Should I bother applying to ATSU KCOM if I'm already applying to ATSU SOMA

[swiftjab]

As you know SOMA is the newer ATSU so it's technically easier to get in to than KCOM. So if I get rejected from SOMA, it's very likely that I'll also be rejected from KCOM. Knowing that, is it still worth applying to KCOM if I already applied to SOMA? I'm only asking this because my money's tight.

Another question. On the secondary application, it says the DO LoR has to be from a DO that you shadowed for more than 20 hours. I didn't shadow that DO for more than 20 hours. Is this a deal breaker?

Thanks!

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[DrPatriot]

I believe it said a physician you shadowed more than 200hrs (preferably primary care). If you shadowed an MD for more than 20hrs then include their LOR and just send the DO one as well

 

[Gandyy]

I believe it said a physician you shadowed more than 200hrs (preferably primary care). If you shadowed an MD for more than 20hrs then include their LOR and just send the DO one as well

😱

 

[puppyofthesea]

It's 20 hrs, not 200 hrs. @Gandy741

 

[Gandyy]

It's 20 hrs, not 200 hrs. @Gandy741

phew

 

[DrPatriot]

Sorry! Must have accidentally added another zero lol!

 

[puppyofthesea]

Also keep in mind that SOMAs rotation quality is very questionable. The rotations are preceptor based in small clinics rather than teaching hospitals. Also, you have to commute long distances or move in the middle of med school in most cases (unless you get lucky) in order to do your rotations.

I'm still applying because I'd rather go there than nowhere, but it's at the bottom of my list besides Burrell.

 

[Gandyy]

Also keep in mind that SOMAs rotation quality is very questionable. The rotations are preceptor based in small clinics rather than teaching hospitals. Also, you have to commute long distances or move in the middle of med school in most cases (unless you get lucky) in order to do your rotations.

I'm still applying because I'd rather go there than nowhere, but it's at the bottom of my list besides Burrell.

Where do you get this rotation info? I cant find rotation sites on many of the osteopathic schools' websites.

 

[puppyofthesea]

Where do you get this rotation info? I cant find rotation sites on many of the osteopathic schools' websites.

. The ATSU Soma thread in the med student forums is a good place to get the low down, people talk about moving to the middle of nowhere or how they gamed the system to get the rotation sites they want, etc.

 

[ortnakas]

ATSU-SOMA and ATSU-KCOM have VERY different curriculums. It's worth doing your research before you apply to ATSU-SOMA for the reasons described above. However, I think they have different admissions committees (I could be wrong, don't hold me to that) so you might as well apply to both.

 

[ananasmed]

ATSU-SOMA and ATSU-KCOM have VERY different curriculums. It's worth doing your research before you apply to ATSU-SOMA for the reasons described above. However, I think they have different admissions committees (I could be wrong, don't hold me to that) so you might as well apply to both.

Also, different mission statements/generally looking for different things in applicants I think. So I certainly wouldn't say SOMA is easier to get into just because it's newer - they're looking for a specific type of student.

 

[Goro]

Which do you like more: barbecue or Mexican food????

As you know SOMA is the newer ATSU so it's technically easier to get in to than KCOM. So if I get rejected from SOMA, it's very likely that I'll also be rejected from KCOM. Knowing that, is it still worth applying to KCOM if I already applied to SOMA? I'm only asking this because my money's tight.

Another question. On the secondary application, it says the DO LoR has to be from a DO that you shadowed for more than 20 hours. I didn't shadow that DO for more than 20 hours. Is this a deal breaker?

Thanks!

 

[DetectiveAlonzo]

I shadowed four DOs (each for 12 hours). Sent in only one DO LOR. Better to have a DO LOR than no DO LOR at all. Shows you've gone the extra mile.

 

[swiftjab]

I shadowed four DOs (each for 12 hours). Sent in only one DO LOR. Better to have a DO LOR than no DO LOR at all. Shows you've gone the extra mile.

And you got accepted right?
Of course, I've already submitted my DO LOR. I'm just wondering if they'll reject me for not shadowing this DO for more than 20 hours.

 

[SLC]

. The ATSU Soma thread in the med student forums is a good place to get the low down, people talk about moving to the middle of nowhere or how they gamed the system to get the rotation sites they want, etc.

Can you link us there? I ask because I'm a SOMA grad and I didn't really think the rotations were anything like what you are describing. I had a lot of extremely good ones actually.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Which do you like more: barbecue or Mexican food????

Also, a good question is: would you rather boil or fry in the summer (dry heat vs. humid heat).

 

[Goro]

Having endured several TX summers, when people say "it's a dry heat" think of a just opened oven.

Also, a good question is: would you rather boil or fry in the summer (dry heat vs. humid heat).

 

[swiftjab]

Which do you like more: barbecue or Mexican food????

No preference. I'm just an underdog desperate to get into a medical school.

 

[abolt18]

Totally different schools, curriculum, programs. Basically only share the name 'ATSU'. I was accepted to both. Chose KCOM as it was just a better fit for me and my family.

 

[FutureDrB]

Also, a good question is: would you rather boil or fry in the summer (dry heat vs. humid heat).

Having endured several TX summers, when people say "it's a dry heat" think of a just opened oven.

The humidity makes all the difference in the world. Here in Dallas, when it's 80 it feels like 100. But in west Texas, when it's 100 it feels like 80. Oh how I miss Lubbock.

 

[SLC]

The humidity makes all the difference in the world. Here in Dallas, when it's 80 it feels like 100. But in west Texas, when it's 100 it feels like 80. Oh how I miss Lubbock.

I'd agree. In Phoenix when it got hot, it all felt the same. 105 or 118, couldn't appreciate a difference.

Now I'm in New England and with the humidity, even 80 is pretty miserable.

 

[FutureDrB]

Now I'm in New England and with the humidity, even 80 is pretty miserable.

Does it get humid up there? I don't know why I thought humidity was a southern thing. I lived in Chicago for a while and always thought the weather was pretty nice there. That was of course before winter rolled around.

 

[SLC]

Does it get humid up there? I don't know why I thought humidity was a southern thing. I lived in Chicago for a while and always thought the weather was pretty nice there. That was of course before winter rolled around.

Yep, it's humid. Not like Florida humid mind you, but enough to make you feel sticky and uncomfortable. I'll take dry heat to even this amount of humidity any day

 

[moonwake]

SOMA if you're all about that primary care- KCOM will make it easier if you want to specialize.

 

[FutureDrB]

I have a buddy who is from Houston that once remarked, "man, Chicago can get pretty damn humid." So, while it's not like Florida or the Deep South (have lived/ spent significant time in both), Chicago can get quite humid.

Well, guess I got lucky during my 3-month stint there. Actually real lucky. I moved a few weeks before the epic 2010 blizzard. Kinda wish I'd gotten to see that in person though.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Lol. Winter blows. Which months were you here? That may explain your experience. Also, Chicago weather makes no sense. Some years, in August, it's hot and humid and some years it's dry and mid 70s. 😕.

If you want consistent weather you can just move to Minneapolis, MN. Winter? Colder than you ever imagined cold could feel like (until you go to ND, of course). Summer? Hot and humid and miserable. But on the upside you can just go to lake Calhoun and stare at all the beautiful people.

 

[67552931811]

If you want consistent weather you can just move to Minneapolis, MN. Winter? Colder than you ever imagined cold could feel like (until you go to ND, of course). Summer? Hot and humid and miserable. But on the upside you can just go to lake Calhoun and stare at all the beautiful people.

That is fair. Whenever I complain about wind chill I just glance at the weather in Grand Forks. Yikes

The twin cities are cool. I like them.

 

[FutureDrB]

Lol. Winter blows. Which months were you here? That may explain your experience. Also, Chicago weather makes no sense. Some years, in August, it's hot and humid and some years it's dry and mid 70s. 😕.

September, October, and November. It was getting pretty chilly around the time I left.

 

[PKA<0]

I was rejected pre-interview from SOMA, filled out my secondary on Halloween, invited for interview 11/7 and accepted 11/13 at KCOM

 

[FutureDrB]

Lol. Winter blows. Which months were you here? That may explain your experience. Also, Chicago weather makes no sense. Some years, in August, it's hot and humid and some years it's dry and mid 70s. 😕.

And talk about weather that makes no sense... We have it the worst here in Texas.

 

[67552931811]

September, October, and November. It was getting pretty chilly around the time I left.

Those are the best months to be in the Chi. Humidity is usually a non-factor by end-sept/oct.

And talk about weather that makes no sense... We have it the worst here in Texas.

Reminds me of Michigan. It'll be snowing in the morning and 60s and sunny by noon: wtf