RVU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[Airlife91]

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Hi Everyone!

I know this may sound like a silly question, but what is the weather like in Parker, CO during the month of January? I'm from Miami, and our winters remain in the high 80's and 90's, so I have no winter gear at all. Any suggestions on what I could wear and what I should buy for my trip to Colorado? Thanks!

Well I'd plan for cold. Today it is in the 30's. It snowed about 5-8 inches two nights ago. They're planning on it being in the 50's this weekend. Either way, its going to be significantly colder than the Florida weather that you're used to. A good winter jacket and some gloves are a must. As Lainey said, the weather can be extremely variable - from 10 degrees to 60+, or Sunny and mild to cold windy blizzard conditions. Sorry to be so vague, but Colorado is known for having very diverse weather conditions, even from day to day.

 

[SemperDO]

Well I'd plan for cold. Today it is in the 30's. It snowed about 5-8 inches two nights ago. They're planning on it being in the 50's this weekend. Either way, its going to be significantly colder than the Florida weather that you're used to. A good winter jacket and some gloves are a must. As Lainey said, the weather can be extremely variable - from 10 degrees to 60+, or Sunny and mild to cold windy blizzard conditions. Sorry to be so vague, but Colorado is known for having very diverse weather conditions, even from day to day.

Thank you for the advice! Im looking forward to the interview, not so much the weather...but if it means getting accepted, then hell i'll just freeze my butt off 🙂

 

[Es Pontas]

Does anyone know the tuition for 2009-2010 (also, is it frozen)? They said in October that we would have known by November.

 

[westphi]

Thank you for the advice! Im looking forward to the interview, not so much the weather...but if it means getting accepted, then hell i'll just freeze my butt off 🙂

Good luck on the interview. Like it has been said many times before: it is really relaxed. You only get 30 min face-to-face (I interviewed last wed), and while it is a "get to know you" type thing I would definitely try to make the most of the time you have. I left feeling it went by really fast. Good luck!

Hope to see some of you in the Fall of '09 😀

 

[willis06]

My interview is this Monday (the 15th) any last minute advice?
anyone else going to be there?

 

[detroitdo]

my date is for the 17th from 12-5 (wondering if anyone will be there with me...)

i am relatively excited because i haven't had any interviews for a while and i cant wait to check out this new school

 

[223319]

Hey
Has anyone that has been accepted or interviewed at RVU this year have similar stats as me? I am just trying to figure out if i should completely lose hope. Here are my stats:
MCAT: V:8, PS:6, BS:8 =22 O
Science cum: 3.6
overall cum: 3.63
I have great clinical experience and ECs as well as great LORs

 

[Es Pontas]

I think you have a shot but you might want to make sure that you can get in with a 6. I thought that you needed at least a 7 in order to get accepted. Your grades are solid but it depends on the quality of school in which you obtained those grades. A 3.6 means entirely different things at different schools.

 

[Dissected]

I thought that you needed at least a 7 in order to get accepted.

no. its at least a 6.

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

Question for people who currently or will attend RVU: How do they suggest you pay for medical school? Is it all private loans?

 

[Airlife91]

yes. And I believe most current students are using sallie mae private loans

 

[Es Pontas]

When I looked into paying for school, I didn't find a significant difference between the amount I would eventually have to pay between federal and private loans. I don't have any previous loans though and I do have a cosigner.

 

[Dissected]

When I looked into paying for school, I didn't find a significant difference between the amount I would eventually have to pay between federal and private loans. I don't have any previous loans though and I do have a cosigner.

even taking interest into account?

 

[Es Pontas]

Ya. I was only able to get a small percentage of subsidized loans at midwestern (I think they said 8,000) anyways. My mom looked into some different private loan lenders and said that the interest rate was lower at a few than the federal loans (this is subject to change though). I would still get federal loans if I could but my point was that it wasn't a huge difference (not a big enough deal at least that would make me not want to go to the school). Also, I am not sure how much I am going to take out in loans yet so I don't have a distinct difference between the two.

 

[boone95]

I would still get federal loans if I could but my point was that it wasn't a huge difference (not a big enough deal at least that would make me not want to go to the school). Also, I am not sure how much I am going to take out in loans yet so I don't have a distinct difference between the two.

As been pointed out, the biggest thing about the private loans is that the interest rate can change, for good or bad. I have Sallie Mae loans, and I'm not losing any sleep at night over it. As for the amount, there will be a max you can take out (which is tuition plus the RVU calculated cost of living). This amount will be enough so that you're not eating ramen everyday, but you won't be sleeping in piles of cash either. This year, I think we got up to 20K extra.

Between military scholarships and Sallie Mae, that's probably how most of our class is paying.

And by fall of 2012, federal loans should be available if people want those instead.

And it's 3 degrees right now... a real nice motivator to study.

 

[Dissected]

Ya. I was only able to get a small percentage of subsidized loans at midwestern (I think they said 8,000) anyways. My mom looked into some different private loan lenders and said that the interest rate was lower at a few than the federal loans (this is subject to change though). I would still get federal loans if I could but my point was that it wasn't a huge difference (not a big enough deal at least that would make me not want to go to the school). Also, I am not sure how much I am going to take out in loans yet so I don't have a distinct difference between the two.

wow good news. I don't forsee interest rates going up significantly in the near future with how the market is right now.

 

[doctor804]

Hey guys... I received this in the mail and I am not quite sure what it means.." This is to inform you that the Office of Admissions at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is continuing its consideration of your application for the entering class of 2009.

​

I would like to reassure you that your application will continue to be re-evaluated and you will be notified of any change in your status.

​

Feel free to direct any questions you may have concerning your status to my attention. If your interest or circumstances change at any time and you decide you no longer wish to be considered for an interview at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, please notify us in writing."


Does this mean I am being waitlisted for an interview?? blah I hope not. Thanks for the info...
​

 

[westphi]

Just curious if anyone has heard from RVU??? They told us that today e-mails would be sent out for offers...Anyone hear from them yet? Thanks and good luck 😀

 

[Beezbo19]

Nope, but I am waiting too...I can't stop checking my inbox!!!

 

[mxdoc]

Do you still get a call if you are waitlisted? I never received a call...
Those of you who were accepted, what date did you interview?
Does anyone know if they will be in the office Monday? I can't wait until after the holidays!

 

[boone95]

Does anyone know if they will be in the office Monday? I can't wait until after the holidays!

I don't know about the rest of your questions, but they'll definitely be in the office Monday. It's our last final. I think the school is open until noon on Wednesday officially.

Feel free to contact them with any questions. They don't mind!

 

[mxdoc]

Thanks for the info! I will definately call then!

 

[lincolnparadox]

I got accepted on Wednesday.

Merry Christmas to me!😀

 

[paramediclizard]

I got accepted on Wednesday.

Merry Christmas to me!😀

congratulations!

 

[westphi]

I got the call a week after I interviewed. YES!! Now just need to sell, I mean donate, some plasma to pay for the depost. Can't wait peeps, this has been a long dream in the making.

Just curious what most of you are paying for rent in the area (like within a mile or two from campus)? Thanks, and see you in the Fall!! 😀

 

[COMedic2Doc]

I got the call a week after I interviewed. YES!! Now just need to sell, I mean donate, some plasma to pay for the depost. Can't wait peeps, this has been a long dream in the making.

Just curious what most of you are paying for rent in the area (like within a mile or two from campus)? Thanks, and see you in the Fall!! 😀

Congrats!!! Rent here varies depending on location and your level of comfort with some areas of town from 500-1000+. I would reccomend researching Craig's List, and some other sites. Welcome to Colorado, you'll love it here! Parker area is actually a little higher on the rent but still very doable. Feel free to PM me if you have qs about the area (been living here for the past 8 years, and a native of CO).

 

[Es Pontas]

I was debating about buying a condo for the next few years and was wondering if a lot of people attending the school bought or rented? Also, is the clinical rotations in the third and fourth year in Denver within driving distance of the school (or is it too far in which case would be a bad idea to buy)?

Does anyone know the tuition yet? They told me in October that the new tuition would have come out in November.

 

[boone95]

was wondering if a lot of people attending the school bought or rented? Also, is the clinical rotations in the third and fourth year in Denver within driving distance of the school (or is it too far in which case would be a bad idea to buy)?

Does anyone know the tuition yet?

It seems like most people are renting, but there are certainly a good number of people who own a house/condo. Clinical rotations will be in Denver/Parker area, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo. They tell us that it will be a lottery ish process. If some people want to go out of the city, they can choose that. But we don't know what will happen if you get picked to go out of town and don't want to... It's a good question that I'm curious about too. So if you are in the Denver area, the house should be a good choice... but Colorado Springs is about an hour away and Pueblo is about 1.5 hours away.

Not sure what the tuition price is for next year, but they said that for the class of 2013, the tuition will not increase over the 4 years.

Definitely give admissions an email or call and ask them anything, they're more than willing to help out!

 

[stapler]

For those of you that received the email saying:

".This is to inform you that the Office of Admissions at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is continuing its consideration of your application for the class of 2009"

Has anyone received a further response to your status? I am still waiting to hear back.
.

 

[Es Pontas]

The tuition for the class of 2013 will not go up from last year and will be fixed for the next three years. By the fourth year, there will be federal loans so that will help...looks like all those SDN haters that said the school will only raise tuition each year to make more money aren't really correct

 

[stonewall22]

The tuition for the class of 2013 will not go up from last year and will be fixed for the next three years. By the fourth year, there will be federal loans so that will help...looks like all those SDN haters that said the school will only raise tuition each year to make more money aren't really correct

Sorry man, gotta correct you here, I'm an RVU supporter, but tuition did increase (like it does at almost every school every year). The tuition free last year froze last year's tuition for the class of 2012, the tuition freeze this year freezes this year's tuition (which is $40,500, a couple 1000 higher than last year) for the next three years (until Federal Aid is available).

 

[Es Pontas]

My apologies... Stonewall, are you definitely going to Rocky Vista next fall?

 

[u15beo]

I was curious if anyone knew how many students had currently been admitted for next year's class. I interview on Jan. 20th and curious how many spots are open left.

 

[stonewall22]

My apologies... Stonewall, are you definitely going to Rocky Vista next fall?

Wish I could answer that question. 😀 I REALLY liked it there when I went, I was very impressed. However, I currently own a home. The mortgage gives my other wise stellar credit a bit of a hit and lowers my score. With the economy the way it is private student loan monies have decreased considerably and you will need 715+ or a strong cosigner to get money. Anyway, that being said, if I can sell my house then it won't be a problem, but if I have to hold the house (which isn't in CO) and rent it I don't know if I could get the money...I have no cosigner (well, I have my wife, but that won't help).

 

[stonewall22]

I was curious if anyone knew how many students had currently been admitted for next year's class. I interview on Jan. 20th and curious how many spots are open left.

I don't have a clue, but they wouldn't still be interviewing if they were out of spots.

 

[paramediclizard]

Wish I could answer that question. 😀 I REALLY liked it there when I went, I was very impressed. However, I currently own a home. The mortgage gives my other wise stellar credit a bit of a hit and lowers my score. With the economy the way it is private student loan monies have decreased considerably and you will need 715+ or a strong cosigner to get money. Anyway, that being said, if I can sell my house then it won't be a problem, but if I have to hold the house (which isn't in CO) and rent it I don't know if I could get the money...I have no cosigner (well, I have my wife, but that won't help).

Stonewall
Make sure you review the latest developments with the availablity of supplemental private loans that are on the RVU website before making a decision not to attend. If you have any questions PM me or call the financial aid office for more information.
Of note, my current interest rate is 3.5% with ****ty credit and no cosigner through Sallie Mae. If you want to attend a great new school, don't let that stand in your way!👍

 

[paramediclizard]

I was curious if anyone knew how many students had currently been admitted for next year's class. I interview on Jan. 20th and curious how many spots are open left.

Ball park figure is 2/3 full, but if you are good enough to get invited for an interview, out of over 2500 applicants thus far, you are good enough to be accepted.
Good luck.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Of note, my current interest rate is 3.5% with ****ty credit and no cosigner through Sallie Mae. If you want to attend a great new school, don't let that stand in your way!👍

Is your interest rate really 3.5%? Because if it is that is much much much cheaper than the federal loans which run between 6-9%

 

[paramediclizard]

Is your interest rate really 3.5%? Because if it is that is much much much cheaper than the federal loans which run between 6-9%

Yes, my interest is really 3.5%. It is prime (which is 0) + 3.5. I do currently accure, and pay, interest.

 

[boone95]

Yes, my interest is really 3.5%. It is prime (which is 0) + 3.5. I do currently accure, and pay, interest.

Wow, I'm surprised, but I just checked my interest rate from Sallie Mae, and it's 3.5% also.

My loan is their "med loan" which is no longer going to be offered... does the rate go up once we are getting regular signature loans?

 

[premed785]

hey guys,

so i was finishing up my secondary app and came across the question that asks summarize the personal statement that i provided in primary app. So my question is that where is the spot where we answer that question? Do I answer to that question in the box where it asks anything else that we should know about you? any help asap will be really appreciated..thanks

 

[paramediclizard]

Wow, I'm surprised, but I just checked my interest rate from Sallie Mae, and it's 3.5% also.

My loan is their "med loan" which is no longer going to be offered... does the rate go up once we are getting regular signature loans?

I dunno...but as Dean Martin stated at the last dean's hour, RVU is working diligently to secure affordable interest rates with Sallie Mae on our behalf. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it too much and focus more on the MS midterm next Monday.👍

 

[paramediclizard]

hey guys,

so i was finishing up my secondary app and came across the question that asks summarize the personal statement that i provided in primary app. So my question is that where is the spot where we answer that question? Do I answer to that question in the box where it asks anything else that we should know about you? any help asap will be really appreciated..thanks

I haven't seen this years app, but last year there was a space below all of the questions that needed to be answered.
Anyone from this app cycle care to comment?
If all else fails, contact Kerri in admissions for help.

 

[OLYWA]

To those that have interviewed lately...has there been any info provided on how full the class is currently?

Of course this is a fluid number, as many take multiple acceptances and end up losing their seat deposits...so I understand that any numbers given will likely change...but nonetheless, has any info been given recently about the number of seat deposits thus far?

 

[Sugarrush]

I've got an interview here tomorrow. Any advice/things I should know gang?

 

[premed785]

I haven't seen this years app, but last year there was a space below all of the questions that needed to be answered.
Anyone from this app cycle care to comment?
If all else fails, contact Kerri in admissions for help.

Thanks for your response...I'll call Kerri and get this submitted today..wish me luck..i need it..

 

[Instatewaiter]

Yes, my interest is really 3.5%. It is prime (which is 0) + 3.5. I do currently accure, and pay, interest.

Prime is not 0. It is however the lowest rate most banks will lend to consumers. Prime is generally 3 points above the federal funds rate, which is currently around 0.25%. The most recent prime rates were between 3.25 and 3.5% which would make your loan (prime+3.5) ~7% which sounds more reasonable and is still a very good rate.

Were it 3.5% no medical students would take out federal funds; they would just use private loans.

 

[boone95]

Prime is not 0. It is however the lowest rate most banks will lend to consumers. Prime is generally 3 points above the federal funds rate, which is currently around 0.25%. The most recent prime rates were between 3.25 and 3.5% which would make your loan (prime+3.5) ~7% which sounds more reasonable and is still a very good rate.

Were it 3.5% no medical students would take out federal funds; they would just use private loans.

It's true, my rate really is 3.5%.
Now, if that were a fixed rate, medical students would be all over the private loans. As for now, we'll just say I'm getting lucky.

 

[JE1986]

Could one of the current students please let me know what a typical school day at RVU is like? Someone told us during the interview, but I was too nervous to really pay attention...haha.

Also, are there tests every week? Do you usually have to spend the whole weekend studying? And classes are mandatory right?? I'm just wondering because I want to fly home to visit once a month or so - leave Friday afternoon around 5 and come back Sunday night around 9- (I'm saving up to be able to do this now and plane tickets to my town from Denver are relatively cheap) and I wanted to know if you guys thought this was realistic...

 

[Airlife91]

Could one of the current students please let me know what a typical school day at RVU is like? Someone told us during the interview, but I was too nervous to really pay attention...haha.

Also, are there tests every week? Do you usually have to spend the whole weekend studying? And classes are mandatory right?? I'm just wondering because I want to fly home to visit once a month or so - leave Friday afternoon around 5 and come back Sunday night around 9- (I'm saving up to be able to do this now and plane tickets to my town from Denver are relatively cheap) and I wanted to know if you guys thought this was realistic...

I'm pretty sure classes are NOT mandatory, although they may have unannounced quizzes you could miss. I could be wrong on this, or maybe the policy changed. Perhaps a current student can confirm?