty, great resources, and an excellent class.
 
Bacchus said:
A big pro (back on topic 😛) I witness here is the ease that the students are in. There is not much that is thrown at us. We don't have a dress code, we don't have mandatory lectures, we don't have administration breathing down our necks. We do have helpful faculty, great resources, and an excellent class.
Click to expand...

Although the applications are sent to the same address, the committees that preside over them are distinct for PCOM and GA-PCOM, yes? I tried poking around on SDN and I have concluded they are different, but as you are a student there I figure you must have heard something about this.

Also, applying to both does not hurt your chances at one or the other, right? I'm from California, so I don't know if I'll be preferentially shuffled into GA-PCOM rather than PCOM, or some such. I'm sure GA-PCOM is an up-and-comer, but as I research the allure for PCOM grows. I could also drive over to my brother in Maryland and bug him! *devious scheming*
 
CheddarIsBetter said:
Thanks bth7 and punkmedgirl for kicking my ass and getting me to get this done 🙂 It'll give me two more chances to get in somewhere, and PCOM seems to be greatly lauded here on SDN.
Click to expand...

It's not about kicking your ass.

It's about realizing you're worth the effort.

People (especially pre-meds) sell themselves so short. "My scores aren't high enough. Everyone else knows more than me. All the other kids went to better schools. I won't even bother 'cause I'll never get in."

Bul****. Crap! You will get in. I know so many complete jerks in medicine, but apparently someone along the way (mom and dad who are doctors) told them to go to med school and told them HOW to do it, and ENCOURAGED them.

Meanwhile, really wonderful, caring, compassionate people DON'T EVEN APPLY, because they got a C in orgo, or (GASP!) didn't pass. As if organic chemistry had ANYTHING to do with medicine. And they have no one in their life to encourage them and give them a heads up on all the ridiculous things you have to do to go to be a doctor (And there are many!)

Don't sell yourself short! What matters is that you want to be a doctor.

You can convince the school that you are serious by meeting (and exceeding) all their silly meaningless requirements. Jump through their hoops, with a big grin on your face, knowing that one day, you'll be a awesome doctor.

bth

(BTW, in my opinion, PCOM isn't just a good DO school, its one of, if not THE best DO school out there.)
 
Last edited:
bth7 said:
It's not about kicking your ass.

It's about realizing you're worth the effort.

People (especially pre-meds) sell themselves so short. "My scores aren't high enough. Everyone else knows more than me. All the other kids went to better schools. I won't even bother 'cause I'll never get in."

Bul****. Crap! You will get in. I know so many complete idiots in medicine, but apparently someone along the way (mom and dad who are doctors) told them to go to med school and told them HOW to do it, and ENCOURAGED them.

Meanwhile, really wonderful, caring, compassionate people DON'T EVEN APPLY, because they got a C in orgo, or (GASP!) didn't pass. As if organic chemistry had ANYTHING to do with medicine. And they have no one in their life to encourage them and give them a heads up on all the ridiculous things you have to do to go to be a doctor (And there are many!)

Don't sell yourself short! What matters is that you want to be a doctor.

You can convince the school that you are serious by meeting (and exceeding) all their silly meaningless requirements. Jump through their hoops, with a big grin on your face, knowing that one day, you'll be a awesome doctor.

bth

(BTW, in my opinion, PCOM isn't just a good DO school, its one of, if not THE best DO school out there.)
Click to expand...

AAAWWW....I'm inspired. 😀 Yea, I'm beginning to really really like PCOM now.
 
Bacchus said:
If you get an interview, shoot me a PM and I'll try to stop by. I was going to talk to interviewees this past week but with an upcoming exam I figured the best thing was to keep my jaded attitude away.
Click to expand...

I'm not applying until next year.🙁
 
Bacchus said:
If you get an interview, shoot me a PM and I'll try to stop by. I was going to talk to interviewees this past week but with an upcoming exam I figured the best thing was to keep my jaded attitude away.
Click to expand...

If I am lucky enough to get one, I'll take you up on this offer, Bacchus.

I must say, though, the admissions office people seem to be the surliest lot I've ever spoken to. They sounded like they were annoyed they had to talk to me when I ask them questions. Maybe they needed more coffee =P
 
bioman2006 said:
Really? I had a pleasant experience in my contact with them. Then again, it was after my acceptance so maybe they were just being nice to me. 😉
Click to expand...

I'm still just applying to PCOM, so to them I'm still one of the hundreds of lowly peons that are crawling across their doorstep, hoping that I will make it in 😛
 
I never heard from PCOM after I applied. They were a fabulous black hole from which no sound or communication ever escaped (but I'm sure they cashed my check as quickly as all the other schools). Heard from PCOM-Ga in MARCH for heavens sakes,... I politely declined their interview invite that late in the season after other acceptances.
 
ILikeFood said:
Please tell me the guy who does cardio for physio, mayrovitz doesn't write tests like Dr T.
Click to expand...

No idea..that was 3 years ago.. 😕

sorry.. I just remembered i didnt do too hot on Dr. T's tests..:meanie:
 
can anybody please post a review of UMDNJ? i haven't seen one yet and i'm really interested in the school.
 
Last edited:
I've only seen one post for AZCOM. Could someone please post another to add to the first one on page 5? 🙂
 
ShyRem said:
I never heard from PCOM after I applied. They were a fabulous black hole from which no sound or communication ever escaped (but I'm sure they cashed my check as quickly as all the other schools). Heard from PCOM-Ga in MARCH for heavens sakes,... I politely declined their interview invite that late in the season after other acceptances.
Click to expand...

I had the exact same experience actually. I called a few months in and tried to figure out what was going on since I was scheduling other interviews and wanted to allocate money for a trip to philly in case and they told me I was on hold for something and didn't tell me what. I called back to talk to someone else and they clicked around for a bit and then acted disgusted at me and said I was fine and would hear soon. I called back in March just because I wanted my rejection and wondered why I never heard ANYTHING from them. They said they were waiting for me to mail more information into them and thought I would keep updating them. I didn't even know they got my application until 2 months and 8+ phone calls after I mailed it.

UNECOM was kind of the same way with me though. 😉 I got my rejection letter in June or something after starting med school. I did enjoy the christmas card though, that was a nice touch.
 
111
 
Last edited:
heres my thoughts as a first year at lecom b

pros: pbl, clinical context of learning, multiple cadavers in lab to look at (allows for more exposure to anomalies than at a school where you get the same cadaver for all of anatomy, if schools even still do this), also cadavers are already dissected, freeing up more time for you. if you want to disect, you can as a second year, or a lucky first year - a prof let me dissect the pharynx a couple weeks ago.

cons: if u like lecture, dont go here, admin is a little conservative (can be tough to change some policies), lab is a little unorganized, kinda a free for all, which i actually like better cause i can spend my time doin what i feel i need to get done, but took a little getting used to. how to learn in med school and in pbl has taken some getting used to, but eventually u get in a groove. security is over the top - its nice to be able to leave your computer just sitting somewhere for an extended period of time, but not worth people bitching about forgotten badges and the feeling of big brother.

this is just a brief summary on both fronts, just like every other school, the kids are nice, the profs are a little gruff but cool when u get to know em, etc. all around, i really like the school and i think it comes down to how you will fit in with the curriculum, there isnt really time to worry about anything else, feel free to PM me if anyone has any specific questions
 
BUMP in hopes for another post about AZCOM.

I am very interested in the clinical years since the class size has been updated (although I'm not sure the first updated class is even rotating yet?).

Regardless, another review of AZCOM would make this guy happy. 👍
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Doctoscope
Pros and cons of your DO school?
Replies
33
Views
8K
MateoGM416
MateoGM416
M
DO student, international, and anesthesia
Replies
3
Views
631
Ho0v-man
Ho0v-man
Mr.Smile12
Reminder: How is your school using AI?
Replies
1
Views
589
turtleai
T
J
DO school rankings
Replies
12
Views
6K
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight
T
OMM Exam questions (generated from your lectures and labs)
Replies
1
Views
727
turtleai
T
Top