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

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.

You're right. I try to be realistic about the school. I guess what "makes" me want to be realistic is that other threads for other schools have their students talking about the positives and negatives of their school while it always appears that people that post on here try to ONLY post the good stuff and never really touch on the weaknesses they see. Every school has weaknesses.

I do think lecom is a good school. So, I apologize for always touching on the bad. I guess I have just heard TOO many bad things from current LECOM dental students. And it does not help that they have their own hate website... www.wehatelecom.com

In the end, we are all going to be dentists. Good luck! :luck:
 
Look, I am not trying to get into an argument on SDN, nor will I. My advice to people on this tread is from MY perspective. And my comments were not directed towards ANY ONE person. There are MULTIPLE people on this thread saying negative things about LECOM. JAWSS, you are correct the school is new and has issues that need to be worked out. But, what school doesn't have issues. You are also right that I should not have said to not listen to the negative aspects of the school. It was a poor choice of words. People need to hear all they can about a school, which is why I told people to do their own research.
What I did find "bothersome" is that you say "your soon to be D3 friend". The school year just started, so they have an entire year before they are a D3. Petty, I know, but soon to be D3 is farfetched. They probably do have issues that need to be addressed. But how much good have they said about the school? My other concern is when you said this: "but trying to answer everyone concern without a realistic view of your school is bothersome." How do I not have a realistic view? I matriculate here. To me your statement is being combative. Your total personal interaction and opinion are based on a 4-5 hour interview. A LOT has changed since then, and more is going to change with the incoming class. Another thing, you CAN NOT COMPARE LECOM TO ANY OTHER DENTAL SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY. WHY? BECAUSE IT TRULY HAS A ONE OF A KIND CURRICULUM. THE ISSUSE WE MAY HAVE AS A SCHOOL WILL BE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM YOUR SCHOOL'S PROBLEMS.

My other issue is this. Why are you subscribed to a tread for the class of 2018 at LECOM? You attend a dental school on the other side of the country and are of class 2017. You are entitled to say whatever you want about LECOM, but I also have the right to voice my opinion as a member of the student body of LECOM. But, do you have to reiterate the same few issues you have with LECOM? Say it once and be done. We are all adults here, and as I have stated previously:

"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, and 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?"

Doesn't this sound like GREAT advice?
 
Last edited:
You're right. I try to be realistic about the school. I guess what "makes" me want to be realistic is that other threads for other schools have their students talking about the positives and negatives of their school while it always appears that people that post on here try to ONLY post the good stuff and never really touch on the weaknesses they see. Every school has weaknesses.

I do think lecom is a good school. So, I apologize for always touching on the bad. I guess I have just heard TOO many bad things from current LECOM dental students. And it does not help that they have their own hate website... www.wehatelecom.com

In the end, we are all going to be dentists. Good luck! :luck:

If you actually read my posts, you will clearly see the negative aspects of the school I have listed. The wehatelecom website is crap. It is not ran by any LECOM student. Read the things they have on there. Out of the nine posts pertaining to the dental school, one is saying they don't like the price. And the other says they don't like the rules. All the rest are about the other professional schools.

OK JAWSS, lets lay all the cards on the table. I think that it would be fair to everyone on this thread for you to list the top 10 issues you have with LECOM, Then give me a chance for a rebuttal.
 
Last edited:
I received this question yesterday and got the person's permission to post it on here because I think I will be beneficial to others. Te question was:

I'm interviewing at LECOM XXXXXXXX and saw your post in the thread - thanks for providing some more insight to the overall experience at the school. It definitely seems like a place I'm interested in attending, and I'm excited/nervous for the interview. With the interview invite, they sent me a basic overview of the curriculum, but didn't expound much on PBL.

So, through some research on SDN and after reading the wikipedia page about PBL, I think I've developed a basic understanding of the educational model. But I was hoping you might be willing to provide an example or two of how it's actually used? Are you provided with mock cases (patients) and use them to guide your learning? I like the idea of working together in a group, discussing/explaining information with each other - I just am looking for an example of how it's used, practically.

I know you're busy with school and I appreciate any further insight you can provide me. Thanks for your posts in the LECOM thread - they're definitely a necessary balance to some of the negativity being spread about the school.

Best regards,

XXXXXXX


Here is my response:

Hey XXXXXXX,
Congratulations on the interview. They can be exciting and intimidating. But at LECOM, it is very relaxed, they do not intent to trick you in any way. They are upfront about everything. You are right about a lot of negative things going on SND about LECOM. But, if you notice, most do not attend LECOM. I love it here, as I do not know of one person that does not.

As for PBL, They will fully explain how it works at the interview, and the group interview is how the PBL setting is. But, here are some examples:

Right now we are in gross anatomy. We do not ave any lecture for this class. We have to read and learn on our own. Along with that we have a group of assigned students that meet twice a week. We get together and discuss the material. This way everyone helps out and plays an active role. But, most students have formed study groups outside of this to enhance the learning. And most study groups are comprised of students from other PBL groups. In this way, you get to learn what other groups discussed. It works very well.

As for the actual PBL, we start that in September. But, it will be the exact same way. The only difference, is that we will be given cases and we have to discuss it in order to obtain the main focus of the case, not solving the problem. Example: a person is having chest pains. We can say what is wrong with this person and it might be right. But do you know about heart arrhythmia, the medications that they take for the condition, do you know what interactions of meds that a dentist can prescribe that will affect this condition or make it worse. If you dont, then this is what you study, and will be tested on. Your read it outside of the group, and you come back to discuss. Then you move on to the next one. This is how we will learn all the basic sciences. You take a proactive approach in what you learn. You are not spoon fed the information.

Hopefully, this cleared up any confusion. Thanks for the good question.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a good one
 
I received this question yesterday and got the person's permission to post it on here because I think I will be beneficial to others. Te question was:

I'm interviewing at LECOM XXXXXXXX and saw your post in the thread - thanks for providing some more insight to the overall experience at the school. It definitely seems like a place I'm interested in attending, and I'm excited/nervous for the interview. With the interview invite, they sent me a basic overview of the curriculum, but didn't expound much on PBL.

So, through some research on SDN and after reading the wikipedia page about PBL, I think I've developed a basic understanding of the educational model. But I was hoping you might be willing to provide an example or two of how it's actually used? Are you provided with mock cases (patients) and use them to guide your learning? I like the idea of working together in a group, discussing/explaining information with each other - I just am looking for an example of how it's used, practically.

I know you're busy with school and I appreciate any further insight you can provide me. Thanks for your posts in the LECOM thread - they're definitely a necessary balance to some of the negativity being spread about the school.

Best regards,

XXXXXXX


Here is my response:

Hey XXXXXXX,
Congratulations on the interview. They can be exciting and intimidating. But at LECOM, it is very relaxed, they do not intent to trick you in any way. They are upfront about everything. You are right about a lot of negative things going on SND about LECOM. But, if you notice, most do not attend LECOM. I love it here, as I do not know of one person that does not.

As for PBL, They will fully explain how it works at the interview, and the group interview is how the PBL setting is. But, here are some examples:

Right now we are in gross anatomy. We do not ave any lecture for this class. We have to read and learn on our own. Along with that we have a group of assigned students that meet twice a week. We get together and discuss the material. This way everyone helps out and plays an active role. But, most students have formed study groups outside of this to enhance the learning. And most study groups are comprised of students from other PBL groups. In this way, you get to learn what other groups discussed. It works very well.

As for the actual PBL, we start that in September. But, it will be the exact same way. The only difference, is that we will be given cases and we have to discuss it in order to obtain the main focus of the case, not solving the problem. Example: a person is having chest pains. We can say what is wrong with this person and it might be right. But do you know about heart arrhythmia, the medications that they take for the condition, do you know what interactions of meds that a dentist can prescribe that will affect this condition or make it worse. If you dont, then this is what you study, and will be tested on. Your read it outside of the group, and you come back to discuss. Then you move on to the next one. This is how we will learn all the basic sciences. You take a proactive approach in what you learn. You are not spoon fed the information.

Hopefully, this cleared up any confusion. Thanks for the good question.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a good one

faceplantjae, you've been so helpful! Thanks so much for all the info you've posted. I've learned more about LECOM in this thread than I have on their website!

I'm interviewing their on Sept 12th and I'm super excited and nervous. I have a list of questions for you (or any other LECOM student), if you don't mind! Here they are...

1) Do you know if the interviews are closed or open file?
2) Do they ask everyone in the group the same questions and each person gets a chance to answer? Or do they sometimes ask just one unique question to a particular applicant about his/her app while the rest of the group doesn't get a chance to answer?
3) Will we be interviewing or have a chance to speak with current LECOM students?
4) how many students are there in your class? And do you know if this incoming class will be the same size?
 
faceplantjae, you've been so helpful! Thanks so much for all the info you've posted. I've learned more about LECOM in this thread than I have on their website!

I'm interviewing their on Sept 12th and I'm super excited and nervous. I have a list of questions for you (or any other LECOM student), if you don't mind! Here they are...

1) Do you know if the interviews are closed or open file?
2) Do they ask everyone in the group the same questions and each person gets a chance to answer? Or do they sometimes ask just one unique question to a particular applicant about his/her app while the rest of the group doesn't get a chance to answer?
3) Will we be interviewing or have a chance to speak with current LECOM students?
4) how many students are there in your class? And do you know if this incoming class will be the same size?

Congrats on the interview. I am glad that I am useful to prospective students here. And you are right about LECOM's website. It doesn't tell you anything. You would think that it would better and updated.

First I will say this about the interview; There are about 24 prospects per interview day. You begin by listening to several people talk about the school, their philosophy, financial aid, etc. Then a presentation on the PBL and how it works. Half will tour the building. The other half will be broken into groups of six for the actual interview. There are two interviewers and six prospects in each room. It only last about 45 minutes. they ask questions and everyone gets a chance to answer. After, you break for lunch and meet with current students for a Q and A session. Then another presentation. That is it. Pretty relaxed atmosphere. But, they might change it up a little this year, but its the same basic principle

Answers:
1) It is open file. The interviewers know everything about you before you walk in. They dont have your file in front of you, but they know whats in it. They asked me questions directly about my research and publications.

2) No personal questions will be asked due to privacy issues. Questions like: what are your volunteer experiences in your community, Do you foresee any problems with PBL, or why do you want to come to LECOM, are fair game. The question is asked and everyone gets a chance to answer. I think this is fun, but it gives you a chance to hear other peoples responses and how they sound, because you may want to reword things at another interview, or answer it completely different.

3) This year you will be given multiple chances to talk to current students (D1 and D2). Once during the tour and during lunch. Both times adcoms will not be present, just us students. They are in the process of producing the students schedules for the interviews, so you might have nothing but D1 or D2 students, or a combination of the two classes. No one knows yet.

4) LECOM admits 100 students per year. All students from both classes are still here, so at the moment we have 200.

Hope this helps you out.
 
So I might just be needlessly worrying, but for those who are interviewing on AUGUST 26th, did you receive a second email to reconfirm your attendance. I ask because the first email said "You will receive a second email from admissions ten days prior to your scheduled interview as a reminder and to re-confirm your attendance. Failure to respond to this second email from admissions will also result in the cancellation of your interview."

I have not received this second email and the interview is less than a week away. I just sent an email to Michelle Ross to reconfirm my attendance just in case. Just wondering if anyone else did or did not receive the second email?
 
This is a really interesting argument that you guys have going on here.

So I interviewed at LECOM for the heck of it last cycle, and I must say they are really, really convincing. However, I still think that paying 90 grand to teach yourself is pretty stupid. I mean seriously though...self taught anatomy? are you kidding me?

I mean don't get me wrong, if you want to be a general dentist then the school seems promising. But of course, only time will tell how the school will play out and if they'll live up to the hype.

My personal opinion: the school seems pretty neat, but the one-track mindedness of the school isn't really helping anyone.
 
Last edited:
So I might just be needlessly worrying, but for those who are interviewing on AUGUST 26th, did you receive a second email to reconfirm your attendance. I ask because the first email said "You will receive a second email from admissions ten days prior to your scheduled interview as a reminder and to re-confirm your attendance. Failure to respond to this second email from admissions will also result in the cancellation of your interview."

I have not received this second email and the interview is less than a week away. I just sent an email to Michelle Ross to reconfirm my attendance just in case. Just wondering if anyone else did or did not receive the second email?

Thank you for your post! You just reminded me about that second e-mail. I will also be there on the 26th 🙂
 
Haha, as soon as I submitted my last reply I received the reconfirmation e-mail.
 
Haha, as soon as I submitted my last reply I received the reconfirmation e-mail.

Haha, yea I received it this morning as well. But I would like to think that I had something to do with that since I emailed her last night about it (and maybe reminded them?).
 
I received my re confirmation email this morning as well. My interview is on the 29th though. Anyone else interviewing on the 29th? What are your plans so far? Where are you staying? flying into? from where? etc..

If you dont mind me asking of course!
 
Just got my first interview invite! September 23rd. let me know if anyone wants to share a cab or make other arrangements!!
 
Anybody still have a blank lecomportal??
If so any interview yet ?
 
Anybody still have a blank lecomportal??
If so any interview yet ?
@alprimo: This happened to me a few weeks ago and after emailing lecom they had it resolved the very same day.

Send an email to [email protected] with your aadsas ID explaining what the issue is. You can also email the admissions counselor (Jessi Dershowitz) at [email protected]. She can update your file.

Hopefully the issue gets resolved soon!
 
@alprimo: This happened to me a few weeks ago and after emailing lecom they had it resolved the very same day.

Send an email to [email protected] with your aadsas ID explaining what the issue is. You can also email the admissions counselor (Jessi Dershowitz) at [email protected]. She can update your file.

Hopefully the issue gets resolved soon!

Thank you very much for the reply, beggining to get concerned like my file is lost!
 
Anybody still have a blank lecomportal??
If so any interview yet ?

Mine is still blank after 2 months. I emailed them and they said they have everything on their end but to be patient with the portal, but I haven't received an application complete email or anything. Feel like I’m stuck in their computer system and not actually being reviewed.
 
There is a lag in the portal and I was told it takes a few days for updates to occur. But as long as you guys contact them and make sure your file is complete, don't worry about the portal.
 
Just emailed them about the blank portal, hopefully everything is good to go! itching for an interview lol.
 
3rd batch. Invitation by e-mail. Everything shows on lecom portal. Interview 9/19.
 
Last edited:
Just got my first interview invite! September 23rd. let me know if anyone wants to share a cab or make other arrangements!!

Just got my first interview invite there as well for September 23rd. I am totally interested in sharing a cab/rental car depending on how far everything is from the airport. I am also interested in splitting a hotel room if that is something you were thinking about as well. PM me and we can discuss it in more detail.
 
The campus is actually not in the same building as the medical school. It's wise to go check out where the entrance is the day/evening before the interview so you don't get confused and get lost. My interview had a few people who show up late last year. Very unprofessional if you ask me.

Doors are usually locked I believe. Tell the guard via intercom that you're interviewing for the dental school and he will let you in. Correct me if anything has changed. I interviewed here last year. Beautiful facilities.
 
when people refer to having their portal being blank.. do you mean that it says nothing when you go click admissions -> interview, and it shows nothing at all? Mine says "If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by e-mail.".. this message has been on there since when they gave me the portal login... I am anxious for an interview.. or some sort of update. For those of you who received interviews, did you guys get the same message like mine?
Checking portal multiple times a day is driving me insane. lol
 
I am in the same boat as you two interviewing on September 23rd. I am flying into Tampa from Atlanta on the 22nd and could definitely split a cab and/or a room in Bradenton for the night with someone. I'm finding out that these apps and interviews are starting to do a number on my bank account, so any way to split up costs would be great! PM me if either of you all are interested
 
Im a GA resident and applied here. My stats:

20AA
21TS
20PAT
3.79 GPA

What do yall think my chances are of getting accepted to LECOM Bradenton?
 
The dental building is about a half mile north of the medical school. If you are looking at the dental building, park on the left side of the building. The other side is the patient entrance. Once parked, go to the doors by the parking lot in the middle of the building g under the big LECOM dental sign. Press the button to talk to the security and them you are there for the interview. Then walk to the left and you will see the big security window. Walk into the room and sign in. I would recommend showing up a few minutes early to check in. The interview room is right across the hall from the security office. Hope this helps. Oh and don't forget to bring a valid ID. They will need it at the security office.
 
The dental building is about a half mile north of the medical school. If you are looking at the dental building, park on the left side of the building. The other side is the patient entrance. Once parked, go to the doors by the parking lot in the middle of the building g under the big LECOM dental sign. Press the button to talk to the security and them you are there for the interview. Then walk to the left and you will see the big security window. Walk into the room and sign in. I would recommend showing up a few minutes early to check in. The interview room is right across the hall from the security office. Hope this helps. Oh and don't forget to bring a valid ID. They will need it at the security office.

Is parking free?
 
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?

Yea, I just saw this. I was out of country for a while.

Anyone know if we have to send a separate transcript to this university?
 
For those interviewing today come back with an update later. My interview is this thursday and wouldn't mind a little input on whats going to be happening lol
 
I don't have anything like that in my portal, so I don't think it's a base requirement that everyone sends transcripts to them personally.

Do you have summer school credit that they are interested in seeing before the academic update? That would be my best guess for why they would want to see your updated transcripts.
 
I don't have anything like that in my portal, so I don't think it's a base requirement that everyone sends transcripts to them personally.

Do you have summer school credit that they are interested in seeing before the academic update? That would be my best guess for why they would want to see your updated transcripts.

Oh, good point. Yes, I just took Microbio and got an A- in it. Maybe this is what they want.

Thanks!
 
predentalgirl I thought microbiology is "recommended" not required. maybe they're just curious to see if you did well in those course over the summer since the academic update will take a while


anybody know the LECOM admissions email for the dental school, I try calling them but they wont pick up/keeps redirecting to the main operator.
 
predentalgirl I thought microbiology is "recommended" not required. maybe they're just curious to see if you did well in those course over the summer since the academic update will take a while


anybody know the LECOM admissions email for the dental school, I try calling them but they wont pick up/keeps redirecting to the main operator.

Then I have no idea why I have this
"The Admissions Committee requests a transcript with final grades from all courses." message in my status portal.

I will email them now.
 
Then I have no idea why I have this
"The Admissions Committee requests a transcript with final grades from all courses." message in my status portal.

I will email them now.

if you could give me their email address that would be awesome.

"Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have taken courses in anatomy (3 hours), physiology (4 hours), microbiology (4 hours), and physics (4 hours)."

I think they like the fact that you took more courses than the required courses so maybe they just want to factor those in

http://lecom.edu/entrance-requireme...dicine-Entrance-Requirements/49/2205/619/2433
 
if you could give me their email address that would be awesome.

"Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have taken courses in anatomy (3 hours), physiology (4 hours), microbiology (4 hours), and physics (4 hours)."

I think they like the fact that you took more courses than the required courses so maybe they just want to factor those in

http://lecom.edu/entrance-requireme...dicine-Entrance-Requirements/49/2205/619/2433

Here!
[email protected]
 
got an interview invite today 🙂


Notification date: 8/27
Method of notification: E-mail
Residency: OOS
AADSAS mail-out date: 8/2
Application complete date: 8/15
GPA (science, overall): 3.51, 3.65
DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading/any section below a 17): 22/20/20/30/none

My interview date is September 30th. Anyone else interviewing this day?
 
NY Resident
2nd batch
oGPA/sGPA: 3.73/3.65
AA/TS/PAT/RC: 21/19/21/28
 
Notification date: 8/27
Method of notification: E-mail
Residency: OOS
AADSAS mail-out date: 4th bath
Application complete date: 8/16
GPA (science, overall): 3.55, 3.63
DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading/any section below a 17): 21/22/21/18/none

9/30 interview!
 
So I was first batch and my portal is stilllll blank???! I emailed admissions about it and they said they just haven't got to my file. how's that even possible considering first batch mail out?

anyone else 1st or 2nd batch with blank portal?
 
So I was first batch and my portal is stilllll blank???! I emailed admissions about it and they said they just haven't got to my file. how's that even possible considering first batch mail out?

anyone else 1st or 2nd batch with blank portal?

Mine is still blank as well (2nd batch). They said they have everything, but the portal takes a while 3 weeks ago
 
Last edited:
Is anyone rescheduling their interview? I want to call but the email said to just contact them via email(which i did)I'm worried about my interview being cancelled if I don't response within 72 hours
 
Is anyone rescheduling their interview? I want to call but the email said to just contact them via email(which i did)I'm worried about my interview being cancelled if I don't response within 72 hours

I rescheduled via email. Don't worry so much, they move very slowly. I didn't get a response to my request until a week later. I think as long as you send your response out within that 72 hours you should be fine.
 
Top