Rocky Vista University (RVU-COM) Discussion Thread 2016-2017

[Dr. wait for it...]

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Just noticed that the White Coat ceremony date changed to September 16 which is a Saturday. I'm guessing this change is only for the Utah campus

 

[Spicy Grams]

It makes sense if they want to hold it in that amphitheater- the end of July looks brutal in terms of weather...


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[COQueen]

I would discourage you all from sending invites to friends/family about white-coat ceremony (for CO campus) as there was a date change last year. I also know that Student Affairs is changing up Orientation Week this year so be patient and just wait until April/May when the date is finalized.

 

[aith8rios]

I do wonder about the September date for Utah campus though. Could it potentially be a mistake that it's 2 months after orientation? I have an inkling that it's July 16, not September 16.


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[Dr. wait for it...]

I do wonder about the September date for Utah campus though. Could it potentially be a mistake that it's 2 months after orientation? I have an inkling that it's July 16, not September 16.


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During my interview at the Utah campus, Dr Park mentioned that it would be a couple months after the start of classes. They were planning on holding it in an outdoor amphitheater. In July it gets incredibly hot so they were thinking it would be better to wait til it cools down.

 

[dpistheelixirofthegods]

Dang. I was looking forward to getting that white coat. Oh well. Good thing we are experts in delayed gratification.

 

[rntomd70]

Does anyone know how time consuming orientation week will be? Will we be in meetings all day or just a few each day. Thanks

 

[COQueen]

Does anyone know how time consuming orientation week will be? Will we be in meetings all day or just a few each day. Thanks

It will most likely be 3 days out of the week with an optional 4th day of volunteering somewhere as a group. The days that you will be at school, however, are usually from 8AM to 3pM. They provide lunch.

 

[full_rocker]

Can anyone comment on the PDA policy? What do we actually need it for? Will a small tablet work? Need it be cellular data enabled or will WiFi suffice?

 

[COQueen]

Can anyone comment on the PDA policy? What do we actually need it for? Will a small tablet work? Need it be cellular data enabled or will WiFi suffice?

You actually don't need a "PDA." You just need a computer. No one knows why that document is labeled "PDA requirements." Basically, you need a laptop to take exams on that was built in the last 5 years that can connect to WiFi.

 

[Two Sides]

You actually don't need a "PDA." You just need a computer. No one knows why that document is labeled "PDA requirements." Basically, you need a laptop to take exams on that was built in the last 5 years that can connect to WiFi.

I just bought an iPhone 7 plus for the requirement . I'm a long time droid user.

 

[aith8rios]

The document also talks about incompatibilities with Macs. Is this true or will a macbook of some kind suffice?


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[COQueen]

The document also talks about incompatibilities with Macs. Is this true or will a macbook of some kind suffice?


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Macs are 100% fine. Don't read what's on MyVista. They are all old. haha Only pay attention to what the school emails you.

 

[heart1]

congrats all on those who got into rvu!

I am a 2nd year at RVU and live across the street from campus. my roommate and i will be moving out next year so message me or reply if you're interested. it is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, a 5 min walk from school (1 min drive). let me know if you have any questions about the place or RVU in general.

 

[lifeonmars]

With a heavy heart, I have withdrawn my acceptance from the Utah campus due to an MD acceptance. Hope my spot goes to one of you guys!

 

[full_rocker]

You actually don't need a "PDA." You just need a computer. No one knows why that document is labeled "PDA requirements." Basically, you need a laptop to take exams on that was built in the last 5 years that can connect to WiFi.

Great thanks! ExamSoft the software they use?

 

[2SweetenUp]

Anyone know if the CO campus is still offering IIs? No status update since supplemental completion date (2/4).

 

[Corgilover419]

Anyone know if the CO campus is still offering IIs? No status update since supplemental completion date (2/4).

I think someone earlier mentioned that the CO campus was pretty much done with interview dates "unless more were needed" and unfortunately a completion date in February is wayyyyy late in the cycle as it does take them a few weeks to review your completed app. :/

 

[denverfotomed]

Great thanks! ExamSoft the software they use?

Unfortunately, yes. It's ExamSoft. Further unfortunately, basically all med schools use that software.

Overall, I'd say ~50% of the class is Mac, and 50% PC. Of the PC users, the majority have the Surface Pro, or the newer Surface Book.
I have Mac - I have zero problems with the school software. When I need to print at school, I use the print station computer as does everyone else. No one prints from their laptop directly to the printers. That's a feature that's too much of a pain to setup and is the only reason the school still has that old document posted that Macs are "bad". I will say that Mac's perform exceptionally better and faster with ExamSoft than do the PC's. It takes seconds for me to log into an exam once the timer has started - vs. my PC colleagues where it can take a good 2+ minutes.

As for the PDA software requirement - that document in MyVista is dated for the 2011-2012 school year. Even the newer one we got in 2015 had the "SkyScape Clinical Constellation Software" for $100 "subscription."
Do not buy this. Literally no one in the class has it. Zero assignments are based off its use. Zero professors reference that software in their lectures and homeworks.
Students in years before me bought it and regretted doing so as they n-e-v-e-r used it. The medical references we use on our phones are the same as medical professionals use in hospitals. Those include:
- DynaMed Pro - clinical medicine reference (you'll get a free subscription through the school)
- VisualDx - diagnostic reference (you'll get a free subscription through the school)
- UpToDate - clinical medicine reference (used to be free - buy your own now if you think you need it)
- Epocrates - pharmacology reference (free to register on your own)
- Dr. Google - (le free)
- Dr. Wikipedia - (le free)

There are a few others out there which are more specialized, but also free. The ones above are the main ones I know of.
Therefore, iPhone or Android should be fine. I would even reserve upgrading until years 3-4 when you might actually be using your phone a lot more during rotations.

 

[ealovee]

Unfortunately, yes. It's ExamSoft. Further unfortunately, basically all med schools use that software.

Overall, I'd say ~50% of the class is Mac, and 50% PC. Of the PC users, the majority have the Surface Pro, or the newer Surface Book.
I have Mac - I have zero problems with the school software. When I need to print at school, I use the print station computer as does everyone else. No one prints from their laptop directly to the printers. That's a feature that's too much of a pain to setup and is the only reason the school still has that old document posted that Macs are "bad". I will say that Mac's perform exceptionally better and faster with ExamSoft than do the PC's. It takes seconds for me to log into an exam once the timer has started - vs. my PC colleagues where it can take a good 2+ minutes.

As for the PDA software requirement - that document in MyVista is dated for the 2011-2012 school year. Even the newer one we got in 2015 had the "SkyScape Clinical Constellation Software" for $100 "subscription."
Do not buy this. Literally no one in the class has it. Zero assignments are based off its use. Zero professors reference that software in their lectures and homeworks.
Students in years before me bought it and regretted doing so as they n-e-v-e-r used it. The medical references we use on our phones are the same as medical professionals use in hospitals. Those include:
- DynaMed Pro - clinical medicine reference (you'll get a free subscription through the school)
- VisualDx - diagnostic reference (you'll get a free subscription through the school)
- UpToDate - clinical medicine reference (used to be free - buy your own now if you think you need it)
- Epocrates - pharmacology reference (free to register on your own)
- Dr. Google - (le free)
- Dr. Wikipedia - (le free)

There are a few others out there which are more specialized, but also free. The ones above are the main ones I know of.
Therefore, iPhone or Android should be fine. I would even reserve upgrading until years 3-4 when you might actually be using your phone a lot more during rotations.

Thanks for this detailed response. What is your opinion about having a tablet in med school and the assistance it'd have with studying? I have a MacBook Air that I plan on using while in medical school which I think will suffice on its own but do you see any benefit in also having a tablet. I have a family member who wants to buy me an iPad Air 2 as a gift for medical school but if theres no big advantage in using an iPad or tablet along with my laptop, I'd much rather use that money to get new tires for my car lol.

 

[denverfotomed]

Thanks for this detailed response. What is your opinion about having a tablet in med school and the assistance it'd have with studying? I have a MacBook Air that I plan on using while in medical school which I think will suffice on its own but do you see any benefit in also having a tablet. I have a family member who wants to buy me an iPad Air 2 as a gift for medical school but if theres no big advantage in using an iPad or tablet along with my laptop, I'd much rather use that money to get new tires for my car lol.

I used to have an I iPad. I used it for reading textbooks and homework assignments. I sold it because I started preferring printed versions of some of my homework reading assignments. The textbooks I'd read on my large screen while typing notes on the side. However I do see many others actually take notes on iPads during lecture. Some use the Bluetooth keyboard, others might write on the iPad Pro. Sorry if this doesn't lead to a decisive choice for you, but it depends on what your learning style will be. I will say tires are important and an iPad can always come later if you find a need for it.

 

[rummie93]

Is anyone else going to be bringing a pup with them? My wife and I have to doodles, and it would be super great if they had some friends.

 

[trc0011]

Is anyone else going to be bringing a pup with them? My wife and I have to doodles, and it would be super great if they had some friends.

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[B0rre1ia]

Is anyone else going to be bringing a pup with them? My wife and I have to doodles, and it would be super great if they had some friends.

We have two dogs that will be looking for friends too!

 

[trc0011]

We have two dogs that will be looking for friends too!

Have you guys found a place to live yet? I've got 2 dogs and am having a hard time finding large dog friendly rental homes.


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[rummie93]

Have you guys found a place to live yet? I've got 2 dogs and am having a hard time finding large dog friendly rental homes.


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Check out Ranchstone, it is cheap, but renovated. I believe they have weight and breed restrictions that are no pits and no huge ass dogs. Copper Steppe is another option, but it is income restricted.

 

[B0rre1ia]

Have you guys found a place to live yet? I've got 2 dogs and am having a hard time finding large dog friendly rental homes.


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Check out Ranchstone, it is cheap, but renovated. I believe they have weight and breed restrictions that are no pits and no huge ass dogs. Copper Steppe is another option, but it is income restricted.

Yeah, there does not seem to be a ton of options that aren't astronomically expensive. I will check out those places, thanks! My wife and I are also considering purchasing a home. The rental costs are pretty high.

 

[rummie93]

Yeah, there does not seem to be a ton of options that aren't astronomically expensive. I will check out those places, thanks! My wife and I are also considering purchasing a home. The rental costs are pretty high.

I don't know if you are aware, but the Colorado housing market is inflating astronomically. There was just a piece in the Denver Post about the dangers of a mortgage in Denver. FWIW

 

[FutureDO1992]

Congrats to everyone accepted! Will be applying next cycle, top choice school! Just studying my a$$ off for the MCAT now. Any advice for in-state student next cycle?

 

[Corgilover419]

This may be a stupid question but being from the Midwest where snow is not an issue, does pretty much everyone in CO drive a vehicle with 4WD/AWD? Debating getting a new car and wondering if an SUV is a necessity living in Denver.

 

[rummie93]

This may be a stupid question but being from the Midwest where snow is not an issue, does pretty much everyone in CO drive a vehicle with 4WD/AWD? Debating getting a new car and wondering if an SUV is a necessity living in Denver.

If you can't drive in the snow, the car doesn't matter. If anything get a manual beater that you can be control a little better and don't mind if it plows into a tree. That being said there are at most 7 terrible storms a year the screw up traffic for a day or two

 

[hbslax4]

This may be a stupid question but being from the Midwest where snow is not an issue, does pretty much everyone in CO drive a vehicle with 4WD/AWD? Debating getting a new car and wondering if an SUV is a necessity living in Denver.

You'll get by for commuting to school. Although, a think a 4x4/AWD is a must since I like to spend more time in the mountains than at school! Something to consider. But with that said, I'm sure you'll be able to find classmates with cars that can get you to the mountains too.


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[GrignardsReagent]

I am looking for roommate /mates for the upcoming year. If anyone is interested in living together to help save on rent just direct message me. I am going to the colorado campus. Any other suggestions for cheap apartments in the area?

 

[full_rocker]

Any current students opt to buying health insurance through the exchange over school offered health insurance?

 

[Xavieous]

Congrats to everyone accepted! Will be applying next cycle, top choice school! Just studying my a$$ off for the MCAT now. Any advice for in-state student next cycle?

I was an instate applicant as well that got accepted and I felt it was important to stand out. They only have a 3% acceptance rate so attending the tours and getting your academic records checked for discrepancies by the staff at RVU is super helpful. The staff there are extremely friendly and willing to hear your story, you just need to go above and beyond the other 6k+ applicants to stand out. Good luck!

 

[Xavieous]

This may be a stupid question but being from the Midwest where snow is not an issue, does pretty much everyone in CO drive a vehicle with 4WD/AWD? Debating getting a new car and wondering if an SUV is a necessity living in Denver.

I live in Denver now and it is all about where you want to go. I have a 2001 toyota corolla (front wheel drive) with balding tires and get around just fine in the city. the weather here is remarkably warm, it is more of a desert climate excluding the 25 odd days snow is on the ground. If you want to go into the mountains though in the winter, you should get a 4x4, or at least snow tires with metal spikes (allowed in colorado). I've gotten stuck going up the highway into the mountains and it is a terrifying experience as there are tens of thousands of other cars bumper to bumper attempting the same thing. Ski season here is no joke.

 

[Johnny Appleseed]

Hey I'm planning on applying to UT campus this summer. Just took practice MCAT and got 502... Is that competitive for here with 3.5 GPA? I've got two more months to improve it...

Also heard about the apartments they are building in Ivins. Anyone know when they will open up and what they will cost?

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[COQueen]

Congrats to everyone accepted! Will be applying next cycle, top choice school! Just studying my a$$ off for the MCAT now. Any advice for in-state student next cycle?

Visit the school often. The admissions office likes to see committed students.
I also recommend visiting in the next month because after that the schedule for OMS-1 and OMS-2 students changes and the campus is a lot more boring.

 

[denverfotomed]

Any current students opt to buying health insurance through the exchange over school offered health insurance?

Many do buy the school insurance. Others are young enough to still have parent's insurance. And others - especially in-state students, apply for in-state Medicaid which is free (a little more complicated for married students where the significant other actually has income).

 

[Spicy Grams]

Hey I'm planning on applying to UT campus this summer. Just took practice MCAT and got 502... Is that competitive for here with 3.5 GPA? I've got two more months to improve it...

Also heard about the apartments they are building in Ivins. Anyone know when they will open up and what they will cost?

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I wouldn't settle for any score, just do the best you can- I got accepted to the UT campus with a 509 (low PS). In the end no one knows what the adcoms want, you just have to apply with what you've got and hope for the best.

In terms of the dorms they are building- they've not released the prices yet nor the specific dates they will be opened. However, we were told that they will be open before school starts and we'll get more details "soon".


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[Johnny Appleseed]

I wouldn't settle for any score, just do the best you can- I got accepted to the UT campus with a 509 (low PS). In the end no one knows what the adcoms want, you just have to apply with what you've got and hope for the best.

In terms of the dorms they are building- they've not released the prices yet nor the specific dates they will be opened. However, we were told that they will be open before school starts and we'll get more details "soon".


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Thanks for the advice/info... Everyday my MCAT gets closer feels like another step toward the gallows. I'll just do the best I can I guess .

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[GrignardsReagent]

Many do buy the school insurance. Others are young enough to still have parent's insurance. And others - especially in-state students, apply for in-state Medicaid which is free (a little more complicated for married students where the significant other actually has income).

Do you have any idea how long you have to live in Colorado to be eligible?

 

[full_rocker]

Many do buy the school insurance. Others are young enough to still have parent's insurance. And others - especially in-state students, apply for in-state Medicaid which is free (a little more complicated for married students where the significant other actually has income).

Is one not eligible to buy insurance through the state exchange website? I did a quick "estimate" through healthcare.gov and was coming up with significantly cheaper (albeit super high co-pay and deductibles). I also haven't had a chance to see plan coverage for the school's insurance.

 

[GrignardsReagent]

Is one not eligible to buy insurance through the state exchange website? I did a quick "estimate" through healthcare.gov and was coming up with significantly cheaper (albeit super high co-pay and deductibles). I also haven't had a chance to see plan coverage for the school's insurance.

Yeah, you can. The only thing for me is there would be no financial aid to cover a private plan.

 

[COQueen]

I would recommend the exchange or Kaiser Permanente if you are looking for alternatives to the school's plan.

 

[denverfotomed]

Do you have any idea how long you have to live in Colorado to be eligible?

I am not sure...however you're welcome to just apply and see if you're approved or denied. You'll have to at least have a Colorado address to start the application I believe...

 

[acapnial]

I was an instate applicant as well that got accepted and I felt it was important to stand out. They only have a 3% acceptance rate so attending the tours and getting your academic records checked for discrepancies by the staff at RVU is super helpful. The staff there are extremely friendly and willing to hear your story, you just need to go above and beyond the other 6k+ applicants to stand out. Good luck!

I don't mean to be a pedant but it's a 3% matriculation, not acceptance rate

 

[khronos]

Has anyone from the 03/03-03/04 interview group heard back? We were told that we would get decisions in approximately two weeks from the interview date.

 

[rjwitt15]

Random question: does anyone know where school apparel can be bought online? I will be attending the Utah campus starting in July 2017 and was hoping to get a shirt or sweatshirt or something.

Thanks so much!!! 🙂

 

[Xavieous]

Random question: does anyone know where school apparel can be bought online? I will be attending the Utah campus starting in July 2017 and was hoping to get a shirt or sweatshirt or something.

Thanks so much!!! 🙂

It's in the Online store, on the RVU.edu homepage. Here is a link:

Storefront