RVU-COM (Rocky Vista - Colorado) Interview Discussion thread

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Does anyone know how much money we can get a year for the Sallie Mae loans?

The limit is set as the Cost of Attendance (COA) as determined by RVUCOM. The school has set the COA to be around $65000 per year, so you should be able to borrow that amount. Cost of Attendance includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses, etc.
 
You don't have to fill one out for the private loans, but I was told by a loan counselor at SallieMae to fill one out anyway. The only problem is that when I went to fill out the FAFSA form, RVUCOM was not a school option. This led me to believe that we don't need to fill one out - for a private loan, you just fill out the borrower application. To be sure, I would just check with Kathy in financial aid at RVU.

I hope this helps - let me know what Kathy says if you don't mind! 🙂


What's the word with regard to this post?
 
Is there anyone who is going to be communting into school? What is the drive like from Colorado Springs or Monument area?

I used to commute from Colorado Springs into Denver. That lasted about 6 months because it was horrible. I was commuting in the winter, and Monument hill + idiot drivers = 2 to 2.5 hours to get from Monument to Denver (a drive that usually takes 30-45 minutes).

Plus, our classes are going to start at 8 (maybe earlier), so you would have to leave Colorado Springs between 6-6:30.

Traffic is getting better now that they are working on the roads, but it seems there is always traffic.

I don't know - I don't recommend commuting, but if you have to/want to do it, then I wish you luck!

And, I have a spare room if Monument hill is closed due to weather! 😀
 
Also, does anyone know when we will be getting our log-in information for myvista? I'm getting anxious (more excited than anything) to get some of the enrollment stuff taken care of. Also, is there anyone attending RVU with any young children? My wife and I are still talking about what job she'll get and the daycare issue or if it would even be worth it depending on daycare costs.
 
I used to commute from Colorado Springs into Denver. That lasted about 6 months because it was horrible. I was commuting in the winter, and Monument hill + idiot drivers = 2 to 2.5 hours to get from Monument to Denver (a drive that usually takes 30-45 minutes).

Plus, our classes are going to start at 8 (maybe earlier), so you would have to leave Colorado Springs between 6-6:30.

Traffic is getting better now that they are working on the roads, but it seems there is always traffic.

I don't know - I don't recommend commuting, but if you have to/want to do it, then I wish you luck!

And, I have a spare room if Monument hill is closed due to weather! 😀


How often do they close the road?

Here's the dilema, school - Parker, Husbands work - Colorado Springs, child care for todler a factor. Any relocation suggestions, where to look, suggestions.

Thanks
 
Thanks! 😎

Alright, so I talked to Kathy and she said a FAFSA is not needed for us. She also told me that the website would be updated next week with all the financial aid info (scholarships, loans, forms to fill out, etc.). So hold on until then and it should make it much clearer for us! She also said that she will be emailing all of us when this information is available. Sorry it took so long. She was out of the office yesterday when I tried getting a hold of her.

Also, Kerri told me that there was some sort of bug, which prevented them from getting My Vista up and running last week. She told me hopefully next week we should be able to log in.
 
How often do they close the road?

Here's the dilema, school - Parker, Husbands work - Colorado Springs, child care for todler a factor. Any relocation suggestions, where to look, suggestions.

Thanks

That's tough. I would say to start looking in Castle Rock (which is more or less half way between Colo Sprgs and Denver as far as drive time) but then your husband will have to deal with Monument hill. There is also a back route between Colo Sprgs and Denver that goes through Parker, but that is even worse when it snows.

Child care for your baby can be found anywhere - Colo Sprgs, Denver, Castle Rock, etc.

They don't close the roads that often - but when they do its REALLY bad. I would say that most of the time when it snows, Monument hill gets crappy.

Please let me know if I can help you with any other questions!
 
Alright, so I talked to Kathy and she said a FAFSA is not needed for us. She also told me that the website would be updated next week with all the financial aid info (scholarships, loans, forms to fill out, etc.). So hold on until then and it should make it much clearer for us! She also said that she will be emailing all of us when this information is available. Sorry it took so long. She was out of the office yesterday when I tried getting a hold of her.

Also, Kerri told me that there was some sort of bug, which prevented them from getting My Vista up and running last week. She told me hopefully next week we should be able to log in.

Ta-da!!

Thanks for the info! 😀
 
Also, does anyone know when we will be getting our log-in information for myvista? I'm getting anxious (more excited than anything) to get some of the enrollment stuff taken care of. Also, is there anyone attending RVU with any young children? My wife and I are still talking about what job she'll get and the daycare issue or if it would even be worth it depending on daycare costs.

I have one young'un and another bouts to pop. What does your wife do? Maybe we know of places that we can recommend for jobs and or daycare. My daughter goes to the Fisher Early Learning center takes 6 mos to 5 years though it's tuition is through the roof 1200 a month for infants and less the older they are. If you work there you get about fifty percent off of that. So you could take two in one shot if your wife likes that sort of thing. I could recommend some more places if you want but a good place to start is by googling qualistar for daycares. Any way let us know what kind of work your wife is interested in and maybe we can help that too!
 
Alright, so I talked to Kathy and she said a FAFSA is not needed for us. She also told me that the website would be updated next week with all the financial aid info (scholarships, loans, forms to fill out, etc.). So hold on until then and it should make it much clearer for us! She also said that she will be emailing all of us when this information is available. Sorry it took so long. She was out of the office yesterday when I tried getting a hold of her.

Also, Kerri told me that there was some sort of bug, which prevented them from getting My Vista up and running last week. She told me hopefully next week we should be able to log in.

👍👍👍
 
I have one young'un and another bouts to pop. What does your wife do? Maybe we know of places that we can recommend for jobs and or daycare. My daughter goes to the Fisher Early Learning center takes 6 mos to 5 years though it's tuition is through the roof 1200 a month for infants and less the older they are. If you work there you get about fifty percent off of that. So you could take two in one shot if your wife likes that sort of thing. I could recommend some more places if you want but a good place to start is by googling qualistar for daycares. Any way let us know what kind of work your wife is interested in and maybe we can help that too!


Thanks for the help. There should be a parent club or something for all of those students with young ones in tow.
 
Thanks for all the great information everyone. I'm looking forward to MyVista getting up and running, as well as hearing more about scholarships and financial aid!
 
I just wanted to say hi.

I'm staring at my Matriculation Agreement to Rocky Vista and my checkbook is out. I got the acceptance phone call on Monday and I've been thinking about it all week.

I'm gonna do it.

I'll see you all at orientation!

-Harry
 
I just wanted to say hi.

I'm staring at my Matriculation Agreement to Rocky Vista and my checkbook is out. I got the acceptance phone call on Monday and I've been thinking about it all week.

I'm gonna do it.

I'll see you all at orientation!

-Harry

Congrats! We are a GREAT bunch of people, and I am so glad that you are adding yourself to it! We are going to be a SPECTACULAR inaugural class!!
 
Probably a stupid question, but here goes...

There seems to be a lot talk about the FAFSA being "due" on March 1st.

Ok...maybe I'm missing something...but the deadline I keep seeming to find is somewhere in June.

The June thing seems to be a federal deadline...is the March 1 thing a deadline for individual states? If so, if we are a student who isn't likely to get any state aid (i.e. just staffords and grad plus) do we really need to submit tonight?

OlyWa...RVU class of 2012 hopeful....😕
 
What do you guys think about the "provisional accreditation"?? Will we have trouble getting into residencies both Allopathic and Osteopathic? Are we allowed to sit for the USMLE? Has anyone done any real research on this? How will we look to residencies compared to other schools? Thank you
 
What do you guys think about the "provisional accreditation"?? Will we have trouble getting into residencies both Allopathic and Osteopathic? Are we allowed to sit for the USMLE? Has anyone done any real research on this? How will we look to residencies compared to other schools? Thank you

For having an interview in January, you sure didn't do your homework here on SDN. I'd patiently direct you to step off the "information shortbus" and see the "RVU Non-Applicant Thread" (that I've recently bumped here in the forum) where you will find answers to all your questions. Try to stick to those individuals who are informed and not simply passing judgment or propagating conjecture; recommended and reliable resources on this topic might be myself or Gene Genie, among a select few others. 😀

In a nutshell, RVU grads will only be allowed to rotate and practice in Antarctica, and they will not be allowed to charge for services. Tips only. (Thanks for the inspiration TT)

yawn.png
 
Probably a stupid question, but here goes...

There seems to be a lot talk about the FAFSA being "due" on March 1st.

Ok...maybe I'm missing something...but the deadline I keep seeming to find is somewhere in June.

The June thing seems to be a federal deadline...is the March 1 thing a deadline for individual states? If so, if we are a student who isn't likely to get any state aid (i.e. just staffords and grad plus) do we really need to submit tonight?

OlyWa...RVU class of 2012 hopeful....😕

I believe I stumbled onto the answer somewhere in this thread a few days ago:

FAFSA Thread

Hope that helps a bit.
 
For having an interview in January, you sure didn't do your homework here on SDN. I'd patiently direct you to step off the "information shortbus" and see the "RVU Non-Applicant Thread" (that I've recently bumped here in the forum) where you will find answers to all your questions. Try to stick to those individuals who are informed and not simply passing judgment or propagating conjecture; recommended and reliable resources on this topic might be myself or Gene Genie, among a select few others. 😀

In a nutshell, RVU grads will only be allowed to rotate and practice in Antarctica, and they will not be allowed to charge for services. Tips only. (Thanks for the inspiration TT)

yawn.png



I thought we only qualify for residencies that no one else wants. You know, like the "undesirable" residencies - after the other DO's, MD's and IMG's choose theirs.

That is, unless we're willing to swear on a blood oath that we were under extreme duress when agreeing to matriculate to RVUCOM.

I like that Antarctica is open to us though. I love seals and penguins.

 
What do you guys think about the "provisional accreditation"??Will we have trouble getting into residencies both Allopathic and Osteopathic? Are we allowed to sit for the USMLE? Has anyone done any real research on this? How will we look to residencies compared to other schools? Thank you

Toot, you can find the answers to all of your questions from past threads. Please take GasApples advice and be careful who you get the "facts" from.
 
I thought we only qualify for residencies that no one else wants. You know, like the "undesirable" residencies - after the other DO's, MD's and IMG's choose theirs.

That is, unless we're willing to swear on a blood oath that we were under extreme duress when agreeing to matriculate to RVUCOM.

I like that Antarctica is open to us though. I love seals and penguins.


Instead of wasting your time with useless criticism, why don’t you explain or post a link that could point me in the right direction. I don’t want to know what this person or that person has said, I want to know how many of you guys actually called and spoke to someone at NBME or AOA regarding this information. Thanks
 
Instead of wasting your time with useless criticism, why don't you explain or post a link that could point me in the right direction. I don't want to know what this person or that person has said, I want to know how many of you guys actually called and spoke to someone at NBME or AOA regarding this information. Thanks


I'd suggest following information that has already provided in response to your post. That'd be a start. To reiterate, see the "RVU Non-applicant Thread" since you're so behind the curve here on these topics. Those questions are extremely near-sighted especially coming from someone who has already attended an interview at the school more than a month ago. These questions should (and likely were) addressed in entirety. If you're a troll, please take it elsewhere.

Here's a spoon-fed link for your perusal:

All the information you require can be found here.

This might also be of use:

AOA President's Blog
 
Whats going on everyone? I've been browsing your guys' thread for awhile and just wanted to chime in that I'm all paid up on the deposits and will most likely be joining you guys in July unless I get accepted into a in-state school. It's funny to me how so many people try to bash the school without having seen it or interviewed there but you guys as well as I know that the instiution is state of the art and RVU has their business plan on point.
 
Here's some more that I pulled from the thread. Again, all this information has been acquired and posted for general consumption. We don't need to rehash it again here in this thread simply because you don't want to do the leg work on your own.

It is discussed in the JAOA:

http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/107/7/246-b
http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/107/10/425

Be sure to read about Flexner:
http://www.rienstraclinic.com/info/FlexnerPharos.pdf

LMU-DCOM weathered a stormfront of criticism a couple years ago based on Pete "Autry" DeBusk's (DeLove Medical Supplies) funding and the subsequent appointment of his family to the Board of Trustees - which definitely should not have been an issue. Most new schools receive critcism for any number of things - from class size to whether or not there will be a workout facility.

In addition, the only argument that Dr. Mychaskiw (SDN User DO Anes) now has is the "fear" and "speculation" that "many more schools" will open up as a result of the FP tax status of RVU which of course will not likely be the case IMO. People can debate all they want about "anti-trust" and the fact that evil-doers are wringing their hands in satisfaction at the opportunity to open a floodgate of schools in the US but people forget that regional approval from educational boards as well as AOA accreditation is the only way a school will be able to sprout on US soil. Without accreditation (provisional or otherwise) a school will obviously not succeed.

The only platform for debate is based purely on speculation and exists exclusively here on the SDN, in the pre-medical forum - and that's pathetic really. If the fear conjecture held any substance, the discussion would be more prevalent at higher levels and we surely would have caught wind of it in medical circles - and we haven't, even upon inquiry. When people don't utilize facts and the argument is fading, they rely on additional speculation that includes PD "prejudice" and **** like that. It's laughable, really. You do the math. The SDN pre-med forum is chuck-full of misinformation so use of common sense and a willingness to sift through crap to get to the truth is mandatory.
 
Instead of wasting your time with useless criticism

It's not criticism. It's sarcasm. It's also a tired topic that you're trying to rehash and there is and will be no difference for the students based on the tax status.

Based on research and calls - as well as involvement with the hospitals/physicians where clinicals are secured in Denver, the "controversy" is relegated to a few "turd churns" here on SDN. Simple as that. RVU med students will take the same exams (COMLEX, USMLE) and on that note, of course they can sit for the USMLE. There's absolutely no difference. As with everyone else, it's all up to you where you land a residency - a matter of med school GPA, board scores, rotation auditions, and letters of recommendation. PDs don't give a **** about the school in a majority of cases and any other speculation is simply bull ****.

The reason we are pointing you to the other thread is due to the fact that this is where this topic discussion takes place and all the answers you require can be found there.

Are you sure you interviewed there in late Jan early Feb, Toot45? The RVU Deans/Faculty always provide this information which is why it may appear that you have an ulterior motive in this thread, so don't take offense.
 
It's not criticism. It's sarcasm. It's also a tired topic that you're trying to rehash and there is and will be no difference for the students based on the tax status.

Based on research and calls - as well as involvement with the hospitals/physicians where clinicals are secured in Denver, the "controversy" is relegated to a few "turd churns" here on SDN. Simple as that. RVU med students will take the same exams (COMLEX, USMLE) and on that note, of course they can sit for the USMLE. There's absolutely no difference. As with everyone else, it's all up to you where you land a residency - a matter of med school GPA, board scores, rotation auditions, and letters of recommendation. PDs don't give a **** about the school in a majority of cases and any other speculation is simply bull ****.

The reason we are pointing you to the other thread is due to the fact that this is where this topic discussion takes place and all the answers you require can be found there.

Are you sure you interviewed there in late Jan early Feb, Toot45? The RVU Deans/Faculty always provide this information which is why it may appear that you have an ulterior motive in this thread, so don't take offense.


Yes i interviewed there and would be more than happy to answer any questions to prove it. I ask because on the USMLE web site it says that you have to be accredited by LCME or COCA to sit for USMLE. RVU is Provisional Accredited....i was wondering the difference if any
 
Whats going on everyone? I've been browsing your guys' thread for awhile and just wanted to chime in that I'm all paid up on the deposits and will most likely be joining you guys in July unless I get accepted into a in-state school. It's funny to me how so many people try to bash the school without having seen it or interviewed there but you guys as well as I know that the instiution is state of the art and RVU has their business plan on point.

Excellent. Just try to weather the SDN idiots who try to rail against RVU because they've got nothing better to do. All speculation will be disproven in the near future. It's a right of passage for all new schools. Not only are the RVU facilities superior, the educational model AND the faculty are top-notch/very experienced/influential - that's more than can be said for some other schools. Aside from hardwork and dedication, you don't need anything else to achieve your goals of becoming a physician in your chosen specialty. 👍
 
Yes i interviewed there and would be more than happy to answer any questions to prove it. I ask because on the USMLE web site it says that you have to be accredited by LCME or COCA to sit for USMLE. RVU is Provisional Accredited....i was wondering the difference if any

Oh - your questions could easily be read another way due to the general nature - apologies.

There won't be any issues regarding accreditation other than the lack of federal aid in the first couple years. For example, LMU-DCOM affiliated with Lincoln Memorial, a small liberal arts college so they'd be able to receive the Title IV-V federal aid for their students - otherwise, they are still provisionally accredited. The existing college affiliation was not an option for RVU-COM for whatever reason in that area and there is still a regional physician shortage in the Mountain West.

Other new med schools (DCOM, PNWU, etc.) are provisionally accredited and they will retain that status until they graduate their first class, same as RVU-COM. As for the exact timeline for the USMLE, I'm not sure but I'd assume after the second year is complete, about or near the time you'd sit for the COMLEX. It's likely that RVU will be granted Title V for federal aid when the school of nursing (in the works) starts in one to two years... hope that helps some.
 
Instead of wasting your time with useless criticism, why don’t you explain or post a link that could point me in the right direction. I don’t want to know what this person or that person has said, I want to know how many of you guys actually called and spoke to someone at NBME or AOA regarding this information. Thanks

I'm sorry if your felt that was an attack on you - I was actually joking around with GasApple. You can see that it was a response to his post, not yours.
 
I think it's "all good" at this point. 😀👍

Hope you're rockin' that crossword puzzle, GG.
 
I thought we only qualify for residencies that no one else wants. You know, like the "undesirable" residencies - after the other DO's, MD's and IMG's choose theirs.

That is, unless we're willing to swear on a blood oath that we were under extreme duress when agreeing to matriculate to RVUCOM.

I like that Antarctica is open to us though. I love seals and penguins.

A little late I know but I got sidetracked yesterday and forgot to comment:

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
ok, so at the risk of being publicly chastized by gas, i just wanna throw this out there:

we all know all about the for-profit issue that has a few people REALLY up in arms against RVU. And we all know that, at this point, the arguement is PURELY speculative. But, HYPOTHETICALLY speaking, what if all that stuff actually does pan out? what if med school diploma mills really do pop up everywhere and 10yrs from now no one respects or even acknowledges a degree from RVU? What do we do then?

Again, we all know about the debate or whatever, and this isn't meant to stir up arguements as to whether or not it will happen. I'm just wondering what RVU grads are gonna do IF this happens. Thanks.
 
ok, so at the risk of being publicly chastized by gas, i just wanna throw this out there:

we all know all about the for-profit issue that has a few people REALLY up in arms against RVU. And we all know that, at this point, the arguement is PURELY speculative. But, HYPOTHETICALLY speaking, what if all that stuff actually does pan out? what if med school diploma mills really do pop up everywhere and 10yrs from now no one respects or even acknowledges a degree from RVU? What do we do then?

Again, we all know about the debate or whatever, and this isn't meant to stir up arguements as to whether or not it will happen. I'm just wondering what RVU grads are gonna do IF this happens. Thanks.


Although I find that line of "logic" utterly ridiculous, I'll defer to someone else to answer; Gene Genie is more tolerant in general so maybe she'll take a stab at it for your appeasement...


PSsst, friend... it's "argument" not "arguement"...

potatowned.gif


Come on, I've got a reputation to uphold... 😀
 
ok, so at the risk of being publicly chastized by gas, i just wanna throw this out there:

we all know all about the for-profit issue that has a few people REALLY up in arms against RVU. And we all know that, at this point, the arguement is PURELY speculative. But, HYPOTHETICALLY speaking, what if all that stuff actually does pan out? what if med school diploma mills really do pop up everywhere and 10yrs from now no one respects or even acknowledges a degree from RVU? What do we do then?

Again, we all know about the debate or whatever, and this isn't meant to stir up arguements as to whether or not it will happen. I'm just wondering what RVU grads are gonna do IF this happens. Thanks.

Behave yourself, GasApple!

Ok. SoCalDoc, I will be happy to touch on this question.

I think that the primary concern is that having a for-profit medical school might forge the path for other for-profit medical schools. It is assumed that any future for-profit med schools would be "diploma mills" and grant matriculation to anyone that can pay the tuition, regardless of their stats. But to assume that RVUCOM grads will be looked at in a negative light simply because the tax status of RVUCOM would be the same as with the other for-profits is a little unrealistic. It would be like saying that all allopathic medical schools are sub-par because there are medical schools in the Carib that don't have very high standards.

My point is that the statistics of RVUCOM students are average or above average, and as long as board scores are competitive, which I'm sure they will be, then there is no reason to assume that RVUCOM grads won't be respected. Every school should be, and usually is, judged on its own merits and not the merits of similar schools.

I hope this answers your questions a little. You can feel free to PM me or expand on this post if you have anymore questions/concerns/etc. 🙂
 
Every school should be, and usually is, judged on its own merits and not the merits of similar schools.

In addition, an individual is typically judged based on their own merit (board scores, grades, etcetera), outside of the education itself, the school matters not in most cases. Think about the application process for med school, it starts again when you apply for residency. The boards become the "great equalizer" much as the MCAT attempted to do.
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl_Llt1LtwU&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
PSsst, friend... it's "argument" not "arguement"...

Thanks for the spelling lesson Gas...although I must say you forgot to point out my errors in capitalization and even my use of non-words ("gonna")...oh, wait, I forgot, this is an informal forum not English class...thanks though :laugh:
 
Aside from that, thanks GG and Gas, I kinda...oops, I mean, kind of figured that would be the case. Well, with that said and done, here's to rockin' the boards and showing everyone that the only thing RVU is gonna...oops, I mean, going to be churning out is great physicians!😎
 
even my use of non-words ("gonna")...

gonna means skirt in Italian, so, actually, it is a word...

I'm just teasing you.

Listen, you're more than welcome to ask any and all questions - and you should! 🙂
 
Yes i interviewed there and would be more than happy to answer any questions to prove it. I ask because on the USMLE web site it says that you have to be accredited by LCME or COCA to sit for USMLE. RVU is Provisional Accredited....i was wondering the difference if any

By the way, you only have to scroll down a little farther on the page to see regulations regarding schools that are not fully accredited yet.

http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2008/eligibility.html
 
SoCal, for goodness sakes, I put a smiley so your fragile eggshell ego could handle it. That wasn't a typo or a texting shortcut - statistically speaking at least. Ha-ha. ****, I'm just bored and honesty goes a long way with me. 😀

I do know one thing, I'm a "giver" and don't receive. Thick skin is mandatory. No perverted gutter responses please - unless it's via PM, GG.
 
SoCal, for goodness sakes, I put a smiley so your fragile eggshell ego could handle it. That wasn't a typo or a texting shortcut - statistically speaking at least. Ha-ha. ****, I'm just bored and honesty goes a long way with me. 😀

I do know one thing, I'm a "giver" and don't receive. Thick skin is mandatory. No perverted gutter responses please - unless it's via PM, GG.

:laugh:

I know, I'm always up for a naughty PM 😛

This is just to easy...
 
Ha ha ha ha! Ignis... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
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