*** The Official LECOM Dental Class of 2018 Interview/Acceptance Thread ***

Status change:
3 Credits Biochemistry 8/1/2013
8 Credits Biology - 2 Lab 8/1/2013
8 Credits Chem Inorg or Gen-2Lab 8/1/2013
6 Credits English 8/1/2013
8 Credits Organic Chem - 2 Labs 8/1/2013
Core Science Prof 1 8/1/2013
Core Science Prof 2 8/1/2013
Pre Health Comm. Letter 8/1/2013
DAT Complete 8/1/2013

Don't know what it means, though. I haven't received anything from them since Aug 2, and that was basically saying that my secondary has been processed.
On another note, I have a question: I have 5 semester units and 4 quarter units of Ochem, which equates to 7.67 semester units total. That's not quite the required 8 semester units.. And I definitely don't have the 2 labs they require for ochem (major only required 1 Ochem lab at my school). Do you think they round up or have an internal method of counting credits?

I want to ask clarification from them, but I'm afraid that I'm doing myself a disservice by saying, "Oh I actually only have 7.67 units/only have 1 ochem lab, so I don't meet your requirements, go ahead and put me on the low priority pile". How should I go about asking them about this?
 
I got this e-mail back.


xxxx,

We are still making our way through each application and will get to yours as soon as possible. We try to give every applicant the attention they deserve and so it can take some time to get through each one. And just to confirm, your application was in fact sent to the LECOM School of Dentistry.

Thank you for your patience,


looks like they are annoyed haha
 
I got this e-mail back.


xxxx,

We are still making our way through each application and will get to yours as soon as possible. We try to give every applicant the attention they deserve and so it can take some time to get through each one. And just to confirm, your application was in fact sent to the LECOM School of Dentistry.

Thank you for your patience,


looks like they are annoyed haha

LOL i literally just sent them an email.
 
I haven't taking Biochem yet, should i still apply?
 
Status change:
3 Credits Biochemistry 8/1/2013
8 Credits Biology - 2 Lab 8/1/2013
8 Credits Chem Inorg or Gen-2Lab 8/1/2013
6 Credits English 8/1/2013
8 Credits Organic Chem - 2 Labs 8/1/2013
Core Science Prof 1 8/1/2013
Core Science Prof 2 8/1/2013
Pre Health Comm. Letter 8/1/2013
DAT Complete 8/1/2013

Don't know what it means, though. I haven't received anything from them since Aug 2, and that was basically saying that my secondary has been processed.
On another note, I have a question: I have 5 semester units and 4 quarter units of Ochem, which equates to 7.67 semester units total. That's not quite the required 8 semester units.. And I definitely don't have the 2 labs they require for ochem (major only required 1 Ochem lab at my school). Do you think they round up or have an internal method of counting credits?

I want to ask clarification from them, but I'm afraid that I'm doing myself a disservice by saying, "Oh I actually only have 7.67 units/only have 1 ochem lab, so I don't meet your requirements, go ahead and put me on the low priority pile". How should I go about asking them about this?

Was your organic lab worth 2 credits or just 1? Most schools only have 1 organic lab, it is just worth 2 credits.
 
Does anyone have any information on specializing after graduating from LECOM?
 
Does anyone have any information on specializing after graduating from LECOM?

Nobody has ever graduated from LECOM. So, it is not possible to give reliable information at this time.

But, in my interview last year they HIGHLY discouraged specializing... Which turned me off to the school.
 
Nobody has ever graduated from LECOM. So, it is not possible to give reliable information at this time.

But, in my interview last year they HIGHLY discouraged specializing... Which turned me off to the school.

Are you serious? Major turn off right there if they discourage specializing. Did they say why?
 
Are you serious? Major turn off right there if they discourage specializing. Did they say why?

Their primary goal (as with many schools) was to produce clinically sound general dentists. They are on a pass/fail grading system for courses, but they do keep your actual grades in case you decide to specialize. They said it was possible but not their primary objective. I don't think they said they "discouraged" it at my interview last year, but it was pretty clear they did not promote it. So if you are wanting to specialize I would say try to go somewhere else. It would be more beneficial to you and the school.
 
Last edited:
Are you serious? Major turn off right there if they discourage specializing. Did they say why?

The statement above is pretty accurate... But, I was at the first day of interviews and ALL of us talked afterwards and discussed how we didn't even want to mention our future goals in dentistry because they sounded very adamant about not have students go into specialties, so, we thought mentioning it would ruin our chances.

Whatever floats their boat... I just don't want to be on that boat for dental school... So, I ultimately withdrew before my acceptance letter got to my house. Stephanie also seemed PISSED when I called and withdrew before I had received the admissions decision. I was blunt and told her that I was not impressed with the school, location, faculty, mission statement, teaching style, current student body, rules, or the unknown future of the school. (I did not do this unprovoked... She asked me to explain to her all of the reasons I was withdrawing). She seemed to almost agree... She has since left her job. She was awesome, I wonder where she went?

Regardless, LECOM is an awesome and successful school because it works for some people. Just not me.
 
Yup, I remember last year the Dean was talking about how disappointed he was that in the university he was beforehand, one of his top students decided to pursue Ortho..basically, if you want to specialize this is not the school to do it at and they will mention this repeatedly during the interview. Lecom's mission is to produce general dentists that will serve underserved communities.
 
I remember the specializing spiel during my interview but there are a quite a few students pursuing specialties and we even had an oral maxillofacial surgeon resident come and speak to our ASDA group, so I wouldn't say they discourage it. I am positive that if you really want to specialize, it will happen. There are no specialty programs in the school, but that doesn't mean you can't go out into Bradenton/Sarasota/Tampa and find a mentor, go on externships, and get A's on all your tests (although you personally won't really know your grades, ever, you just have to guesstimate).
 
Still a slight negative in my opinion. The fact is... is that you have no idea how specializing will be looked at because nobody has gone through the program. The dean specifically stated in my interview... and I quote "If you want to specialize, this is most likely not the school for you." That meets my definition of 'discouraging' a specialty. I also think it's a negative that you have to spend more time--which is actually a pretty big problem with all that you have going on in dental school-- to pursue a mentor, or other connection in some other city to get a feel for specialty (maybe thats not a problem at LECOM where you technically have no grade, so time might not be an issue--guesstimating your grades seems a little weird for a professional program). The converse obviously being a school where every specialty is in the building and they encourage students to spend time exploring each field. Students 'pursuing specialty' doesn't mean anything, the fact is that the school is built and the curriculum tailored to produce general dentists. Nothing else. You will NOT get the same exposure to specialty as you do at other schools. Period.

EDIT: Referring to a comment above, I don't remember the dean saying anything about keeping records about your grades. This seem's counter productive to me, why keep grades if you are so intent on being p/f (the administration probably hasn't figured this out yet). I just don't remember anything similar to that. But I might be wrong.
I had a similar experience as JAWS, when I contacted the school to withdraw they asked very specific questions and seemed to agree with my reservations. Not very comforting, I knew I made the right decision right there.

They keep your record so they can give it to the specialty programs you apply to... I'm just saying all is not lost if you end up going to LECOM. Specializing is going to be hard at any school, it's not as easy as walking on down to the endo clinic and saying what's up.
 
their portal is getting on my nerves, get your sh** together LECOM!!
 
Got interview invite today via portal. Check official interview/acceptance/rejection thread for details 🙂 I was 3rd batch.
 
My portal got updated today to say the Admissions Committee requests a transcript of all final grades. Anyone else have this? I already submitted that to the ADEA on the common app.. I'm confused as to why they want another?😕
 
My portal got updated today to say the Admissions Committee requests a transcript of all final grades. Anyone else have this? I already submitted that to the ADEA on the common app.. I'm confused as to why they want another?😕

I have the same exact thing. And under required letters and credits, it says I'm missing 3 credit biochemistry. I already took biochemistry so I don't understand why
 
their portal is getting on my nerves, get your sh** together LECOM!!

I agree. I submitted the supplemental at least 3 weeks ago and nothing has been uploaded to my portal. Frustrating
 
So, I got the interview update on my portal today. How soon after this do you reiceve an email confirming the interview?

Also, what airport do you use to fly into Bradenton?
 
So, I got the interview update on my portal today. How soon after this do you reiceve an email confirming the interview?

Also, what airport do you use to fly into Bradenton?

Tampa or Sarasota - I got round trip flight to sarasota, 2 nights in a hotel, 3 days of rental car for a little less than $500. I go my email the day after, I think.
 
Tampa or Sarasota - I got round trip flight to sarasota, 2 nights in a hotel, 3 days of rental car for a little less than $500. I go my email the day after, I think.

Sweet deal. I'm looking into getting a rental car too. I gotta start price hunting!
 
Never said it was going to be as easy as walking down to the endo clinic. But it does help...a lot. Connections and communication with a specific specialty program do make a significant difference when trying to specialize. I just personally feel that everything at LECOM is here-say, and I know I'm not the only one.

Of course everything is here-say. I mean the clinic isn't even open yet. That doesn't mean things won't work out though. I believe they already have 200 patients lined up for March and the D2s are already starting on their second set of denture patients. A lot has happened since your interview and things are starting to fall into place.
 
My info was finally entered into the portal! Supp was complete July 9. I'm only missing biochem but I'm assuming you can still get an interview as long as you intend on taking the class this year?
 
Is this the message you have on your portal?
"We received your supplemental application. The review process will begin on your file. You will be notified when updates are made."
 
Is this the message you have on your portal?
"We received your supplemental application. The review process will begin on your file. You will be notified when updates are made."

No thats what it used to say. Now it says something along the lines of my application has been processed and sent to the committee and I'll be notified when a decision has been made.
 
My info was finally entered into the portal! Supp was complete July 9. I'm only missing biochem but I'm assuming you can still get an interview as long as you intend on taking the class this year?

Did they send you an email saying that it was updated, or did you just log on to the portal and notice it?
 
My LORs are all in but the portal still says they are missing even after I called about it two weeks ago?? I'm really confused with this portal.
 
interviewing on 9/16, check the portal.
 
I know this is a brand new school, but does anyone have an idea of how many interview invites are given out vs. acceptances?

Also, from reading last years LECOM thread, it looks like interviews were done in groups. You guys think it'll be group interviews again this year?
 
I know this is a brand new school, but does anyone have an idea of how many interview invites are given out vs. acceptances?

Also, from reading last years LECOM thread, it looks like interviews were done in groups. You guys think it'll be group interviews again this year?

It is done in groups because it's a PBL school. PBL requires group participation so that's why they want to see how the applicant does in group discussions, etc.
 
I know this is a brand new school, but does anyone have an idea of how many interview invites are given out vs. acceptances?

In 2012:

293 OOS students interviewed (26% of total OOS applicants interviewed), 138 OOS students accepted (12% of OOS students accepted). 47% of those who interviewed were accepted.
 
hello Sunshie, when did you get notification? does your LECOM portal display schedule time?

Hi! I got the notification via email on August 16th. My portal shows the time and date under the interview tab.
 
Hi! I got the notification via email on August 16th. My portal shows the time and date under the interview tab.

Sweet! Congratulation!!! 👍
First batch here too and still waiting :xf:
 
I know this is a brand new school, but does anyone have an idea of how many interview invites are given out vs. acceptances?

Also, from reading last years LECOM thread, it looks like interviews were done in groups. You guys think it'll be group interviews again this year?

If I remember correctly they told us they received about 2600 applications last year. They gave out 500 interview invites, and accepted 100. The out of state versus in state students that were accepted, is pretty close to 50/50. Same with the male to female ratio. The average age for us D1's is 25.

Interviews will begin at the end of the month and are done in groups. And yes they will be done that way for as long as the school interviews applicants. They do this because of the PBL based curriculum. They need to have people that can accept another person's input and be able to be criticized without confrontation. But, that is not even hard (for me anyways). They will be very relaxed. The hard part of the interview is to learn how to listen to fellow applicants, and not being overwhelming when answering the questions.

Every class (there are only two, and hopefully you will be apart of the third), is very close. Within about a month, you will learn just about every classmates name. You study together and you help each other out in sim clinic. Classmates have made dropbox folders so every student can contribute to the learning of the class as a whole. D2 students are a close nit group too, but both classes are integrated into recreational activities outside of class.

Before the beginning of class, each D1 student was assigned a D2 student as a "big". They would answer any questions we had about the area, school, faculty, etc. The SGA and ASDA planned BBQs and bowling so we could get familiar with each other as well as the upper class.

I listed these examples to show you why it is important to have this type of interview because you might feel it is important or stupid at the time. But, it is an integral part of their mission and their curriculum. Plus, if you can't get along or know how to talk to other people and accept them for who they are, how are you, as a dentist (who provides an elective service), be able to talk to patients. I say dentistry is an elective service because most people will only sit in a dental chair if they are in pain, and that most dental insurance is separate and they elect to have it or not.

I also have another VERY long post about the school on page two of this thread that addresses issues others have had about the school. Some are attending other dental schools, others are applicants. None the less, I can try to answer any questions you may have. If no,t I can find the answer for you. I think everyone of you will really enjoy LECOM. Good luck in the application process and hope to see ya'll (sorry I'm from TX), during the interview or next year.

I will leave you with a few words of advise:

1. Be patient, they receive a ton of calls, emails, and applications. Multiple people look at every single application.
2. Be careful what you say on any social media outlet, including SDN.
3. Don't listen to the negative aspects some people are voicing on SND. Most attend another dental school, or are trying to discourage you.
4. Thoroughly research this school (mission, PBL, etc). Because of the curriculum, it might not be a fit for you. You alone are the sole decision maker in this process. I just don't understand why someone will apply to a school and not know the school's mission, curriculum, application process of the school (LECOM or other). Wouldn't these all be factors that will play an integral role in your ultimate decision in where you will matriculate and PAY to receive your degree so will be able to have a great life afterwards?

Good luck!!!!
 
Last edited:
If I remember correctly they told us they received about 2600 applications last year. They gave out 500 interview invites, and accepted 100. The out of state versus in state students that were accepted, is pretty close to 50/50. Same with the male to female ratio. The average age for us D1's is 25.

Interviews will begin at the end of the month and are done in groups. And yes they will be done that way for as long as the school interviews applicants. They do this because of the PBL based curriculum. They need to have people that can accept another person's input and be able to be criticized without confrontation. But, that is not even hard (for me anyways). They will be very relaxed. The hard part of the interview is to learn how to listen to fellow applicants, and not being overwhelming when answering the questions.

Every class (there are only two, and hopefully you will be apart of the third), is very close. Within about a month, you will learn just about every classmates name. You study together and you help each other out in sim clinic. Classmates have made dropbox folders so every student can contribute to the learning of the class as a whole. D2 students are a close nit group too, but both classes are integrated into recreational activities outside of class.

Before the beginning of class, each D1 student was assigned a D2 student as a "big". They would answer any questions we had about the area, school, faculty, etc. The SGA and ASDA planned BBQs and bowling so we could get familiar with each other as well as the upper class.

I listed these examples to show you why it is important to have this type of interview because you might feel it is important or stupid at the time. But, it is an integral part of their mission and their curriculum. Plus, if you can't get along or know how to talk to other people and accept them for who they are, how are you, as a dentist (who provides an elective service), be able to talk to patients. I say dentistry is an elective service because most people will only sit in a dental chair if they are in pain, and that most dental insurance is separate and they elect to have it or not.

I also have another VERY long post about the school on page two of this thread that addresses issues others have had about the school. Some are attending other dental schools, others are applicants. None the less, I can try to answer any questions you may have. If no,t I can find the answer for you. I think everyone of you will really enjoy LECOM. Good luck in the application process and hope to see ya'll (sorry I'm from TX), during the interview or next year.

I will leave you with a few words of advise:

1. Be patient, they receive a ton of calls, emails, and applications. Multiple people look at every single application.
2. Be careful what you say on any social media outlet, including SDN.
3. Don't listen to the negative aspects some people are voicing on SND. Most attend another dental school, or are trying to discourage you.
4. Thoroughly research this school (mission, PBL, etc). Because of the curriculum, it might not be a fit for you. You alone are the sole decision maker in this process. I just don't understand why someone will apply to a school and not know the school's mission, curriculum, application process of the school (LECOM or other). Wouldn't these all be factors that will play an integral role in your ultimate decision in where you will matriculate and PAY to receive your degree so will be able to have a great life afterwards?

Good luck!!!!


The problem with this is... Everyone should be paying attention to the "bad things." They are important to know and they are often VERY true.

Everything that I have read about LECOM on here has been non-combative opinion.

It is important to read that UCLA has a bad patient pool or USC students have difficulty finishing their requirements... even though some might consider it to be "bad."

LECOM has a lot to work on from what I saw at the interview and from what my (soon to be) D3 friend has talked to me about. LECOM is not a "great" school yet because they have TONS of kinks to work out. Until they do, people will struggle with it.

People struggle with liking LECOM because LECOM tried to take the dental scene by storm (so to speak). They kind of gave off a "we're the BEST" vibe from day-1 and it leaves a bad taste considering they had yet to treat a patient or graduate a student. Other schools that are just opening are accepting small classes and working slowly to build their program. LECOM just entered the dental school "business" and they have spoken about opening other locations. Just because you have a medical school does not allow you to open a dental school. Dental school should never be a business. Also, my group interview was ran by a dental hygienist and an "aspiring" dental hygienist... Which was totally unprofessional. I did not like that the acceptance I received was based on the opinion of someone that had yet to start any post-high school education and another that seemed to not know anything about LECOM.

I liked LECOM when I interviewed, but trying to answer everyone concerns without a realistic view of your school is bothersome.
 
The problem with this is... Everyone should be paying attention to the "bad things." They are important to know and they are often VERY true.

Everything that I have read about LECOM on here has been non-combative opinion.

It is important to read that UCLA has a bad patient pool or USC students have difficulty finishing their requirements... even though some might consider it to be "bad."

LECOM has a lot to work on from what I saw at the interview and from what my (soon to be) D3 friend has talked to me about. LECOM is not a "great" school yet because they have TONS of kinks to work out. Until they do, people will struggle with it.

People struggle with liking LECOM because LECOM tried to take the dental scene by storm (so to speak). They kind of gave off a "we're the BEST" vibe from day-1 and it leaves a bad taste considering they had yet to treat a patient or graduate a student. Other schools that are just opening are accepting small classes and working slowly to build their program. LECOM just entered the dental school "business" and they have spoken about opening other locations. Just because you have a medical school does not allow you to open a dental school. Dental school should never be a business. Also, my group interview was ran by a dental hygienist and an "aspiring" dental hygienist... Which was totally unprofessional. I did not like that the acceptance I received was based on the opinion of someone that had yet to start any post-high school education and another that seemed to not know anything about LECOM.

I liked LECOM when I interviewed, but trying to answer everyone concerns without a realistic view of your school is bothersome.


JAWSS I am not trying to pick a fight but I think his post was probably aimed at you. I am pretty sure every time a thread comes up about LECOM or something you always have something negative to say to down the school. There is nothing wrong with giving insight about a school based on your experience with your interview there but that doesn't mean you have constantly repeat yourself just to bash the school. It comes off as if you have an agenda to down them, which I am sure you do not.

Again I am not saying this to bitch you out but everytime I look at something about LECOM I tend to find comments from you always saying negative things about them.
 
JAWSS I am not trying to pick a fight but I think his post was probably aimed at you. I am pretty sure every time a thread comes up about LECOM or something you always have something negative to say to down the school. There is nothing wrong with giving insight about a school based on your experience with your interview there but that doesn't mean you have constantly repeat yourself just to bash the school. It comes off as if you have an agenda to down them, which I am sure you do not.

Again I am not saying this to bitch you out but everytime I look at something about LECOM I tend to find comments from you always saying negative things about them.

👍
 
Has anyone encountered this message on their portal?

"The Admissions Committee requests a transcript with final grades from all courses." It says under admission status link. Where do we have to send them in though?
 
Top