RVUCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[llama9861]

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Did anyone from this last round of interviews actually get accepted? I have heard of plenty of people getting waitlisted it just seems like they are differring their decision on a lot of applicants...

 

[Spider29er]

i got in!

Awesome!!! Me too... Found out the other day...

For those who didn't get in...Have faith...It is still really early, and you will get in somewhere. Personally, it took two years for me (three application cycles), and a lot rejection before I actually got some acceptances. The one piece of advice I have for you is, learn from your interviews, and remove any negativity from your projections. Be confident in what you have accomplished, and remember you are interviewing them too. Have the projection that they should be grateful to have you there. You have achieved great things, and these accomplishments will be greatly shadowed by what is ahead of you. Be great...Project your caliber...You are future physicians, not someone who didn't study for an O-Chem exam and bemoans self imposed failure. Also, everything boils down to timing. Look internally, and find the reason you didn't get in... You know the answer, if you look closely and honestly...Chin up...

 

[Deceptacon]

i think the most important part of getting accepted here is your personality, not your scores. i would focus on being confident and conversational, make sure the interviewers get to see your personality and not just your medical school interviewer facade. so far theres been 2300 applicants. if you got waitlisted i've heard stories from some of my classmates who basically harassed their way into an acceptance, obviously that's an exaggeration... kind of. if they wrote you off as disinterested and you really want to attend, it seems like it would be a relatively easy task to prove to them that you are in fact interested.

 

[Brocimus]

i think the most important part of getting accepted here is your personality, not your scores. i would focus on being confident and conversational, make sure the interviewers get to see your personality and not just your medical school interviewer facade. so far theres been 2300 applicants. if you got waitlisted i've heard stories from some of my classmates who basically harassed their way into an acceptance, obviously that's an exaggeration... kind of. if they wrote you off as disinterested and you really want to attend, it seems like it would be a relatively easy task to prove to them that you are in fact interested.

You would think so, wouldn't you? Sadly, after a letter of intent and proof of other acceptances, still not enough. Now they want me to come back to Denver to do a second interview. My wallet is not happy.

 

[quynhhuong]

You would think so, wouldn't you? Sadly, after a letter of intent and proof of other acceptances, still not enough. Now they want me to come back to Denver to do a second interview. My wallet is not happy.

that's weird. they do second interviews? is this the only school that do that???
That'll suck if one doesn't get accepted after the second interview. y don't they just accept the student already if they're so interested in them that they wanna interview them the second time around? I just don't understand.

 

[Deceptacon]

they offered you a second interview? it seems like a smart/safe move for the school. if you come for the second interview they know you were serious... if you don't, then that says something too! if indeed your only problem was 'uninterested or disengaged' then coming back a second time will put that to rest pretty quickly. unfortunately, this little maneuver will cost you some additional money =/ but if it's where you want to be then it will be worth it.

 

[Brocimus]

that's weird. they do second interviews? is this the only school that do that???
That'll suck if one doesn't get accepted after the second interview. y don't they just accept the student already if they're so interested in them that they wanna interview them the second time around? I just don't understand.

I think my case is pretty rare and second interviews don't happen very often. My application was very strong, but the interview did not go well (see above posts). They want to do this interview to see if anything changes so they can accept me outright instead of having me sit as a "very high alternate," for the next few months.

Deceptacon - yeah, that's pretty much how I see it. Booking my flights tomorrow.

 

[Deceptacon]

good man, i hope it turns out

 

[quynhhuong]

I think my case is pretty rare and second interviews don't happen very often. My application was very strong, but the interview did not go well (see above posts). They want to do this interview to see if anything changes so they can accept me outright instead of having me sit as a "very high alternate," for the next few months.

Deceptacon - yeah, that's pretty much how I see it. Booking my flights tomorrow.

That's great! I'm sure u'll get accepted. Get ur party pants on. well....after the interview, of course! 😀

 

[Spider29er]

Can any of the current students chime in on Mac compatibility. I am about to drive my car over my present computer, and saw on the laptop specifications that Macs don't work with all RVU programs. When I interviewed, I was told that RVU is Mac friendly.

Anyone with a Mac had issues? Is it a non-issue? Thanks

 

[boone95]

Can any of the current students chime in on Mac compatibility. I am about to drive my car over my present computer, and saw on the laptop specifications that Macs don't work with all RVU programs. When I interviewed, I was told that RVU is Mac friendly.

Anyone with a Mac had issues? Is it a non-issue? Thanks

No mac problems. The only issue I've heard is that you can't watch lectures at double speed. But someone said you can fix that. About half of my class has a mac. Go for it!

 

[Spider29er]

No mac problems. The only issue I've heard is that you can't watch lectures at double speed. But someone said you can fix that. About half of my class has a mac. Go for it!

Great, thanks. Can you tell more about your experience at RVU, things you like, dislike? I am excited about my acceptance here, and really liked my interview experience. Everybody seemed really happy, and family-like. Is that the case outside of the whole student ambassador show? What year are you in? Is there talk of clinical rotation sites yet? Please share your thoughts. Thanks, DP

 

[Brocimus]

Great, thanks. Can you tell more about your experience at RVU, things you like, dislike? I am excited about my acceptance here, and really liked my interview experience. Everybody seemed really happy, and family-like. Is that the case outside of the whole student ambassador show? What year are you in? Is there talk of clinical rotation sites yet? Please share your thoughts. Thanks, DP

I too would like to know about clinicals. When I interviewed they said they had some already hammered out and were working on a few others. They also mentioned that they were working on some in rural areas like Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Has there been any say on whether or not you will have to travel for some of your clinicals? I really like RVU, but that would be a total bummer if I don't have the option of doing all my clinicals in Denver. I would just rather not move the family around during that time. Any info?

 

[Bamish]

I too would like to know about clinicals. When I interviewed they said they had some already hammered out and were working on a few others. They also mentioned that they were working on some in rural areas like Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Has there been any say on whether or not you will have to travel for some of your clinicals? I really like RVU, but that would be a total bummer if I don't have the option of doing all my clinicals in Denver. I would just rather not move the family around during that time. Any info?

"Rural areas like Pueblo and Colorado Springs". Really, they are referring to Colorado Springs and Pueblo as rural areas?

 

[Brocimus]

"Rural areas like Pueblo and Colorado Springs". Really, they are referring to Colorado Springs and Pueblo as rural areas?

Sorry, underserved is probably a better word.

 

[Bamish]

Sorry, underserved is probably a better word.

Sorry, I think I came across different than what I intended, I wasn't trying to contest you or your choice of words. I was questioning what RVU is telling the applicants. After living in Colorado Springs for years I wouldn't consider it either rural or underserved. I guess I was just shocked when I read your post is all. Of course just because I don't consider it either doesn't make me right.

Regardless, good luck! 👍

 

[boone95]

I too would like to know about clinicals. When I interviewed they said they had some already hammered out and were working on a few others. They also mentioned that they were working on some in rural areas like Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Has there been any say on whether or not you will have to travel for some of your clinicals? I really like RVU, but that would be a total bummer if I don't have the option of doing all my clinicals in Denver. I would just rather not move the family around during that time. Any info?

We have limited info about clinicals. Basically, we know that they're signing new doctors on weekly who want to take students on.

I'm not sure how often this website is updated, but it has a good general idea of where our clinicals will be. Cheyenne, WY has also been added (I'm not sure if that counts as rural or not). http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/dept_clinicalmed.asp

I have not heard much about whether we'll have to travel for clinicals. As of right now, we have 2 month rotation in rural primary care. I think if we're going to have to travel for a rotation, that would be the one, but it all depends on where rural is. Other than that, the rotations should be in the Parker/Denver area, unless you want to go to Grand Junction or Colorado Springs, which some people do. This website is the student handbook (last updated a few months ago, but still has a good idea of rotation stuff) http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/PDFs/RVUCatalog2009-10.pdf

We'll have a much better idea of this stuff as we get closer to February (when we find out where we'll start rotations).

We'll keep yall updated as we get more info.

 

[Brocimus]

Sorry, I think I came across different than what I intended, I wasn't trying to contest you or your choice of words. I was questioning what RVU is telling the applicants. After living in Colorado Springs for years I wouldn't consider it either rural or underserved. I guess I was just shocked when I read your post is all. Of course just because I don't consider it either doesn't make me right.

Regardless, good luck! 👍

You'd be surprised what is considered underserved. I grew up outside of Boise (totally urban, right?) and a few weeks ago I found out a city that sits in the middle of Boise is underserved. A lot goes into the classification - elderly population, income level, infant mortality rate, etc. So it is possible for urban areas to be considered underserved depending on those factors.

 

[Bones DO]

can some of the acceptees list their stats? I am shocked that at a school where the average MCAT is 25, people with 34's and 33's who seem to be very interested in matriculating are being waitlisted. Is there really that upward of a trend this cycle?

Thanks

 

[howdy888]

I submitted my aacomas application on 9/24 and was told that it may be the middle of November before it is finally processed. Have my chances been dramatically reduced?

 

[boone95]

I submitted my aacomas application on 9/24 and was told that it may be the middle of November before it is finally processed. Have my chances been dramatically reduced?

No. As long as you turn in your secondary app soon after you get it. You can even start writing the responses to it now. I don't know what the questions are, but I think some people have posted them on this thread. Good luck, don't stress.

 

[howdy888]

Thanks for the info. I was also wandering...I got a bad score on the writing portion of the mcat. I didn't prep for it and had no idea what to write. To be more accurate I got a K. I practically left the space blank because like I said I could not think of anything to say. I know some schools don't even look at the score but will it send a red flag? (specifically to RVU?)

 

[howdy888]

Thanks for the info. I was also wondering...I got a bad score on the writing portion of the mcat. I didn't prep for it and had no idea what to write. To be more detailed I got a K. I practically left the space blank because like I said I could not think of anything to say. I know some schools don't even look at the score but will it send a red flag? (specifically to RVU?)

 

[RitaHayworth]

can some of the acceptees list their stats? I am shocked that at a school where the average MCAT is 25, people with 34's and 33's who seem to be very interested in matriculating are being waitlisted. Is there really that upward of a trend this cycle?

Thanks

My question is why aren't more acceptees posting on the Class of 2014 thread. There is definitely a mystique about who is getting in and who is waitlisted.😕

 

[lbgator]

My question is why aren't more acceptees posting on the Class of 2014 thread. There is definitely a mystique about who is getting in and who is waitlisted.😕

At the interview the students/staff seemed to encourage use of the Facebook group, that group seems at least seems semi-active.

As for who gets accepted and why... I take RVU at face value. If you get an interview you are qualified on paper at least.

 

[Bones DO]

Anyone else interviewing 12/8? 🙂

 

[momanddoc]

Anyone else interviewing 12/8? 🙂

I am interviewing 12/8 at 11:30 🙂

 

[iatros]

Ladies and germs,

I've been accepted to my state school thus i will be relinquishing my spot at RVU.

I wish the best to all of you!

iatros

 

[Marathon0503]

how long did it take after you sent in your secondary and LORs to hear about an interview? It's been a couple of weeks without anything, but don't want to keep calling and bugging them.

 

[momanddoc]

how long did it take after you sent in your secondary and LORs to hear about an interview? It's been a couple of weeks without anything, but don't want to keep calling and bugging them.

You actually might want to call them - I called after about a week and a half just to check and make sure since I had already gotten interviews at 3 other schools and I figured RVU would be faster than the other schools. For some reason, even though I am pretty sure it says they want a letter from a committee OR an advisor, they told me on the phone they wanted a letter from someone who had actually taught me. I sent the letter that day and found out I got an interview the next day. The admissions people are VERY VERY nice - probably the nicest I have talked to along with the admissions staff at KCOM. I don't think you would be bugging them at all if you called!

Good luck!!

 

[Bones DO]

Scratch that interviewing Dec 3, flying out from NY Syracuse International Dec 2... anyone else staying at the hotel gold crown? I'm psyched lets do this!!👍👍

 

[Bones DO]

This may have been discussed already, but does anyone know how many interviews are given and how many are accepted from them? thanks!

 

[Nicbmann]

This may have been discussed already, but does anyone know how many interviews are given and how many are accepted from them? thanks!

I don't know specifically how many interviews but at my interview they said they are very selective on picking interviewees. 75% acceptance from interviews is sticking in my head but I have no idea if this is accurate. If you got an interview though I would say you're sitting pretty. Goodluck.

 

[boone95]

This may have been discussed already, but does anyone know how many interviews are given and how many are accepted from them? thanks!

That's true, they are picky about giving interviews.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to give exact numbers, but they have interviewed a little over 100 people so far, and a little over half of them were accepted.

But what are numbers anyway? Don't worry about them. Just show up on Dec. 3 and have a good interview!

 

[Bones DO]

Yea good plan, thanks to both of you for the info 🙂

 

[Bones DO]

Anyone know if an MPH program is starting anytime soon at RVU? I heard something about it being in the works in a tour last year, but haven't heard anything further since.

 

[iatros]

This may have been discussed already, but does anyone know how many interviews are given and how many are accepted from them? thanks!

they told me they interview around 400 and they make about 300 offers.... and from those 300, only 160ish will accept

 

[Bones DO]

Thanks for the info!

 

[boone95]

Anyone know if an MPH program is starting anytime soon at RVU? I heard something about it being in the works in a tour last year, but haven't heard anything further since.

I haven't heard anything about that for a while. But from what I understand, they want to establish the DO program first (aka graduate the first class). After that, they have a couple options that I've heard, including MPH program, nursing program, and PA program. Not sure of any details though. But, since you'll be here in a few days, ask someone and see if they have more info than me!

 

[Brocimus]

I haven't heard anything about that for a while. But from what I understand, they want to establish the DO program first (aka graduate the first class). After that, they have a couple options that I've heard, including MPH program, nursing program, and PA program. Not sure of any details though. But, since you'll be here in a few days, ask someone and see if they have more info than me!

They told me something similar when I visited the school. I think they are delaying the other programs so they are able to provide the current students with competitive loans since the market went in the toilet.

 

[Nicbmann]

Hey brocimus. Just curious but how did your situation end up, or are you still waiting to hear? Either way good luck.

 

[Bones DO]

I haven't heard anything about that for a while. But from what I understand, they want to establish the DO program first (aka graduate the first class). After that, they have a couple options that I've heard, including MPH program, nursing program, and PA program. Not sure of any details though. But, since you'll be here in a few days, ask someone and see if they have more info than me!

Thanks I will! Can't wait flying out tomorrow :-D

 

[DryBones]

Hello fellow RVU interviewees. I just joined SDN so that I could get some advice on this thread.
Here's my issue: RVU is the first school I've been accepted to and I just found out a couple weeks ago. I'm excited to have been offered a place in the 2014 class, but I also haven't heard anything from most of the other schools I applied to, and RVU wants 2G to save my spot in the class through January! Is this a normal requirement for med schools? I'm hesitant to do this because of the school's for-profit status, and because it is not fully accredited. Those facts make me completely nervous about going to RVU. What should I do? What are everyone's thoughts on the matter?
Thanks for any advice you might have!

 

[boone95]

Hello fellow RVU interviewees. I just joined SDN so that I could get some advice on this thread.
Here's my issue: RVU is the first school I've been accepted to and I just found out a couple weeks ago. I'm excited to have been offered a place in the 2014 class, but I also haven't heard anything from most of the other schools I applied to, and RVU wants 2G to save my spot in the class through January! Is this a normal requirement for med schools? I'm hesitant to do this because of the school's for-profit status, and because it is not fully accredited. Those facts make me completely nervous about going to RVU. What should I do? What are everyone's thoughts on the matter?
Thanks for any advice you might have!

1. I'll let everyone else chime in on the deposit, I'm not sure what it is elsewhere.

2. Accreditation: RVU is as accredited as it can be until 2012 graduates. They are on track to be overly-accredited (with the Higher Learning Commission). You don't need to worry a bit about this.

3. What about the for-profit bothers you exactly? I'll touch more on that once I figure out where your worries come from.

Finally, IF, for some 1 in a trillion chance the school could not get accredited, they are required by the AOA to have enough money set aside to get all the students into another program.

I think you should put the money down. It would SUCK to turn down RVU and not get in anywhere else. That would be the ultimate waste of money and time. I know the deposit is huge, I had to pay it too. But it's understandable on their end, because they want to make sure they fill all the seats.

Let me know what information I can give you that will help you decide one way or the other.

 

[DryBones]

Firstly, thanks for responding! 🙂

Well, it's the only medical school (MD or DO) that is for-profit. I wonder if this could change the education that I would be getting? For example, if tuition money becomes revenue for the owners of the school, instead of being put toward research and educational improvements, what does that mean for students and staff? ...there's no example of this elsewhere to compare...

As far as accreditation; If the school does not become fully accredited, they will send students to other programs...but, where & which programs? I know I should have asked these things at my interview, but you know...my wits are not always about me when under pressure!

Also, how do these things effect residency placements for the first graduates of RVU?

Don't get me wrong though, I loved the school and the area. That's why these things are important!

 

[boone95]

Firstly, thanks for responding! 🙂

Well, it's the only medical school (MD or DO) that is for-profit. I wonder if this could change the education that I would be getting? For example, if tuition money becomes revenue for the owners of the school, instead of being put toward research and educational improvements, what does that mean for students and staff? ...there's no example of this elsewhere to compare...

As far as accreditation; If the school does not become fully accredited, they will send students to other programs...but, where & which programs? I know I should have asked these things at my interview, but you know...my wits are not always about me when under pressure!

Also, how do these things effect residency placements for the first graduates of RVU?

Don't get me wrong though, I loved the school and the area. That's why these things are important!

I always thought of questions like that after the interview too. My mind was always too focused on getting in before I cared about much else!

The other side of being for-profit is that they have to keep the students happy. You've already seen the facilities, they speak for themselves. But the simulators and practice models for clinical procedures (like spinal taps, IV's, joint injections, intubations, chest tubes, etc) they've purchased also speak to the money they're putting into education. Personally, I've not seen the administration skimp on putting out money if there is a good reason. It's pretty amazing how receptive they are to the students requests.

Again, the accreditation isn't something to worry about. But if the worst should happen, students would be placed at any DO accredited US school.

As far as the effects on residency placement, we won't know for a couple years still. From what I've heard (with the exception of 1 or 2 programs), the stuff that matters is board scores, letters of rec, and doing a rotation with the program prior. The school you come from shouldn't matter, as long as you're doing your part as a student.

Keep in mind this is all just my take on things. Hopefully other current students will chime in as well... except there are quite a few tests looming, and people are starting to panic, so they might be procrastinating a little less this week.

 

[Brocimus]

Rocky Vista follows the guidelines put out there by the AOA when it comes to the deposit. Those who are accepted early in the year are expected to put down 500 by Dec. 15th and then another 1500 by Jan. 15th. The biggest drawback is - RVU's deposit is non-refundable. So you had better be pretty sure you want to go here, or just have a ton of money you don't mind never seeing again. I have a couple of acceptances and I will be sending in my deposit here soon. Hope to see you next fall!

 

[Nicbmann]

^ agreed with all of this. This is normal, as they are just following the admission guidelines. Most schools require a large deposit of some sort, so that they can start to count how many seats they have filled. Most of the time (from what I've seen) the osteopathic deposits are usually non refundable.

 

[Bones DO]

DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT send in your deposits. Why? Because I haven't been accepted yet and I don't want the class filling up so fast, so go treat yourself to a nice cruise or trip to vegas.

Just kidding congrats on those who have been accepted!! 👍👍

Anyone else staying at the hotel gold crown tonight for tomorrows 830 interview?

 

[detroitdo]

good luck Bones on your interview tomorrow!