Touro COM - New York (TouroCOM-NY) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

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Pretty relaxed for the most part. They basically went into detail about anything you brought up when they asked "tell us about yourself." They did seem to poke at some inconsistencies in my application, but once I gave an explanation they were fine with it. Overall, it was a positive experience, but I feel like there are better schools out there for me.
 
Respectable opinion.

Did they mention anything about the stats from incoming previous year?

The Dean said that the average of last year's MCAT was a 30. Overall, know your application well, answer your questions directly and explain. Also did not get stress interviewing, maybe because once I answered a question correctly, they did not continue with that line of questioning. They spoke about the Orange County campus and the Harlem campus and you were allowed to choose. Great place.
 
How long did it take for the 2ndary to be received/complete?
 
I thought you chose before the interview on the secondary? They made you choose again in person?

Yes. They wanted to reconfirm if you were interested in choosing either the Harlem or Middletown campus after watching a video of the new Middletown campus. Also, if you are carrying luggage they will be kept securely in the conference room and if you have to leave early, they did not seem to mind - hope that helps.
 
Does anyone know the stats here on post interview acceptances?
 
Anyone get an interview with a mid-20's MCAT score?
 
Anyone get an interview with a mid-20's MCAT score?

I'm on your boat buddy. Just hoping that we're still in the hunt and that they're interviewing all the uber high MCAT scores first.
 
Thank you that helps alot.

What did you think of the Middletown Campus after seeing the video?

Looks good. They will have dorms right next to the medical school. If you are suburban and feel comfortable with more rural setting that might fit well with you. Since the new campus is in Westchester, that is approximately 60 something miles away from New York City.
 
Did you pick it as your first choice after seeing the video?

No. I am a home grown, grumpy, anxious and metropolitan New Yorker. City life fills me with both joy and heartache, both at the same time. 🙂
 
I'm curious whether or not I should submit my application this late or not? 200 bucks kinda hurts...
 
Hi all,
I have an ii here for Nov. 13th and it will be my first time visiting NY. I have a few hours after the interview until my flight and am looking for someone to do a quick exploration of the city with. If anyone is interested, please message me! 🙂
 
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Hi all,
I have an ii here for Nov. 13th and it will be my first time visiting NY. I have a few hours after the interview until my flight and am looking for someone to do a quick exploration of the city with. If anyone is interested, please message me! 🙂

Wish I were that day! I'm in the same boat, interviewing November 6th and would be down to grab a beer with someone after. Also, what is this weird "Aloft" place they sent in the ii info pdf? Is it a hostel or what? I need to decide where to stay on the night of the 5th and would prefer not to spend too much money 😛
 
Just interviewed today in the afternoon session. For anyone interviewing in a future afternoon session: they are not kidding when they say it will take until 4 pm. We actually didn't finish until about 4:15. I think the bottleneck is all of the individual interviews, since it was one student with two interviewers at a time (as it says on the interview confirmation). Everyone was very friendly and the facilities were nice on the inside. The Dean for the new Middletown campus said that for the last year or two the average MCAT has indeed been about 30, so that 27 on their website is outdated.
 
Just interviewed today in the afternoon session. For anyone interviewing in a future afternoon session: they are not kidding when they say it will take until 4 pm. We actually didn't finish until about 4:15. I think the bottleneck is all of the individual interviews, since it was one student with two interviewers at a time (as it says on the interview confirmation). Everyone was very friendly and the facilities were nice on the inside. The Dean for the new Middletown campus said that for the last year or two the average MCAT has indeed been about 30, so that 27 on their website is outdated.

I find it insane that Touro's Mcat is that high. I guess the application cycle has really really become more competitive now a days.
 
3.4 gpa 24 mcat, good ECs, delaware resident. should i bother sending in the secondary? deciding tonight
 
3.4 gpa 24 mcat, good ECs, delaware resident. should i bother sending in the secondary? deciding tonight
This school pre-screens heavily. If you received a secondary then there must be interesting parts in the rest of your application that are compelling enough for them to overlook an mcat that is lower than their average.

I don't feel comfortable instructing someone else whether they should risk that much money or not, but I'd say IF you are going to send it in, make a real effort to highlight the reasons this school is a good fit for you (why you are interested in D.O., why Harlem, why primary care?). You should give specific and personal reasons why this school's mission truly speaks to you. I know this is a bit general, but that's the best I got.
 
How long did you all have to wait to receive a secondary after getting the email stating that they received all of your AACOMAS materials? I got the receipt of AACOMAS materials on 10/15 so I am wondering if it should take this long.
 
I find it insane that Touro's Mcat is that high. I guess the application cycle has really really become more competitive now a days.

I know, I was surprised as well. But keep in mind this is a very desirable location for many, and is the only osteo school in New York City. Additionally, the class size is smaller than some (135 as opposed to 200+). I guess right now they're trying to make a name for themselves as the new kid in town, so being able to claim a high MCAT is a quick and easy way to get noticed. But I wouldn't panic that this indicates kids with lower scores will necessarily be left out in the cold at other osteo schools or even this one. Those who can demonstrate a true interest in the philosophy are very desirable as well. A 30 MCAT is great but won't mean much if you don't connect with the school's mission.

One last note: this cycle you can apply to Middletown campus too, so that can really up your chances if you are interested in going up there. With all those seats to fill I wouldn't be surprised if the MCAT avg drops a tiny bit.
 
How long did you all have to wait to receive a secondary after getting the email stating that they received all of your AACOMAS materials? I got the receipt of AACOMAS materials on 10/15 so I am wondering if it should take this long.
Primary was released 9/20, received secondary on 9/25. You should give Sean a call, as he is quite helpful.
 
Hello all, did those of you who submitted the secondary get an email of completion or anything acknowledging your secondary? I sent mine in over 2 weeks ago, and have yet to hear anything though I see that the check I sent was cashed...? Thank you
 
Hello all, did those of you who submitted the secondary get an email of completion or anything acknowledging your secondary? I sent mine in over 2 weeks ago, and have yet to hear anything though I see that the check I sent was cashed...? Thank you
I did get a complete email two or three weeks. Though I recommend calling as well, I lost almost four weeks of processing time because once I got the complete email I assumed all was fine. Well, I recently happened to call to find out about the status of my app and was told my LORs were not in, when I had actually sent them 3 weeks prior. Long story short, they found my LORs and now I'm "complete" but I lost a good chunk of time in the process.
 
I did get a complete email two or three weeks. Though I recommend calling as well, I lost almost four weeks of processing time because once I got the complete email I assumed all was fine. Well, I recently happened to call to find out about the status of my app and was told my LORs were not in, when I had actually sent them 3 weeks prior. Long story short, they found my LORs and now I'm "complete" but I lost a good chunk of time in the process.

Thank you for your reply, I will be sure to follow up. Seems like they are a little scattered with the secondaries 🙁
 
I did get a complete email two or three weeks. Though I recommend calling as well, I lost almost four weeks of processing time because once I got the complete email I assumed all was fine. Well, I recently happened to call to find out about the status of my app and was told my LORs were not in, when I had actually sent them 3 weeks prior. Long story short, they found my LORs and now I'm "complete" but I lost a good chunk of time in the process.
wow okay. i better call on monday then. i've been "complete" for about 4-5 weeks and have heard nothing
 
wow okay. i better call on monday then. i've been "complete" for about 4-5 weeks and have heard nothing
I had received an email from them saying that my secondary arrived in their mailbox on 10/15. It wasn't until I called them a few days ago that they actually logged into interfolio to download my LORs (while I was on the phone). They've got a ton of apps coming in, so I totally understand that they're swamped. So I also highly recommend calling them.
 
Hi, I received my secondary from Touro few days ago and I completed everything and wanted to send it in. However, I have been out of schools for two years now and it is really hard for me to get a hold of two science professors. Do any mature applicants know whether its ok to give a reference letter from a manager (research related) to Touro COM?

Thank you!

Will do. Thank you.
I want to give Sean a call regarding reference letter, do you guys have his extension?
 
Hi, I received my secondary from Touro few days ago and I completed everything and wanted to send it in. However, I have been out of schools for two years now and it is really hard for me to get a hold of two science professors. Do any mature applicants know whether its ok to give a reference letter from a manager (research related) to Touro COM?

Thank you!


I want to give Sean a call regarding reference letter, do you guys have his extension?
I believe it is x2588 or x2488. Can't remember but it will tell you on the voice prompt when you call 212-851-1199. I actually have not been able to get a hold of anyone other than an office assistant who says that I will get a call back but have yet to hear from anyone.
 
I believe it is x2588 or x2488. Can't remember but it will tell you on the voice prompt when you call 212-851-1199. I actually have not been able to get a hold of anyone other than an office assistant who says that I will get a call back but have yet to hear from anyone.
Thank you! Me too =(!
 
Thank you! Me too =(!
I finally got a hold of sean in the office this morning. They are definitely tough to get a hold of but he was very friendly and helpful. I have been verified since 10/11 but I was told that my primary is still under review because of a misdemeanor charge I have from 7 years ago. Oh and the extension is x2588 not x2488 by the way
 
I finally got a hold of sean in the office this morning. They are definitely tough to get a hold of but he was very friendly and helpful. I have been verified since 10/11 but I was told that my primary is still under review because of a misdemeanor charge I have from 7 years ago. Oh and the extension is x2588 not x2488 by the way

Thank you! I called in today and the lady told me to call the admission director regarding my reference letter instead. For any mature applicant, the director told me its okay to get a reference from someone other than your science professors as long as he/she can reference your academic skill!


I know this has been asked many times, but you think its worth it to submit my secondary now for Touro? I received my secondary few days ago and the cost of the secondary is a lot compared to other schools. I am a Canadian, do you think there is still place for a popular school like Touro? Thank you!
 
I know this has been asked many times, but you think its worth it to submit my secondary now for Touro? I received my secondary few days ago and the cost of the secondary is a lot compared to other schools. I am a Canadian, do you think there is still place for a popular school like Touro? Thank you!

If you received a secondary then you probably have a good chance of getting an II as well. I think you should send it in if you can!

BTW: There were at least 2 or 3 Canadian students on my interview day!
 
There are a lot of Canadians in the 2017 class. It seems to be a very Canadian friendly school.

GL
 
TBH, you never know.

But a buddy of mine did have his interview, and they did say the average mcat this year is ~30.

It also seems to be the case for touro CA http://admissions.tu.edu/com/demographics.html

Seems like the stats getting higher and higher

Yea I was surprised I even got a secondary. Hopefully I didn't waste 200 dollars! thanks for your help!
 
I don't see how SGU and Touro cant be compared similarly for who deserves rotation spots more

First off, one is a medical school in the United States and in NYC and the other one is in a different country. That point should speak for itself.

Additionally, the school has a strong mission statement for providing care to the underserved Harlem community. There's a lot of volunteering opportunity through the school and some great opportunities to provide free care and education to those in the community. The school is trying to establish themselves as the medical school for that area of the city. For those reasons, it would be nice if they could secure some rotation sites in locations, such as Harlem Hospital, that would allow students continue working in Manhattan.

PS4 is correct about SGU making money deals for rotation sites. There are a lot of students that do rotations at the Staten Island University Hospital, a large Trauma 1 center. The NJ consortium of schools provides some very solid rotation as well, but it would be nice for students to be able to stay in Manhattan. There is talk about acquiring rotations at Harlem Hospital and Lenox Hill which hopefully will come through.
 
You are uninformed. SGU's average mcat is a 27 and gpa is a 3.4 they rival plenty of DO schools. I don't see how SGU and Touro cant be compared similarly for who deserves rotation spots more

I don't see how the stats of the entering class should be a determining factor in which school gets the NYC spots and whatnot. Even if it was, Touro had an avg MCAT of 29 for c/o 2016 and 30 for c/o 2017. That's a dramatic increase over one year, considering numerous other schools (including SGU) with stagnant stats over the past years. And as the guy above mentioned, Touro's avg MCAT will continue to rise just because of the location. Excluding ~30 students coming up from the master's class, Touro only has 100 seats (can't speak for Middletown), and there were over 5000 applicants last year. It wouldn't be that difficult to fill the class with 30+ peeps. More importantly, Touro is a school in NYC with a mission to serve the underprivileged population in the city while SGU is a school in a foreign country. It makes more sense that Touro gets the spots in NYC.
 
I don't see how the stats of the entering class should be a determining factor in which school gets the NYC spots and whatnot. Even if it was, Touro had an avg MCAT of 29 for c/o 2016 and 30 for c/o 2017. That's a dramatic increase over one year, considering numerous other schools (including SGU) with stagnant stats over the past years. And as the guy above mentioned, Touro's avg MCAT will continue to rise just because of the location. Excluding ~30 students coming up from the master's class, Touro only has 100 seats (can't speak for Middletown), and there were over 5000 applicants last year. It wouldn't be that difficult to fill the class with 30+ peeps. More importantly, Touro is a school in NYC with a mission to serve the underprivileged population in the city while SGU is a school in a foreign country. It makes more sense that Touro gets the spots in NYC.

umm....carribbean schools are for educating physicians to practice in the US. students don't go through ross or sgu curriculum to learn about medicine and practice nowhere. they go in hopes of practicing in the US one day. Well SGU is a little different though because you can practice in the US or the UK.

Im not hating on Touro, by the way. I think it's a great school. Im just saying there is a purpose for every type of medical school that gets rotation spots in the city. The only reason there is a "money deal" is so that students who go abroad and perform exceptionally well (because most carrib people do not make it or don't get rotations or receive a delay in getting rotations) can actually do rotations somewhere. Im glad that SGU has that for their students. It shows they aren't just taking money thousands of students for no reason.

by the way, the only reason the money thing happened was because NY was not producing enough primary care physicians so thats how it happened in the first place. Yes duh DO's emphasize primary care. Im just saying no one was ousting touro thats just what happened they needed sgu to fill a need at the time.

Also....not totally random med students clearly.....
To be eligible for the program, applicants have to have a permanent address in New York City and must meet one of the following criteria: to have graduated from a city high school; to have lived within the city for the last five years, or to be employed or have a parent employed by the city or the hospitals corporation for at least five years.

By the way Im not planning on going abroad. I just see no reason to denounce foreign doctors. we're all trying to be good doctors and help people. I mean wasn't that the purpose in the first place......
 
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Thanks guys!!!

Complete 9/24, 3.4cGPA, 29 MCAT (10,10,9).
 
So I applied late... Submitted 10/5, Released by aacomas today 11/7, Secondary received today as well... I'm gonna send in my secondary on Monday. It seems like things go quicker when you apply on the other side of the hump huh? :happy:
 
I just got an interview invitation, too.
 
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