RVU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[White Rabbit]

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Just scheduled my RVU interview - 9/18! I'm very excited at the possibility of going to school in Colorado, and I've heard great things about the school...

Congrats on the invite. 👍

Sit through a few classes if you're so inclined before or after you interview and meet some folks. As you've probably read, the faculty - without question, are at the top of their respective fields; the resident professor anatomist is the best I've ever encountered and the rest of the regular faculty I've had thus far in Foundations of Med/Molecular Medicine - some of which have dual degrees (DO-PhDs) and are Harvard Fellows, are great profs - a little too tough in my opinion but I hope it'll pay off when the boards come 'round.

I've also really enjoyed meeting/hearing lectures from the other faculty they've recruited - from family practice to ER - to a resident cardio-thoracic surgeon, as well as two local radiologists (previously mentioned in this thread), I'm swimming hard against the onslaught of material (it almost seems as though they've covered my entire undergrad degree in biochem/molecular in 3 weeks - this is the start of week 4 for us) but we've got leaders who will steer us right without a doubt. In addition, their are 3-4 physicians (which include Drs. Smith and Mohr among others) who are not teaching and are solely dedicated to clinical rotations and the RVUCOM residency program.

A few people PMed me so I thought I'd throw the info out there with regard to the faculty.

We're out their in Denver for clinical exposure (more in-depth shadowing) in only a matter of a couple weeks with dedicated preceptors!

Good luck to everyone with interviews so far! 👍

 

[Airlife91]

Thanks White Rabbit, I appreciate the info. Any other RVU students care to share their thoughts on the school so far? What's been good/bad?

 

[White Rabbit]

Thanks White Rabbit, I appreciate the info. Any other RVU students care to share their thoughts on the school so far? What's been good/bad?

NP. I think most of us are too busy at this point for SDN but some more folks are likely to chime in. It was a rough week with regard to tests. 😱

 

[gasapple]

Just scheduled my RVU interview - 9/18! I'm very excited at the possibility of going to school in Colorado, and I've heard great things about the school...

GOod luck! 👍

 

[Deepa100]

Hi,
I am not verified by the AACOMAS yet. I submitted everything including the MCAT scores. I only have a couple of DO schools that I applied to. RVU is one of them. Did you receive a secondary from RVU prior to getting verified?

 

[Ebola Virus]

Hi,
I am not verified by the AACOMAS yet. I submitted everything including the MCAT scores. I only have a couple of DO schools that I applied to. RVU is one of them. Did you receive a secondary from RVU prior to getting verified?

Nope. You receive a secondary from RVU about a week or so after being verified. But you can work on the secondary ahead of time by using the prompt listed SDN members.

 

[OLYWA]

Just an F.Y.I. if there are any others such as myself out there who took the April 2006 MCAT.

Ok, there was an issue that concerned me seeing as I took the MCAT in April of 2006. For you newbies out there...this is back when the MCAT was only given 2 times per year and only in the pencil and paper format.

Anyways...when I was going over my RVU application stuff...I noticed, in the 2009 AACOM College Information Book, that the oldest MCAT date accepted this year by RVU is 4/30/06. Seeing as the April 2006 MCAT was given on April 22, it seemed possible that RVU wouldn't take our MCAT scores from this test and we'd have to retake it. As the thought of re-taking the MCAT made me physically ill...I figured I'd call the school and ask if the 8 days really mattered.

Called today and spoke with Kerri and am now quite relieved as she said the April 2006 date is acceptable for applicants to this years class.

This post likely doesn't apply to most applicants...but it might for some of the other the non-trads out there. Good luck and hope to meet some of you at an interview...assuming I'm lucky enough to get one

 

[Beadoc]

Do they take recommendation letters from science professors instead?? My school doesn't have a pre-med commitee. The requirement says if you were enrolled in school for the past 12 month, you must submit a LOR from commitee or advisor...🙁

 

[gasapple]

Do they take recommendation letters from science professors instead?? My school doesn't have a pre-med commitee. The requirement says if you were enrolled in school for the past 12 month, you must submit a LOR from commitee or advisor...🙁

Yes, I'm fairly certain they do; verify with RVUCOM admissions.

 

[lainey234]

Do they take recommendation letters from science professors instead?? My school doesn't have a pre-med commitee. The requirement says if you were enrolled in school for the past 12 month, you must submit a LOR from commitee or advisor...🙁

I submitted 2 science/1 non-science + DO letter and have an interview this month. My school had no commitee either and no real advisor to speak of.

 

[skiracr456]

Ugh I just received a status email from Rocky Vista saying that they were still considering my application and it will continue to be re-evaluated for an interview. What does this mean? Is it basically that I am being put on hold? For those of you who have been given interviews, what were your stats?

 

[toot45]

I am currently a student here at RVU. The school is great, staff come from other medical school from around the country. They really know what they are doing here and highly recommend attending. We are already going into offices and even Emergency rooms for shadowing experiences. We have rotations in denver, colorado springs, and pueblo...all consisting of all trauma levels. If you get an interview ask about the professors and you will see some of the top professors from medical school came here to teach. I guess they wanted to be in Colorado. There are plans to build a dental, nursing, and pharmacy school in the next 5 years. They already have the land, so this will be a major university in the years to come. Feel free to msg me with any questions.

 

[lainey234]

Sooooo, one week till my interview. Good thing I'm not getting nervous....

 

[PREMED1234]

I've had a few emails with Kerri, she is very helpful and I wouldn't hesitate to email her with any questions. I also agree that a 5 is well....less than spectacular so a retake probably couldn't hurt. I would (if I were in the same position) also apply broadly and hope for the best, but be planning on a retake. Anyway, good luck misswho! 🙂

you are right about kerry, i talked to her today and she is amazingly nice, she was more then help ful, and she will do anything to help. she called me twice to assure something about my application. anyone who have any concern about RVUCOM email or call kerry, thats the best source for you.

 

[skiracr456]

Actually I think everybody there must be nice. I have emailed back and forth a few times with Julie in admissions and she was really nice too!

 

[OLYWA]

I'll echo skiacr and premed's comments. I applied and interviewed at RVU last year (I applied a little too late in the cycle and didn't get pulled off of the waitlist...so this is my 2nd time around) and my experiences were the same. The admissions staff at RVU really goes above and beyond to help you throughout the process. If you have any, and I mean any, questions or problems...don't hesitate to call and/or email...they really do everything they can to make certain your experience with them is positive. Fortunately this attitude carries over into their interviews also...you'll be hard pressed to find another school who's interview process is less stressfull, friendly, and genuinely interested in making certain you are well informed about their school and program.

 

[lainey234]

Wow, talk about nice. Just as I was starting to get nervous I got a call this morning from RVU assuring me that the interview will be very low stress, not to worry about it, and that they are very selective about who they offer interviews to and therefor have a high ratio of interviews : offers. Definitely takes some of the pressure off!

 

[stonewall22]

I'll echo skiacr and premed's comments. I applied and interviewed at RVU last year (I applied a little too late in the cycle and didn't get pulled off of the waitlist...so this is my 2nd time around) and my experiences were the same. The admissions staff at RVU really goes above and beyond to help you throughout the process. If you have any, and I mean any, questions or problems...don't hesitate to call and/or email...they really do everything they can to make certain your experience with them is positive. Fortunately this attitude carries over into their interviews also...you'll be hard pressed to find another school who's interview process is less stressfull, friendly, and genuinely interested in making certain you are well informed about their school and program.

How's it going this round? Interview? Good luck!

 

[gasapple]

I'll echo skiacr and premed's comments. I applied and interviewed at RVU last year (I applied a little too late in the cycle and didn't get pulled off of the waitlist...so this is my 2nd time around) and my experiences were the same. The admissions staff at RVU really goes above and beyond to help you throughout the process. If you have any, and I mean any, questions or problems...don't hesitate to call and/or email...they really do everything they can to make certain your experience with them is positive. Fortunately this attitude carries over into their interviews also...you'll be hard pressed to find another school who's interview process is less stressfull, friendly, and genuinely interested in making certain you are well informed about their school and program.

yeppers

 

[SJonathan]

Did anyone else find it odd just emailing in your essay answers??
I want an interview!!

 

[White Rabbit]

The interview season is definitely in full-swing; there were a couple of sharp-dressed interview groups who came through just today. I'm sure your invite is in the offing.

All I can say is I thought I was well-equipped with a graduate degree in the sciences; I'm getting my ass handed to me. OOOF! 😱

 

[whoknows2008]

Yay! Just got the call that I have an interview invite! She offered me two dates, but of course one conflicts with another interview 🙁 and I didn't want to tell her .... off to Southwest to figure out when to fly!

Does anyone know the times of the morning interview versus afternoon interview?

 

[Dciple]

I may be an idiot (lol), but I do not see anywhere to put a "summary of my PS". Also, I only see 3 real questions and what seems like an optional "tell us more about you" question (but since there is already an "about you" question, I have nothing more to add). Can anyone shed some light on my essay dilemma here?!

 

[White Rabbit]

I'd get to writing and turn the form around as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of an interview. I had plenty to say in those extra fields and tried to use them to my advantage - but you might need to get a bit creative. Good luck. 👍

 

[Dciple]

I may be an idiot (lol), but I do not see anywhere to put a "summary of my PS". Also, I only see 3 real questions and what seems like an optional "tell us more about you" question (but since there is already an "about you" question, I have nothing more to add). Can anyone shed some light on my essay dilemma here?!

Is there anyone out there who can answer these questions for me??

 

[avervisal]

How long were your guys' essays?

And I'd like to know the answer to Dciple's question as well!

 

[SJonathan]

Woot! Anybody else interviewing on the 15th??

 

[White Rabbit]

Hey there - good luck to all who have interviews scheduled and apologies to all those who have PM'd me regarding RVUCOM; it's been a rough week with testing and it's still rolling in with no immediate signs of abatement 🙂D) so I haven't had a chance to respond. Best of luck.

 

[CandiDO]

I am currently a student at RVU and I am incredibly happy with my decision so far. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me as well. Good luck to everyone interviewing! 🙂

 

[gasapple]

I may be an idiot

👍

 

[Airlife91]

Accepted! I got the call on Monday after interviewing on the 18th. RVU is definitely one of my first choices!

 

[pado13]

I was accepted on monday as well. I am looking forward to attending RVU.

 

[Ranger DO]

I got my acceptance call on Monday!! Looking forward to matriculating next fall.

Does anyone know the apartment building that is right over the hill (roughly 2 miles from the school)?

My wife and I are looking for apartments and jobs for her along with daycare for my two sons. If anyone has any experience with this please lend a hand.

 

[boone95]

Congrats to all of you! It's nice getting that acceptance out of the way early in the year.

I think the apartments you're referring to are the Cherrywood/Ranchstone Apartments. 2 names for the same place. I'm guessing about half of our class this year lives there. I have a couple excel sheets of apartments in the neighborhood that I'll email to you if you send me your address.

Congrats!

 

[LoVEiT]

Congrats to those who got accepted! I just went to the school a few weeks ago, when I was still debating to apply or not...and I absolutely loved it! I have submitted my application right away. However, I do know that I got on the train later than most students... my AACOM application is still in process..do you think this is too late? Also, how long does it take for AACOM application to go through and get the secondary?
Thanks!

 

[White Rabbit]

Congrats to those who got accepted! I just went to the school a few weeks ago, when I was still debating to apply or not...and I absolutely loved it! I have submitted my application right away. However, I do know that I got on the train later than most students... my AACOM application is still in process..do you think this is too late? Also, how long does it take for AACOM application to go through and get the secondary?
Thanks!

Nah, I think you'll be OK - especially if AACOMAS gets things going for you fairly quickly. Regardless, I think you're in good shape.

Did you schedule an appointment with one of the admission counselors recently for the tour or were you with a group? I'm assuming not an interview group per se based on your application status... just curious.

Best of luck!

 

[Deepa100]

I just started working on this secondary. Did you guys send out emails for each Q or one email for all Q's?

Also, this application does not seem to get saved on safari. I will try using firefox.

 

[stonewall22]

Any suggestions as to what they're hoping for here? I felt like my PS is already pretty succinct given the limited characters...help, please help! 😀

Also wondering...any idea why PNWU was approved for federal financial aid but RVU is still relying on private loans? Thanks all.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Any suggestions as to what they're hoping for here? I felt like my PS is already pretty succinct given the limited characters...help, please help! 😀

Also wondering...any idea why PNWU was approved for federal financial aid but RVU is still relying on private loans? Thanks all.

RVU is designated as a for-profit status school so they have to graduate the first class first before being approved for federal financial aid where as PNWU along with all of the other DO schools are non-profit.

 

[LoVEiT]

I just came to talk to Kerri from the Admissions peeps there at RVU and she was so nice! She showed me around, gave the tour of the whole school and answered all the questions.

 

[Deepa100]

Is there a limit of words for the essays? I don't see it any where. Those of you who have gone thr' the process successfully, can you please answer?
Thanks!

 

[Dissected]

Is there a limit of words for the essays? I don't see it any where. Those of you who have gone thr' the process successfully, can you please answer?
Thanks!

No word limit. i would keep it reasonable though, adcoms dont like to read long wordy answers. good luck 🙂

 

[Deepa100]

No word limit. i would keep it reasonable though, adcoms dont like to read long wordy answers. good luck 🙂

Thanks, DoktorB! Are all questions that have text fields essays?

 

[gasapple]

they have to graduate the first class first before being approved for federal financial aid.

Or they can graduate from one of the other colleges that are in the works there - like nursing, PA, or any number of graduate biomedical progams but it's likely it will take at least 2 years for that to happen. They could try a loophole like PNUHS (or did they change it to PNWU, now?) by moving someone into a program early for funding - or even affiliate with some liberal arts school in the Appalachian sticks, but I don't think they'll go that route when things are going so smoothly in the Greater Denver area.

RVUCOM is plain badass when compared to most of the other DO schools in terms of faculty, early opportunities, rotations, and residencies in the Mountain West IMO; they're changing the entire medical playing field and elevating standards as far as I can tell. And it's the Denver metroplex, which is awesome. Not some school in the sticks. When I leave KCUMB I'm heading to some of those residencies there and my colleagues at RVUCOM will hopefully do as they've promised by keeping me posted. Right? 😕😀

 

[White Rabbit]

I know you're not really meaning to rail on other schools... but that's just cuz I know the game 'round these pre-med parts. 😉

We're all DOs here and we need to support one another and our respective schools. Anyway, I have to concur that RVUCOM is poised for some great things - and I'm a med student at said medical school. 👍

 

[Dissected]

Thanks, DoktorB! Are all questions that have text fields essays?

yes! they have some other questions thrown in there later on in the app..and that confused me, but only answer the questions in the specific section that have the text fields (I believe there are 3 of them). I just filled out a word document and submitted that..got me an interview!!

 

[LoVEiT]

yes! they have some other questions thrown in there later on in the app..and that confused me, but only answer the questions in the specific section that have the text fields (I believe there are 3 of them). I just filled out a word document and submitted that..got me an interview!!

Do you have any suggestions as to how long I the answers should be? I mean most schools specify and it can be anywhere between 300 to 2500! Just would like to know how much you wrote... Thank ya!😉

 

[Dissected]

Do you have any suggestions as to how long I the answers should be? I mean most schools specify and it can be anywhere between 300 to 2500! Just would like to know how much you wrote... Thank ya!😉

I put roughly 800-1000 characters (with spaces) per answer, each one its own paragraph

 

[gasapple]

I know you're not really meaning to rail on other schools... but that's just cuz I know the game 'round these pre-med parts.

Indeed. I was more pleasant before I found SDN. 😀

 

[SJonathan]

Anybody interviewing on Wednesday the 15? I ended up getting a hotel room, but the cheapest deal I could get had two full-sized beds. Anyone wanna go splitsies? It would end up about $30 a person, and breakfast is included.