Touro University - California (TUCOM-CA) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

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OH MY GOD II!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3.2 32 fwiw complete back in mid august

Hooray, congrats!! Would you mind sharing your science gpa also? Good luck!
 
science gpa is higher >3.4
 
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Silent since 8/11... This is my top choice school. Is it worth it to send a letter of interest? My stats are gpa 3.3, sgpa 3.2, MCAT 31 (10/9/12)
 
have an interview here on Monday. Can anyone who has interviewed shed some light on the process/what they are looking for?
 
have an interview here on Monday. Can anyone who has interviewed shed some light on the process/what they are looking for?

Who knows what they are looking for, do not stay in Vallejo. Group interview, which was extremely stressful for me. But pretty basic questions, and also each person got a pretty challenging question that really made them think. Was not crazy about this school.
 
Who knows what they are looking for, do not stay in Vallejo. Group interview, which was extremely stressful for me. But pretty basic questions, and also each person got a pretty challenging question that really made them think. Was not crazy about this school.

I didn't find it stressful, but I guess it depends on your group - which is awkward to hear other people..

Also I agree, school didn't appeal much.
 
I didn't find it stressful, but I guess it depends on your group - which is awkward to hear other people..

Also I agree, school didn't appeal much.

How many people are there in a group? It sounds pretty awful... It's already pretty embarrassing trying to impress interviewers but now if you add to that trying to look good compared to other interviewees it's just ugh... Unnecessarily competitive. And seems like the school doesn't want to spend resources on getting to know each applicant individually?
 
How many people are there in a group? It sounds pretty awful... It's already pretty embarrassing trying to impress interviewers but now if you add to that trying to look good compared to other interviewees it's just ugh... Unnecessarily competitive. And seems like the school doesn't want to spend resources on getting to know each applicant individually?

I think there are supposed to be 5 people per group? The only thing that really bothered me about it is that some applicants can talk on and on and on and on and not leave that much time for other applicants to speak. Although that may be either good or bad depending on how you see it. If you can say what you need to say concisely and to the point, then you can look good in front of other applicants. Maybe one applicant nervously fidgets when answering questions. You could remind yourself to not make the same mistakes.

For me, it was pretty non-stressful and I really liked the panel that interviewed my group. Just remember that what you say counts. I think I only answered 4 questions total.
 
Does everyone geta chance to answer why medicine?

Always be prepared for that question in interviews because it comes up more often than not. But in my interview, none of us were actually asked that. I'd say we had questions that pertained to our file mostly and an out of the box question where you got to show your personality a bit.
 
Always be prepared for that question in interviews because it comes up more often than not. But in my interview, none of us were actually asked that. I'd say we had questions that pertained to our file mostly and an out of the box question where you got to show your personality a bit.

You think studying our files; I.e. ec's and secondary responses would be a good way to succeed in the interview? Should answers be tied back to why medicine do u think?
 
You think studying our files; I.e. ec's and secondary responses would be a good way to succeed in the interview? Should answers be tied back to why medicine do u think?

Yes! Studying everything in your primary/secondary is always a good way to go. Even thinking about how seemingly unrelated extracurricular activities can tie back to medicine/osteopathy/your future practice is a good way to go. Sometimes they just want you to describe your experiences, and other times they will explicitly ask you to relate your experiences to medicine. Just make sure you know what's in your file and answer what they're asking.
 
I never understood that "study your files". I WROTE them, I didn't lie, so ergo, I know what is in them?
 
Yes! Studying everything in your primary/secondary is always a good way to go. Even thinking about how seemingly unrelated extracurricular activities can tie back to medicine/osteopathy/your future practice is a good way to go. Sometimes they just want you to describe your experiences, and other times they will explicitly ask you to relate your experiences to medicine. Just make sure you know what's in your file and answer what they're asking.
thanks so much. Do you know how we can view our completed secondary? My hard drive died and I lost all my files
 
How many people are there in a group? It sounds pretty awful... It's already pretty embarrassing trying to impress interviewers but now if you add to that trying to look good compared to other interviewees it's just ugh... Unnecessarily competitive. And seems like the school doesn't want to spend resources on getting to know each applicant individually?

This is probably furthest from the truth. The interviewers themselves were probably the only thing that impressed me about this school. They really dug into your files and asked personal questions, even quoting/naming things from your file. My guess the group format is to see how your interview with your peers listening...or how you handle awkwardness lol
 
This is probably furthest from the truth. The interviewers themselves were probably the only thing that impressed me about this school. They really dug into your files and asked personal questions, even quoting/naming things from your file. My guess the group format is to see how your interview with your peers listening...or how you handle awkwardness lol

That's good to know, definitely makes me feel a bit better, assuming I even get an ii at some point...

However, interviewers being nice doesn't negate the possibly that the school is possibly throwing everyone in groups because of lack of resources. Interviewers might be just trying to make the best out of this situation and try extra hard to get to know you, despite the awkward format
 
I will drive from Southern Cali(Orange County) this Sunday Oct 19th for interview on Monday Oct 20th. Anyone up for road trip? thanks
 
I was complete almost a month ago, still haven't heard anything from them. Is this normal?

3.6 cGPA
3.3 sGPA
33 MCAT
Good ECs, strong DO exposure, etc.
 
Any ideas for interview question: "Why do you want to attend Touro?", thanks
 
Will they send a complete email? Or is there anyway to check the status? My online website just says submitted.
 
I think they send a complete email because I got one last week saying that I have everything in except my letters of rec, which is frustrating since I sent them in like 2 weeks ago.
 
Just got my II today! I am so excited to interview. I am OOS and have never gone to the west coast in my life. What are some things that I should look out for in the school and area? Did students who interviewed here stay at the Marriot they offered in the email? Are there other hotels around the area?

Someone who interviewed here, if you can PM me. How were the questions at the interview? Are they pretty standard?, such as Why Medicine? Tell me about yourself. Describe yourself Etc. I've heard of ridiculous questions at other schools that are meant to throw you off and have you think. What were the Touro-CA questions like?
 
Will they send a complete email? Or is there anyway to check the status? My online website just says submitted.

I think they send a complete email because I got one last week saying that I have everything in except my letters of rec, which is frustrating since I sent them in like 2 weeks ago.

Yep, I just got a complete email just now...i guess they have a lot of applications to look at because I sent my LORs a while back ago and they just processed it now....
 
I just got an ii today for Nov. 4th, and in reading up more on Touro, my excitement is waining. Especially when looking up information about their rotation sites.

So I have to ask:
I've already been accepted at DMU (and was blown away by it), is it worth it to still visit Touro and interview? I'm open to any information from current students, other applicants, etc! But as an OOS student from the midwest, the flight is going to be very expensive so I want to know for sure if it's worth it to pursue or not with my first acceptance at DMU already figured out.
 
I just got an ii today for Nov. 4th, and in reading up more on Touro, my excitement is waining. Especially when looking up information about their rotation sites.

So I have to ask:
I've already been accepted at DMU (and was blown away by it), is it worth it to still visit Touro and interview? I'm open to any information from current students, other applicants, etc! But as an OOS student from the midwest, the flight is going to be very expensive so I want to know for sure if it's worth it to pursue or not with my first acceptance at DMU already figured out.

Honestly, I would roll with DMU if you've got good vibes from them. Based on the expectations that have probably been set, I think Touro is going to be a let down for you...and a waste of money.
 
Honestly, I would roll with DMU if you've got good vibes from them. Based on the expectations that have probably been set, I think Touro is going to be a let down for you...and a waste of money.

Thanks-- that's what I'm thinking too. I'd much rather email Admissions now and let my spot go to someone else who really wants it anyway.
 
Just got my II today! I am so excited to interview. I am OOS and have never gone to the west coast in my life. What are some things that I should look out for in the school and area? Did students who interviewed here stay at the Marriot they offered in the email? Are there other hotels around the area?

Someone who interviewed here, if you can PM me. How were the questions at the interview? Are they pretty standard?, such as Why Medicine? Tell me about yourself. Describe yourself Etc. I've heard of ridiculous questions at other schools that are meant to throw you off and have you think. What were the Touro-CA questions like?

Congrats! When were you complete friend?
 
Complete on 9/24 so they have a decent turn around time. Other schools I have been complete for a while and have not even replied yet.
 
My primary was released two weeks ago and still no secondary... Is it normal?
 
Complete on 9/24 so they have a decent turn around time. Other schools I have been complete for a while and have not even replied yet.

I was complete 9/16 and I am still waiting to here back. What are your stats if you don't mind me asking?
 
That's good to know, definitely makes me feel a bit better, assuming I even get an ii at some point...

However, interviewers being nice doesn't negate the possibly that the school is possibly throwing everyone in groups because of lack of resources. Interviewers might be just trying to make the best out of this situation and try extra hard to get to know you, despite the awkward format

Director of admissions quoted your posted during interview day recently.. thought you might get a LOL out of that.
 
Director of admissions quoted your posted during interview day recently.. thought you might get a LOL out of that.

:scared:

since they are reading this: I promise I don't mind the group format! Just please send me a secondary!
 
I was complete 9/16 and I am still waiting to here back. What are your stats if you don't mind me asking?

I have about a 3.5 cGPA, 31 MCAT --> loads of EC (Sports, VP of Sports club, EMT certified, work at ophthalmology, organic chemistry teachers assistant)
 
I remember someone mentioning they particularly like non-trads here as the average age is a bit older..

Hopefully this is the case, as I'm a non-trad. During my interview day 4 of the 9 were 29-30 years old...anyone else who interviewed here notice this in your group?
 
Only 2/9 of my interview group had graduated before 2014. 1/9 was a current senior, and the rest were class of 2014.
 
Who's interviewing tomorrow and going to be around at the Courtyard tonight? PM me if you want to hang out!
 
I'm also interviewing tomorrow. Will be at doubletree though, but I have a car so I can go anywhere. PM me if you want to mock interviews or just hang out 🙂
 
Anybody know the RANGE (highest and lowest) of accepted MCAT and GPA scores?

TUCOM-CA only has AVERAGES (MCAT and GPA) on their website. I think ranges are telling when coupled with the averages, and helpful for those trying to decide whether to spend money on applications with a lower MCAT or GPA.
 
Anybody know the RANGE (highest and lowest) of accepted MCAT and GPA scores?

TUCOM-CA only has AVERAGES (MCAT and GPA) on their website. I think ranges are telling when coupled with the averages, and helpful for those trying to decide whether to spend money on applications with a lower MCAT or GPA.

My MCAT is about their average (30) but my cGPA/sGPA is below (3.37/3.2) and I got an interview invite so it really depends on other factors too. I'd say it depends all on money and the strength of activities outside of your stats.
 
They told my interview group we'd be hearing back today, on Halloween. I'm constantly checking my email...let's hope it's a treat and not a trick.
 
High Alternate. OOS, interesting bc Western also wait-listed me..

Congrats to everyone who got accepted!
 
haha i interviewed this Monday as well, but i did not hear back yet
 
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