RVU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

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I stayed at the new Wingate off of Arapahoe Road when I interviewed and it was very nice. I think I paid $60 for what should have been a $140 hotel room. Keep in mind that was near their temporary office building last year so there might be hotels closer to the school now, but the Wingate, I believe, is still within a 10-minute drive.

 

[Deepa100]

Hi guys,
I got a phone message yesterday inviting me for an interview. I have not yet decided when to go. I will call them on Monday. There is a good chance that I will accept an offer of I am selected because I love CO!😎

I am wondering those of you who already interviewed could give me a few pointers? I would be grateful forever!!👍

 

[kyro 7]

Hi guys,
I got a phone message yesterday inviting me for an interview. I have not yet decided when to go. I will call them on Monday. There is a good chance that I will accept an offer of I am selected because I love CO!😎

I am wondering those of you who already interviewed could give me a few pointers? I would be grateful forever!!👍

I would say the most important thing is just relax and be your self. The interview is very low key and relaxed, nothing to get worked up over, just make sure you know your file. They go above and beyond to make sure that those who interview are comfortable and have a positive experience during the interview day. In fact a few days before they even gave everyone a call to remind them about the interview, answer any questions, and let them know that they screen heavily with the secondaries and resultantly have a very high aceptance rate from those who interview.
While you're waiting to interview we had quite a few students and faculty members poke their heads in to say hi, I would recomend trying to have some good conversations with them and to really pick their brains. They have no sway with the interview decision and are, imo, the best way to get a real feel for the school.
Sorry, I'm rambling on... hope this was helpful and let me know if you have any other question. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead! 👍

 

[stonewall22]

How long after submitting your secondary were you guys contacted (either interview invite or rejection)?

What percentage of interviewees are accepted?

Thanks!

 

[Bamish]

How long after submitting your secondary were you guys contacted (either interview invite or rejection)?

What percentage of interviewees are accepted?

Thanks!

I would like to know this also. Hopefully someone will share some information! 🙂

 

[Airlife91]

How long after submitting your secondary were you guys contacted (either interview invite or rejection)?

What percentage of interviewees are accepted?

Thanks!

It was about two and a half weeks for me. But I also had to wait for my LOR's to get sent in which took a little bit. So it was about a 10 days after my file was complete.

 

[Deepa100]

I would say the most important thing is just relax and be your self. The interview is very low key and relaxed, nothing to get worked up over, just make sure you know your file. They go above and beyond to make sure that those who interview are comfortable and have a positive experience during the interview day. In fact a few days before they even gave everyone a call to remind them about the interview, answer any questions, and let them know that they screen heavily with the secondaries and resultantly have a very high aceptance rate from those who interview.
While you're waiting to interview we had quite a few students and faculty members poke their heads in to say hi, I would recomend trying to have some good conversations with them and to really pick their brains. They have no sway with the interview decision and are, imo, the best way to get a real feel for the school.
Sorry, I'm rambling on... hope this was helpful and let me know if you have any other question. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead! 👍

Thanks! Did you ask them about their rotation sites?

 

[Deepa100]

How long after submitting your secondary were you guys contacted (either interview invite or rejection)?

What percentage of interviewees are accepted?

Thanks!

I got a phone call very quickly, a few days after I was complete.

 

[pado13]

rotations sites are predominantly Denver, with other sites being Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and another city I am not certain of.

 

[Bamish]

Thanks for the replies and information all, it's appreciated! 🙂

 

[White Rabbit]

Thanks! Did you ask them about their rotation sites?

There are a number of rotaiton sites in the works and I've been able to visit quite a few. There are many around the Denver area - and pretty much all the other places previously mentioned (CO Springs, etc.).

We are also already out with MD & DO preceptors on a bi-weekly basis. I really enjoy that aspect; it's a constant reminder of what I'm aiming for and it breaks up the week by allowing us to remove our noses from the books briefly. Also get to do some really cool hands-on stuff with the preceptors and I was surprised to find out I was able to answer a majority of the questions posed based on my first 8 weeks of med school alone! Anyway, the preceptor sites even include locations where we will be rotating in yrs 3-4, as well as locations where they are working on creating residencies - I was able to verify the residency plans at a number of sites for whatever it's worth.

 

[pado13]

white rabbit,

do you know if any of the residencies are outside the realm of primary care? also, do you have a list of required rotations for years 3 and 4?

 

[stonewall22]

white rabbit,

do you know if any of the residencies are outside the realm of primary care? also, do you have a list of required rotations for years 3 and 4?

This info is all in the RVU Handbook:

http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/PDFs/RVUCOMCatalog.pdf

Required rotations are about the same as all other osteopathic schools.

See the handbook, page 21 for residency info.

 

[Gene Genie]

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? 😕😀

Are you missing me already? I'm just so busy! I'm sure you are too. And, yes, RVUCOM is plain badass. 😀

 

[Gene Genie]

Congrats to all of those who have been selected for an interview or have been invited to join the RVUCOM Class of 2013!

Feel free to send a message if you have any questions about the school, its faculty, curriculum, and the surrounding area. 🙂

 

[SJonathan]

I interviewed there the other day and I have to say I was super impressed. I understand people's concerns about the "newness" of the school, I had my reservations too, pre-interview. But wow, what a great program they have there. Given enough time, this is going to be one of the best medical schools in the country.

I really hope I get in.

 

[Deepa100]

I will be interviewing on the 7th of November. My husband and I plan to stay in the area for a day or two to look around a bit at the neighborhoods and companies with potential job opportunities for him. Are you guys visiting the school's rotation sites too? j/c.

 

[White Rabbit]

I'm a current student at RVUCOM and I researched the rotation sites and planned residency sites early on. For any questions, Drs. Smith and Mohr (and Dr. Martin) are the ones who are heading up rotation and residency creation solely - meaning, they aren't teaching faculty; they're responsible for rotation and residency creation in the region.

As far as visiting planned rotation sites and as I already mentioned in my excitement 😀, we've all been out with preceptors (as first year med students) at least 3 or so times already; these select "early-visit" sites are likely future rotation sites according to the practicing Drs. with whom I've spoken. We're also formally providing feedback after evaluating the teaching quality at the preceptor sites (including specific case write ups). I've been in some absolutely amazing private practices and ERs already! I'm confident that the experience at RVU will ensure we perform well on the boards and the rotation sites will be great teaching sites, too.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I'm a current student at RVUCOM and I researched the rotation sites and planned residency sites early on. For any questions, Drs. Smith and Mohr (and Dr. Martin) are the ones who are heading up rotation and residency creation solely - meaning, they aren't teaching faculty; they're responsible for rotation and residency creation in the region.

As far as visiting planned rotation sites and as I already mentioned in my excitement 😀, we've all been out with preceptors (as first year med students) at least 3 or so times already; these select "early-visit" sites are likely future rotation sites according to the practicing Drs. with whom I've spoken. We're also formally providing feedback after evaluating the teaching quality at the preceptor sites (including specific case write ups). I've been in some absolutely amazing private practices and ERs already! I'm confident that the experience at RVU will ensure we perform well on the boards and the rotation sites will be great teaching sites, too.

Have they told you guys what residency programs they are working on?? And about how long it will take to get them started??

 

[White Rabbit]

Have they told you guys what residency programs they are working on?? And about how long it will take to get them started??

Yes and some where they are attempting to create res slots correspond to the hospital list that Gene Genie already posted somewhere 'round here - some of which we are visiting now for early preceptorships (a great component in my opinion). Sorry, I don't have it handy to post right now. My understanding is that we will be rotating (clinical rotations) at those on the list and yet still, some will be residency program sites down the road. Drs. Mohr, Smith, Martin stated that it will take a few years to get those residencies created as it's a lengthy accreditation (Dr. Smith confirmed their goals are dual-accredited positions) and financially challenging process but they say the slots (they say 300 in the Mountain West - with a target goal of 400) will be in-place by the time we are ready to apply. They aren't just working for RVU med students but for DO students as a whole with regard to residencies.

Maybe GG will post and clarify those residency/rotations that are in the works up here on the board again? 😀

Airlife91 - feel free to post those locations I sent you again. Also, don't hesitate to reiterate some of that info we discussed. I have to run!

Best of luck everyone! 👍

 

[White Rabbit]

How long after submitting your secondary were you guys contacted (either interview invite or rejection)?

What percentage of interviewees are accepted?

Thanks!

I believe they are following the approach that if you get an interview, theres a >80% chance (estimate) you'll be accepted - assuming you interview well. Makes sense and its what most of the schools who are considerate of the applicant do as well. I think of those they interviewed last year, they rejected only around 15-20. Of course, that doesn't include those numbers on the waitlist and there were more than 2500 applicants for the inaugural class alone. Anyway, if you get an interview, you've got a better than good shot at an offer. 👍

 

[White Rabbit]

Have they told you guys what residency programs they are working on?? And about how long it will take to get them started??

To answer more specifically, yes, they have told us. Dr. Smith told me directly that the residency programs will cover the spectrum. Of course, there will be more GP like ER, IM, etc. than surgery but Dr. Smith said they'll have additional rads, gas, and other slots in-place in a couple years. They are well aware of what it takes financially and politically to get those positions accredited and solidified - that's why there are two accomplished DOs (alongside Dr. Martin) who are solely repsonsible for that component. They realize it's no small task - see their CVs - Dr. Smith is former UNTHSC (among other institutions) and Dr. Mohr is former CCOM/Michigan.

As for surgery residencies, from what I've learned there may be a couple in CO Springs (among others - time will tell) according to the resident RVUCOM faculty memeber and cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Mahan. There are a number of surgeons and other DOs represented in CO Springs at a hospital (Memorial) where they hope to create such slots. There are more sites in Denver and surrounding areas, too. I just know a bit more about CO Springs thanks to Dr. Mahan. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Yes and some where they are attempting to create res slots correspond to the hospital list that Gene Genie already posted somewhere 'round here - some of which we are visiting now for early preceptorships (a great component in my opinion). Sorry, I don't have it handy to post right now. My understanding is that we will be rotating (clinical rotations) at those on the list and yet still, some will be residency program sites down the road. Drs. Mohr, Smith, Martin stated that it will take a few years to get those residencies created as it's a lengthy accreditation (Dr. Smith confirmed their goals are dual-accredited positions) and financially challenging process but they say the slots (they say 300 in the Mountain West - with a target goal of 400) will be in-place by the time we are ready to apply. They aren't just working for RVU med students but for DO students as a whole with regard to residencies.

Maybe GG will post and clarify those residency/rotations that are in the works up here on the board again? 😀

Airlife91 - feel free to post those locations I sent you again. Also, don't hesitate to reiterate some of that info we discussed. I have to run!

Best of luck everyone! 👍

That's wonderful. I know its a ways away but I will be applying to DO residency programs only so with them creating more that means more for me to choose from YAY!!!!!!😀😀

 

[Dissected]

How far away is RVU from CU's Med school?

 

[gasapple]

Are you missing me already? I'm just so busy! I'm sure you are too. And, yes, RVUCOM is plain badass. 😀

Hello! Yes, so busy here - overwhelming really. Hope all is going well. 😀

How far away is RVU from CU's Med school?

I'm not sure but I'd try some MapQuest or something similar - RVUCOM is 4801 S. Chambers in Parker and CU is basically at 9th and Colorado Blvd.

 

[lainey234]

How far away is RVU from CU's Med school?

It's only about 15-20 minutes away.

 

[Spooner13]

Hey guys,

I tried to do a search but couldn't find any info on the length of the secondary essays. Mine are each about a page long. Is that too much? The online secondary says to use the character limit provided, but we're supposed to email the essays. I would really appreciate it if anyone could shed some light.

Thanks

 

[stonewall22]

Hey guys,

I tried to do a search but couldn't find any info on the length of the secondary essays. Mine are each about a page long. Is that too much? The online secondary says to use the character limit provided, but we're supposed to email the essays. I would really appreciate it if anyone could shed some light.

Thanks

There are no set limits, and you're going to a get a bazillion different answers about length. I would just make it long enough to answer the question well, without getting too wordy. With no set character limit I can't imagine a page is too much, especially since they screen so heavily using the secondary app.

 

[Spooner13]

There are no set limits, and you're going to a get a bazillion different answers about length. I would just make it long enough to answer the question well, without getting too wordy. With no set character limit I can't imagine a page is too much, especially since they screen so heavily using the secondary app.

Thanks Stonewall. I'm very glad to hear this because I didn't want to have to rewrite them.

 

[beeFs]

Has anyone had trouble getting their LOR from the physician to RVU? I talked to the physician who wrote mine and he said it went out last Tues and I talked to RVU and they still havent received it. It was mailed from OK and Im not sure how long it should take. Starting to get a bit worried.

 

[Airlife91]

Question for any current RVU students-
What does the calendar look like for breaks during the academic year? Do you just have four days for Thanksgiving? How long is the winter break/spring break? How much time off are you going to have for the summer?

Also, on the breaks that you do have, do you know if you'll have to be studying at all?

thanks!

 

[tallgal0523]

I just finished applying to Rocky Vista today...I hope I get an interview invite.

 

[beeFs]

Has anyone had trouble getting their LOR from the physician to RVU? I talked to the physician who wrote mine and he said it went out last Tues and I talked to RVU and they still havent received it. It was mailed from OK and Im not sure how long it should take. Starting to get a bit worried.

Never mind they got it and my file is complete!

 

[libo1369]

Question for any current RVU students-
What does the calendar look like for breaks during the academic year? Do you just have four days for Thanksgiving? How long is the winter break/spring break? How much time off are you going to have for the summer?

Also, on the breaks that you do have, do you know if you'll have to be studying at all?

thanks!

We have had a couple of holidays off to include Labor day, Rosh Hashanna and Yom Kippur, we have this week off for the AOA conference if we choose to go. We have four days off for Thanksgiving and about three weeks at Christmas. Several other holidays throughout the year and I think though I don't have it in front of me right now about five weeks off during the summer. For Thanksgiving and this week we have finals/exams on the first day back so I believe most of us are spending a good portion of time studying. If you are up on all your information it could really be a break but for those of us that missed classes to study for anatomy ie me I am using it to review the classes that I missed. I hope that helps!

travis

 

[Ranger9879]

anyone out there interview on 10/21 ? I know we are supposed to hear from them after this week. Could you tell me about your overall RVU experience, what you thought of the interviews? I also heard that they screen hard on who gets an interview and the chances are pretty good after that. Anyone want to chime in and give some input? RVU students are welcome to chime in as well!

 

[Deepa100]

I am a bit confused about whether these interviews are one-on-one. Or will I be part of a group of interviewees?

 

[lainey234]

Mine was 2 interviewers at the same time. I can't remember for 100% sure, but I believe it was closed file - they had my secondary essays and my primary, but no gpa/mcat info.

Best of luck to those interviewing. The interview is REALLY low key, so just relax. They did tell us that they only outright rejected ~12 ppl last yr. Everyone else got an acceptance or WL so they heavily screen primaries.

 

[Airlife91]

Yes, they didn't have any mcat/gpa information. They did have all of my LOR's though, as I was asked specific details from a few of my letters. And it was very laid back and conversational. None of those worthless questions like "describe yourself in three words."

 

[Deepa100]

Thanks for all the info, but I was asking about "interviewees", not "interviewers" 😉 Do they interview more than one person at a time?

 

[Airlife91]

the interview format was 2 faculty, 1 student. On my interview day there were 7 interviewees, but we all got interviewed one at a time....so no, there was no group interview. It was open file.

 

[stonewall22]

So, they only rejected ~12 people last year, but was their wait list massive?

 

[Bamish]

So, they only rejected ~12 people last year, but was their wait list massive?

I think they only rejected 12 people that were interviewed-they heavily screen the people they are going to interview. I would assume the 12 includes all people interviewed and were at some later point rejected.

I'm not sure of course, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. 👍

 

[Deepa100]

the interview format was 2 faculty, 1 student. On my interview day there were 7 interviewees, but we all got interviewed one at a time....so no, there was no group interview. It was open file.

Great, thanks!

 

[White Rabbit]

My interview last year was with three RVUCOM faculty, was closed file and as comfortable as an interview could be. If you make it conversational, it will be so. 😀👍

 

[thethinman]

I know people have discussed the secondary but I didn't see an answer to this Q in previous posts: does anyone have a good feel for what they're looking for in the "summarize your PS" question? ...a paragraph, bullets, a few sentences? just not sure how to format a summary.

many thx

 

[Barts]

I know people have discussed the secondary but I didn't see an answer to this Q in previous posts: does anyone have a good feel for what they're looking for in the "summarize your PS" question? ...a paragraph, bullets, a few sentences? just not sure how to format a summary.

many thx

I can't speak for the RVU secondary, but in general terms I can offer what I did. I didn't do anything in bullets. For similar questions I wrote usually a paragraph or two summarzing what was aksed--basically a good summary of what was aksed that wasn't too long. If I could do it in one paragraph then I did, if it took two, then that's what it took! I'm not saying I was correct to do things this way, but that's how I did it. Good luck! 🙂

 

[White Rabbit]

I can't speak for the RVU secondary, but in general terms I can offer what I did. I didn't do anything in bullets. For similar questions I wrote usually a paragraph or two summarzing what was aksed--basically a good summary of what was aksed that wasn't too long. If I could do it in one paragraph then I did, if it took two, then that's what it took! I'm not saying I was correct to do things this way, but that's how I did it. Good luck! 🙂

Sounds like a reasonable approach. 👍

 

[TeamZissou]

I think they only rejected 12 people that were interviewed-they heavily screen the people they are going to interview. I would assume the 12 includes all people interviewed and were at some later point rejected.

I'm not sure of course, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. 👍

They mentioned this at my interview back in Sept as well. I was waitlisted so its possible that they may utilize their waitlist instead of giving rejections.

Overall it was a positive interview experience though. Good luck!🙂

 

[Bamish]

They mentioned this at my interview back in Sept as well. I was waitlisted so its possible that they may utilize their waitlist instead of giving rejections.

Overall it was a positive interview experience though. Good luck!🙂

So I guess the take home message would be: If you manage to get an interview at RVU, you should have a good chance at being accepted?

BTW grats to everyone with an interview!

 

[White Rabbit]

So I guess the take home message would be: If you manage to get an interview at RVU, you should have a good chance at being accepted?

BTW grats to everyone with an interview!

Yea, I like that approach - I think KCUMB (maybe DMU) does it the same way. Saves everyone a little time, money, and a certain amount of false hope. Didn't mean for that last point to sound negative... 😀

Good luck all. 👍