Does anyone know if the school needs to have the letters of recommendation in order to determine whether we get a secondary?
Touro-COM NY Discussion Thread 2010-2011
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Ah, so there were SDNers at the interview today 🙂
Sa, I think I sat across from you.
Heroes: The school seemed VERY professional. This was my 5th interview and this school exemplified what I thought med school was. The campus is located right in the city and the entrance is easy to miss, but once you get inside, it is like any normal campus. The tech seemed amazing. They had a SIMM Man, a HARVEY, and are supposedly getting a SIMM child or whatever the name is. They had fingerprint readers on the doors, supposedly for attendance taking, but we were told it wasn't really used for this and attendance is only officially mandatory, unless your grades start falling off. The anatomy lab was awesome and air recirculates every 6 minutes I think. We didn't get to go inside but it looked nice. They have OSCE with theatre students (reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where Kramer has syphilis) and you are videotaped, which is nice, but I didn't get the sense that their was much direct interaction with actual sick patients, or at least much that was mandatory. I spent the day before walking around Harlem and there are plenty of clinics and places to volunteer or shadow at. The cafeteria was basically nonexistent, though they are getting a cafe, and unless you want fast food or soul found for lunch every day, it looks like you should bring your own. There was a small farmer's market outside the school that morning, so maybe I'm wrong about the above. Sylvia's on Lenox was very good if you want to try some local food.
What really impressed me about the school was the widespread use of statistics. I sort of felt like the current students were guinea pigs, but in a good way. Like, your test scores are normalized and you're given a z score based on how every other class and year did on that test. That's the curve. So the school can see if students are doing better or worse, and if teachers are more or less effective year to year. It also seemed like there was a lot of faculty turn around, but because the admin wanted to weed out the subpar profs. I know Touro recently tried to build a school in NJ and bought an MD school in NY, so it seemed as if they had a large staff pool to pull from. We were also told that the school keeps track of all of your individual scores, and if you slip up once, you might get a call from someone asking what went wrong, and if they can do anything to help. That sounds sort of big brotherish but I think it's pretty smart and good to have, and if you just slipped up because you were busy that weekend, you can just tell them that and no harm done. It's about them looking out for you.
The cost of attendance was relatively low. The smallest I've seen (68-9k) which is good and bad in that you can't take out federal money above that level, so it might be hard to support a family. Tuition wasn't outrageous, I think 35k, which is middle of the pack for OOS imo.
The students seemed happy. My one on site issue was I didn't see any TV screens in the OMM room, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.
They are a new school so their isn't a match list, but they did give us an elective rotation list. Students seemed to stay in NY and there were a lot of the ROADS specialties represented, but who knows how well an elective list translates to residency.
As far as boards, I think their first class had a 77% pass rate on COMLEX I, but it's gotten up to the high 80's. Only a few students took the USMLE, which is unique, as I thought about half of students do at most schools. Those that took it had a great pass rate, I think it was 100% or so, but the sample size was small (n = 14?).
As for the interview, they varied. Some students got the typical broad questions, some got specific file questions, some got a good cop/bad cop routine, etc. You couldn't really lead the conversation TOO much. It seemed like there was some rubric the interviewers were using, gauging your competency or experience with various criteria, but maybe that was just my interviewers. I wouldn't say it was high stress, but as I started out saying above, it was very professional. I wouldn't go into the interview trying to make friends with the interviewers, but instead, trying to come off as a colleague and fellow physician or scientist.
Thanks for taking the time for providing this awesome review! I really appreciate it! Do you remember which hospitals in the city students had their rotations?
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An almost complete (they may be working on one or more to add) list of hospitals/clinical training sites can be found here: http://www.touro.edu/med/hospital_orientation.html
Also, the OMM labs are staffed with a cameraman while in session and the video feed is projected onto large pull-down screens.
Finding food near the school that is healthy is a bit more challenging than some areas of the city. That being said, there is a vegetarian cafe, subway, and various coffee shops within a block or two.
I can confirm that we have been allocated a federal grant to fund another SIMM "person".
As far as cost of living goes- you can easily end up requiring at least 5-10K less than the cost of living allowance, leaving you with money to spare, or some to return to the lender. This is especially easy if you live close to the school and have roommates.
Regarding MCAT scores-
The admissions office certainly accepts scores that might improve even after your initial application. They want to see that you can do well.
Best of luck to all.
Also, the OMM labs are staffed with a cameraman while in session and the video feed is projected onto large pull-down screens.
Finding food near the school that is healthy is a bit more challenging than some areas of the city. That being said, there is a vegetarian cafe, subway, and various coffee shops within a block or two.
I can confirm that we have been allocated a federal grant to fund another SIMM "person".
As far as cost of living goes- you can easily end up requiring at least 5-10K less than the cost of living allowance, leaving you with money to spare, or some to return to the lender. This is especially easy if you live close to the school and have roommates.
Regarding MCAT scores-
The admissions office certainly accepts scores that might improve even after your initial application. They want to see that you can do well.
Best of luck to all.
Kevin Baker,
Thanks for the detailed experience. I am soooo excited to interview here. When were you complete? I received an email saying they had received my application and fee, however I dont know if they also got my reference letters? Did they send a separate email to confirm they got your letters?
Thanks
Thanks for the detailed experience. I am soooo excited to interview here. When were you complete? I received an email saying they had received my application and fee, however I dont know if they also got my reference letters? Did they send a separate email to confirm they got your letters?
Thanks
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Not sure on the complete date. I had all of my stuff in early-mid July and sent the secondary back as soon as I got it. Around that time.
The only communication I got was the secondary, and then an email asking me for an interview. They had my letters there in the file, but I never got a confirmation.
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Whats the average time it takes from when they receive your secondary and fee, to the interview email. Anybody?
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It can take a while. I actually got a phonecall to go over some things, but it was like two or even three weeks before the email. Don't sweat it, it will come.
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Hey guys, I just got a secondary invite and I guess that also means an interview invite if I submit my secondary. I am just wondering what you guys think my chances are at this school with my stats. I dont want to send out the $200 for no reason lol.
sGPA 3.2
cGPA 3.2
MCAT 25Q 9PS 9BS 7VR
Upward trend last couple of years and normal ECs with shadowing, volunteering, etc
sGPA 3.2
cGPA 3.2
MCAT 25Q 9PS 9BS 7VR
Upward trend last couple of years and normal ECs with shadowing, volunteering, etc
I would still send it in, there's no need to not even try. You might really impress them during your interview and get in. Don't cut yourself short already.
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I got the official invitation and requested for 1st of December. Still waiting for confirmation.
Me too! I was choked though at how far that is! OMG! Especially since I got my secondary in over a month ago. I was expecting to interview in late oct/early Nov, so I was not very impressed when they said "Dec 1, 8, 9, or 15th"
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Why is it random? I want to see which school is right for me..
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About a month! And, I had not sent in my picture so that delayed it a bit...I sent it in I think September 10ish and got the invite yesterday.
Good luck!
~Tarun
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just interviewed today and i have to say that I came out feeling very optimistic about this school especially after reading about all the negativity surrounding touro. they definitely sold the school well, and they were completely honest with their goals in harlem. they really want the students to figure out if that's a place they could really see them selves in for the next couple of years.
i pretty much agree on what kevin baker said in regards to the professionalism, the tech, and how the interview was like. everyone was really nice and I got the sense that the faculty are really really there for their students. the tour guide was also extremely informative and enthusiastic. but i still do have some concerns in regards to rotation sites and board scores
also, for all the people concerned about the number of interviews given out (especially since secondary = interview), if i heard it right, apparently they interview only about 500 people for 150 seats. they also told us that we would hear back within two weeks.
all in all, the interview day definitely changed my initial impression of the school into a more positive one. good luck to all those interviewing!
i pretty much agree on what kevin baker said in regards to the professionalism, the tech, and how the interview was like. everyone was really nice and I got the sense that the faculty are really really there for their students. the tour guide was also extremely informative and enthusiastic. but i still do have some concerns in regards to rotation sites and board scores
also, for all the people concerned about the number of interviews given out (especially since secondary = interview), if i heard it right, apparently they interview only about 500 people for 150 seats. they also told us that we would hear back within two weeks.
all in all, the interview day definitely changed my initial impression of the school into a more positive one. good luck to all those interviewing!
Sorry didnt mean to offend you🙂. I just meant that they are very different schools thats all. But ya i mean if I was in your shoes with multiple interviews and accepts, I would too.
500 people interviewed for 150 spots? 30% chance isnt too bad, its not good though. Thats not nearly as bad as people were saying. I guess a lot of people are rejecting the secondary because of the $200 or they assume its not worth their time.
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They have to accept a lot more than 150 to fill the class... All schools do. I'd say it's a floor of 300 and a ceiling of 400 total acceptances, so your chances with an interview must be good (if they only interview 500).
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id say those numbers aren't too bad compared to other schools. just wanted to add also that a huge majority of the interviewees today were OOS. so for anyone that thinks they might not have a chance because they're not from the area, think again!
Traitorman and Kevin Baker, you guys are my heros haha you keep giving me more and more confidence in this interview. A few days ago I was just thinking "ahh they probably interview like 1000 people for 100 spots"
I am so jealous you guys already interviewed, I am DYING to interview. I have mine Dec 1st which is soo far away and IMO kinda late in the cycle.
Do you guys know how many interviewed with you and how often they interview? (so we can estimate a #) Thanks!
I am so jealous you guys already interviewed, I am DYING to interview. I have mine Dec 1st which is soo far away and IMO kinda late in the cycle.
Do you guys know how many interviewed with you and how often they interview? (so we can estimate a #) Thanks!
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im sure you'll be fine. i know it sounded like they interviewed a lot of people since secondary = interview, but it definitely is more selective than that (according to them anyway). you just have to really bring it at the interview
including me, i think there was about 10 people at my interview in total but apparently two people didn't show up. they divide you into four groups so some people interview first while others go on the tour, financial aid, and interview later on in the day
i also believe they said that they move pretty quick on the waitlist
including me, i think there was about 10 people at my interview in total but apparently two people didn't show up. they divide you into four groups so some people interview first while others go on the tour, financial aid, and interview later on in the day
i also believe they said that they move pretty quick on the waitlist
I was thinking the same thing so I feel much better as well! I'm guessing the $200 fee helps to reduce the # of completed apps, as well as letting them identify the applicants who are truly interested in their school.
My interview is 1 day before yours, but I think we're fine. It seems interviews within the Sept-Dec period is considered favorable.
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ahhhh....My interview is next week and I'm really excited and nervous. I could possibly be accepted by next month (boggles my mind).
The fact that they state that they only interview 500 is good but also hard to believe. You're telling me that with the secondary= interview policy they have, only 500 pple show up for interviews when the reportedly receive thousands of applications? Hmmmm.....
In any case, its great to see some positive reviews on here for Touro! woot!
The fact that they state that they only interview 500 is good but also hard to believe. You're telling me that with the secondary= interview policy they have, only 500 pple show up for interviews when the reportedly receive thousands of applications? Hmmmm.....
In any case, its great to see some positive reviews on here for Touro! woot!
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Hey guys,
I can't decide if I should submit a secondary cuz it is kinda late and it does cost 200 dollars. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
I can't decide if I should submit a secondary cuz it is kinda late and it does cost 200 dollars. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
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numbers-wise, I'm pretty sure that's what they said but someone else who interviewed could correct me if I'm wrong. From what I got out of the interview day, I could see why they would be selective. The school was established to really help the Harlem community, and they really try to select people that they felt would help meet this need. But then again, I guess the same could be said about every other school out there with their specific goals. Regardless, good luck on your interview! It's a good sign that you have one of the early interview dates
the secondary fee is definitely expensive, but unless you have multiple interviews already, I would say to submit it since its basically an interview invite. people change/withdraw interview spots throughout the cycle so there is always a chance you can get an earlier interview date
Really?! I would be sooo rattled if someone who applied later got an interview before me. Were you able to move your date earlier? If so did you just contact Mr Sow? When I went to choose my date, I told him if I could get an earlier one could he please schedule me in. However his response email was very short and almost unprofessional. It said "That date is unavailable, choose another date"
Anyway if anyone has been able to move their interview sooner can you please let me know how you went about this? Thanks
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sorry, I meant to say in general. throughout these forums there have been people withdrawing from their interviews after an acceptance from another school thus opening up interview spots. two people apparently didn't show up at my interview but if they had contacted the schools earlier, the school probably would have tried to fill it up with someone who may have wanted an earlier interview date.
some schools have a list that you can ask to be placed on to be contacted about dates that may open up
some schools have a list that you can ask to be placed on to be contacted about dates that may open up
If I remember correctly from the interview, ~550 interviews for 100 seats (35 or so are reserved for students in the TouroCOM Masters program a Linkage through Touro College as undergrads) and ~250 acceptances were issued last year. Someone respond if the numbers are off, they shouldnt be by much if they are.
OMG, a 50% chance of an acceptance?! Thats awesome. Wow. Dam I need this sooo bad, its my only interview so far and most likely only. Im assuming they are really really looking for people who give back to the community?
They might just be super busy with setting up interviews etc. I wouldnt worry too much yet. If we reach Nov and you havent heard anything, then start worrying. So ya they probably havent gotten to you yet
that's really weird that you guys didn't get the secondary- did you make the GPA and MCAT "cutoff"?
I submitted my primary Oct 13th and received the secondary the next day.
Hope you get it soon! In the meantime, get started on that personal statement. 🙂
I submitted my primary Oct 13th and received the secondary the next day.
Hope you get it soon! In the meantime, get started on that personal statement. 🙂
Oh when I said "we" i meant just that person. Im already complete and have interview scheduled
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When speaking with someone in admissions, they said that the reason they so quickly notify interviewees of the decision and have a two week window to accept is that they need to know how many people to invite for the next month. If you notice, interviews are given during the first two weeks of every month, staggering them so they have a constant stream of matriculants while inviting enough to gauge how many they'll need. If you go and interview, I firmly believe you have a great shot this early in the cycle if you really prove yourself in the interview. BTW, the president elect of the AOA will be the dean of the COM in 2011!
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I have a questions for those of you who have had interview or been given interview invites.
I received the whole secondary/automatic interview thing about 3 weeks ago. It stated that after I sent in my secondary I would be notified about possible interview dates.
So, I got my secondary into them about 3 weeks ago and a few days later got an email stating that they have all my info and that I would soon notified about an interview. Well, its been almost 3 weeks since then and they still have not notified me about an interview date.
So, for those who have actually had interviews or been contacted about interview dates, how long was it after you submitted your secondary that they contacted you for the interview?
I was expecting them to contact me for the interview very soon after I sent in my secondary, but Im still just waiting. Did you guys have a similar experience?
I received the whole secondary/automatic interview thing about 3 weeks ago. It stated that after I sent in my secondary I would be notified about possible interview dates.
So, I got my secondary into them about 3 weeks ago and a few days later got an email stating that they have all my info and that I would soon notified about an interview. Well, its been almost 3 weeks since then and they still have not notified me about an interview date.
So, for those who have actually had interviews or been contacted about interview dates, how long was it after you submitted your secondary that they contacted you for the interview?
I was expecting them to contact me for the interview very soon after I sent in my secondary, but Im still just waiting. Did you guys have a similar experience?
Your interview is fairly soon isnt it? Sooo what your saying is by my interview (Dec 8th), people from the first two weeks of October and first week of December will have interviewed. It seems like 10-12 people per day...and 6 interview days in 2 weeks....so 90-108 people will be interviewed before me. Thats not tooo bad but also not good either for people in December with me. What do u guys think? I mean if they do give out 250 acceptances....I suppose we stand a good shot (I assume that of 90-108 people 20-30 will not show up, get rejected, or not take an offer?)
Thoughts?
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I believe class size is 135? You have a great shot, you're not vying for the last five spots. People have 2 weeks to out down a large deposit and accept the offer--I think you should be good to go. Even it you were the last interview and there was one spot left you would fight for it! Nothing is a garaunteed acceptance so fight for it, sell yourself, prove you'll be great for the school!
I had very similar grades and I got in. There's a chance you might get wait listed, but that's still better than nothing. Good luck!
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For those who interviewed: have they mentioned anything new about the rotations? I hear the school set-up is great, but that only covers the first two years. I am most definitely weary about the fact that they do not have good rotation spots and understand they are aware of this. The hospitals on their affiliated list are pretty much B-list at best, and if you know the tri-state, they are not exactly easy places to get to.
I have heard people say they will "probably" have better rotations within the next few years, but that's no guarantee. I just don't want to have to commute from the city to Elizabeth, NJ (Trinitas... which is pretty crappy hospital actually) everyday. Seriously, that would be a horrible commute. Good luck studying/doing research/etc after spending 2.5 hours in traffic (and that's one way on the way home).
I have heard people say they will "probably" have better rotations within the next few years, but that's no guarantee. I just don't want to have to commute from the city to Elizabeth, NJ (Trinitas... which is pretty crappy hospital actually) everyday. Seriously, that would be a horrible commute. Good luck studying/doing research/etc after spending 2.5 hours in traffic (and that's one way on the way home).
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hey guys
could anyone answer this question. Im just a bit confused about why I haven't been contacted for an interview date yet. App has been complete for weeks and they still haven't scheduled. Were you guys contacted soon after a completed secndary?
It took a while for me too. Im not at home or else I would check the exact dates (im on vacation) but I definitely took longer than expected. I had my **** in sometime in middle september and I only booked my interview last week.
Let me know what dates your offered, I got screwed. I was expecting them to ask to interview in like late Oct/early Nov but I got early Dec
Hope that helps, dont get your hopes up🙂we gon' rock this interview
Realistically I don't see much progress in this area in the immediate future. With Columbia, NYU, NYMC, Einstein all in the area + SGU + NYCOM, there are a lot of medical students for the nearby/better hospitals. But I hope I am wrong, they didnt discuss anything in particular about trying to improve spots or anything. They didnt make it seem like they had bad rotations during the interview day.
Ya but are your stats well above average? This could be a key factor in your acceptance🙂
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The acceptance calls are going out. Answer your phones 🙂
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