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TOUROCOM NY Discussion Thread 2011-2012

Started by ShyRem
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Mailed secondary 01/20/2012
Received interview invite on 02/01/2012
Interviewed on 02/23
Received in postal mail -- WAITLISTED -- on 02/29
 
Just out of curiosity, what are some specific advantages for attending a med school in NYC? I also agree that Touro's location is a great advantage as it opens way to many opportunities...but I still don't get a feel for what this "opportunity" is referring to.
Do students get to network with people in other renown med schools or hospitals around the area from time to time? Do students really get exposed to more variety of pathology within patient population? etc..
It would be great if current students can chime in and share some of their experiences and benefit they had for attending a school in NYC.
Thanks in advance!
 
It is a misconception that you will gain more clinical exposure by going to a medical school in a large city. The truth is, your medical education really only starts when you become a resident so don't limit yourself right now. What you learn on rotations, in the whole scheme of thing, will be basic at best. When you become a fourth year, you should pick the location of your residency more carefully but right now, it really doesn't matter.
 
I tried calling Issa Sow but no one's picking up. Does anyone know how full the class is currently or if there's even any point of interviewting in mid-March?
 
Can anyone who's currently enrolled at TouroCOM comment on how gay friendly the school is? As someone who's bi, this is a factor that I still have to take into consideration...

Thanks in advance 🙂
 
Can anyone who's currently enrolled at TouroCOM comment on how gay friendly the school is? As someone who's bi, this is a factor that I still have to take into consideration...

Thanks in advance 🙂


There are no LGBT group on campus if that's what you are asking. The only student groups funded by the school will be associated with medicine, not social issues. You can start one if you like, but don't expect the school to fund it.

Honestly, I agree with the school's decision. Although social issues are important, med schools should fund only medically related student groups. It's like attending Theatre school and wanting Robotics Club. Plz don't hate me for my opinion 🙂

That being said, it's NYC, I am pretty sure a big city like this will be more liberal and gay-friendly. Also, my conjecture is that NYC will attract more liberal-minded students. It's not mississippi
 
There are no LGBT group on campus if that's what you are asking. The only student groups funded by the school will be associated with medicine, not social issues. You can start one if you like, but don't expect the school to fund it.

Honestly, I agree with the school's decision. Although social issues are important, med schools should fund only medically related student groups. It's like attending Theatre school and wanting Robotics Club. Plz don't hate me for my opinion 🙂

That being said, it's NYC, I am pretty sure a big city like this will be more liberal and gay-friendly. Also, my conjecture is that NYC will attract more liberal-minded students. It's not mississippi

Thanks!
 
Just out of curiosity, what are some specific advantages for attending a med school in NYC? I also agree that Touro's location is a great advantage as it opens way to many opportunities...but I still don't get a feel for what this "opportunity" is referring to.
Do students get to network with people in other renown med schools or hospitals around the area from time to time? Do students really get exposed to more variety of pathology within patient population? etc..
It would be great if current students can chime in and share some of their experiences and benefit they had for attending a school in NYC.
Thanks in advance!

I'm curious about this as well.
 
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Just out of curiosity, what are some specific advantages for attending a med school in NYC? I also agree that Touro's location is a great advantage as it opens way to many opportunities...but I still don't get a feel for what this "opportunity" is referring to.
Do students get to network with people in other renown med schools or hospitals around the area from time to time? Do students really get exposed to more variety of pathology within patient population? etc..
It would be great if current students can chime in and share some of their experiences and benefit they had for attending a school in NYC.
Thanks in advance!


This is how I see it:

The great thing about NYC, as some current students mentioned, is that there are so many things to do. This is best when one enjoys the city life and wants to blow off some steam. This being said, I believe one can get just a good of an education from a smaller city. I believe it has all to do with one's vigilance and motivation to seek out for more knowledge.
Why is this so? It is because even within big cities, each med schools have their own affiliated hospitals and they do not want other kids to pee in their playground. Thus, even if the school is located in major city but does not have many good quality associated hospitals, then the education received could be subpar. Also note that just because the hospital is famous does not mean one will receive the best education. Since there are so many ambiguities, the trend I find among students (unless they are accepted to famous schools like Harvard or Hopkins) is they choose the school in the city they want to live in.
I believe Step 1 prep is of utmost importance during MS1-2. The most important aspect during clinicals are rotation sites and references. That being said, volunteering at school affiliated clinics during pre-clinical yrs could definitely help. What I like about Touro is their focus on boards, and since now they have volunteer clinics for students, this is just an icing on the cake. Sure, most of Touro's rotations are outside Manhattan, but it is up to one's dedication to receive the best education.
The lesson here is wherever one goes, be tenacious and assiduous. Even one can make great networks in a smaller city.
 
Hey guys

I interviewed on feb 22 and I called this past Monday and they said the decisions were already put in the mail... I haven't received anything yet, has anyone heard anything? They told us we would hear mid last week and it's so nerve racking continuously going to the mailbox! They also said they can't tell us the decision by phone soooo we gotta wait until that happens. I'm from north jersey so it's weird to me that it would take this log but I was just wondering if anyone else who interviewed around feb 22 heard anything?

Thanks!!
 
Can anyone who's currently enrolled at TouroCOM comment on how gay friendly the school is? As someone who's bi, this is a factor that I still have to take into consideration...

Thanks in advance 🙂

The student body and attitude at Touro is a pretty close to that of NYC as a whole. What I'm saying is- you wouldn't have anything to worry about.
 
Snehasa, you should have gotten a letter by now if you were accepted. They turn it around really quickly. This is assuming it wasn't lost in the mail...
 
Snehasa, you should have gotten a letter by now if you were accepted. They turn it around really quickly. This is assuming it wasn't lost in the mail...

Were you interviewed in that period? I am just asking if anyone who interviewed around that day heard anything. A week ago they called me saying they were still making decisions and telling me where I stand blah blah so I feel like they didn't make decisions THAT quickly.

I am just curious cause I felt like they would send any status (rejected, wait listed, accepted) at the same time.

Thanks 🙂
 
No, I interviewed in January. But, at that point they made decisions regarding the interviewers of the given week on the Thursday of that week and mailed out the letters the next day. From following the forum, this mechanic has appeared to hold true for each interview week since. The fact that they called you and said that suggests either they have changed their process, or you are on the waitlist.

If you scroll up a few posts, someone from your period already received a letter.

Stay busy for the time being to take your mind off it! Mass Effect 3 just came out - that should do the trick 🙂
 
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Anyone receive an interview invite lately?

I've been complete since 01/18 and nothing yet.

🙁

They are usually fairly quick with the turnaround but they can be pretty unorganized sometimes. I would call them if I were you. I've seen a few posts from people who didn't hear back and called and ended up being offered an interview on the spot.
 
Any idea what the going rate for a taxi is from Touro to JFK airport?

If you get a yellow taxi its a fixed fee and they have to post it, I think its like $45 to the airport from manhattan and same going the other direction. I believe you've also gotta pay tip, tax, tolls, etc.
 
NYC has the most extensive public transportation system in the country. If you arrive in NY the day before you are scheduled to interview, taking public transit will be the most cost effective option.
 
Just a quick / random question to the current students...

Does anyone know or heard of approximate range of Step 1 scores for TouroCOM graduates who matched to general surgery residency?
 
Just a quick / random question to the current students...

Does anyone know or heard of approximate range of Step 1 scores for TouroCOM graduates who matched to general surgery residency?

No, but our clinical dean will be sending us a newsletter summing up the results of our performance in both matches. If it doesn't include that information, I will personally ask him.
 
No, but our clinical dean will be sending us a newsletter summing up the results of our performance in both matches. If it doesn't include that information, I will personally ask him.

Thank you, very much appreciated! 🙂
 
Thank you, very much appreciated! 🙂

I know one person in 2011 that matched acgme gen surg got a 99%ile on his usmle.

If you want to match AOA gen surg, try to get above a 500. if you want to match any other AOA surgical subspecialty try to get close to 600 or higher.

As a DO if you want to match acgme gen surg (varies by area) try to get 230-240+ on your usmle....if you want to try and match any other surgical subspecialty...you need 240+ and research amongst other things.
 
Hey all. I was just wondering if anyone who interviewed 3/1 has heard back from TouroCOM yet, accepted, wait list or otherwise. Looking at the thread, it appears that people heard back in 6-9 days post interview. I haven't received anything just yet and it looks like I'll be anxiously waiting for my mail man this Monday.
 
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I know one person in 2011 that matched acgme gen surg got a 99%ile on his usmle.

If you want to match AOA gen surg, try to get above a 500. if you want to match any other AOA surgical subspecialty try to get close to 600 or higher.

As a DO if you want to match acgme gen surg (varies by area) try to get 230-240+ on your usmle....if you want to try and match any other surgical subspecialty...you need 240+ and research amongst other things.

Hey, thanks a lot for the info. As I expected, the score range is pretty high...I guess I'll need to enjoy my time and do some crazy stuff before school starts, b/c it's serious business when it starts..
 
Still no word from February 29 interviews. Feeling pretty anxious.

Same here … patiently waiting -_____-

oh and by the way I was looking at the emotions and I thought this one was funny

:beat:

Seriously? ahaha is that a cow, mule, or horse? lol 😕 I don’t even know what led me to this train of thought ….
 

Based on my interview it seems that the class would only come in for the clicker sessions and reviews before exams. Other than that your time ::which seemed like the majority of it:: is spent out of the classroom. The professors have an open door policy though so if you ever need assistance they'd be willing to help. As far as how much time you'd get out of the classroom I don't think anyone can give you an exact number because the ℅ 2016 would be the first class to have all their lectures steam-able :: def not a word lol::

Hope that helped 🙂
 
Hey guys,

I just talked to Mr. Perez, and he said that they have mailed out the acceptance/rejection/ wait list letters for the Feb. 29th and March 1st interviews. He also said everyone should be receiving these letter by the end of this week ... so hang in guys we will find out very soon!
 
Hey guys,

I just talked to Mr. Perez, and he said that they have mailed out the acceptance/rejection/ wait list letters for the Feb. 29th and March 1st interviews. He also said everyone should be receiving these letter by the end of this week ... so hang in guys we will find out very soon!

so theres rejection letters??
 
Hey guys,

I just talked to Mr. Perez, and he said that they have mailed out the acceptance/rejection/ wait list letters for the Feb. 29th and March 1st interviews. He also said everyone should be receiving these letter by the end of this week ... so hang in guys we will find out very soon!

so theres rejection letters??

Wow I’m nervous. I remember when I interviewed he said there were 10-15 seats left … but that number fluctuates everyday tpp. Still, the chances of a waitlist are pretty darn high considering they are still interviewing … hmphhh 🙁 Well, good luck everyone !
 
Does anyone know when Touro will begin dipping into it's waitlist? In terms of waitlisters, i am like a grandfather. I've been here since november, lol.
 
Does anyone know when Touro will begin dipping into it's waitlist? In terms of waitlisters, i am like a grandfather. I've been here since november, lol.


If last year is any guide wait listers will begin being accepted in late May and continue until the class is full in early July.
 
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well he said the "decision" has been mailed... so I am guessing rejection is a possible decision? But to be optimistic, maybe the only options are acceptances and wait lists!
 

Here's what the Class of 2016's schedule is going to look like:

Monday: Test day, no lecture
Tuesday: (in no order) Group A will have Bio, Histo, Physio, Biochem in the morning, Group B will have it in the afternoon. You will either have school from 8-12 or 1-5.
Wednesday: PD in the morning(8-9 lecture, labs from 9-10, 10-11, 11-12) and nothing in the afternoon
Thursday: This is where it got a little confusing. PMPH from 8-9, OMM Lab for half the class from 9-11, and open Anatomy and Histo Lab for the other groups from 9-12. I believe the other half will have OMM lab from 1-3. Essentially, you could have morning lecture all week and never have class past 12. I don't believe you get a choice as to what section you are placed in, but nothing is set in stone at this point in time.
 
Interviewed March 1. Just received a wait list email this morning 🙁. Hoping some seats open up and they start accepting from the wait list soon!
 
Hey guys, I've just sent in my primary to Touro COM on 3/8, very late, I know, but I just got my mcat score back, and sent it out immediately. While I'm waiting for a secondary 🙂xf🙂, I wanted to visit the campus as I live on Long Island, and it's quite close to visit. I wanted to try to meet Dr. Perez or Dr. Cammarata while I'm there, but I'm not able to get ahold of them on the phone, or anyone for a matter of fact. Then again, I've only been calling for about an hour, so maybe they'll be there later in the day. I also emailed them both last night. I just wanted to know how you guys get in touch with them, because I'm not able to reach them, or Mr. Sow.

Thanks for your help in advance 🙂

p.s. good luck to everyone who's yet to interview, or is on the waitlist!
 
Interviewed March 1. Just received a wait list email this morning 🙁. Hoping some seats open up and they start accepting from the wait list soon!

Interviewed Feb 29th waitlisted as well. Bummer 🙁 In my e-mail it mentioned the priority waitlist. I’m a little confused by that, is there more than one waitlist? I was under the impression that there is only one waitlist 😕

Hopefully they start pulling from the list soon!

To those accepted congrats 🙂
 
Hey guys,

I received a wait list letter in the mail about a month ago. This morning I received an e-mail stating that I am on the "priority" wait list. Is that considered a ranking or is that just reiterating the fact that i'm on the wait list? I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. Thanks!
 
I too was previously on the waitlist and have just received the email that used the word priority. I do not know what to make of it either.
 
Hey guys,

I received a wait list letter in the mail about a month ago. This morning I received an e-mail stating that I am on the "priority" wait list. Is that considered a ranking or is that just reiterating the fact that i'm on the wait list? I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. Thanks!

I suppose that one might be ranked 😕 I wonder how many people are on the priority list.
 
I emailed Mr. Perez to see if he could shed some light on the "priority wait list" situation. Also, I noticed my email says if a seat for the class of 2015 opens up? I'm wondering if that is just a typo? Anyways, I will let you know if he responds with additional information.

Best of luck to everyone!
 
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