TUCOM - CA Discussion thread 2007-2008

[JWE27]

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Very cool. Maybe we'll be in the same interview. You're not planning on driving up the same day as the interview are you? That's like a 6 hour drive.

Actually, from where I'm coming from it will be more like an 8-hr drive! No, I'm not crazy; I'm driving up the night before. The drive back should be lots of fun, though, since I have to work the next day! Oh well, I'll live. See you then...

 

[SugarBuster]

I interviewed at Touro early Oct and was accepted. I put down my deposit because I liked the school's location (I live in the Bay Area) and was quite favorably impressed on interview day.

I noticed on the recent match lists that many students matched into emergency medicine and I'm curious about this, considering the "primary care" angle professed by Touro. I've done all my clinical work in outpatient settings and urgent care clinics, so I don't really know the nitty-gritty of working in an ER, but to me emergency medicine seems in many ways the opposite of primary care. Does anyone know why it's such an oft-matched residency for Touro MI grads?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I think that ER should be considered primary care, because that's how a lot of people use it.

 

[SugarBuster]

Hmm, interesting. I have never volunteered or otherwise spent time in an ER, but it seems to be a "failsafe" for the uninsured, a place where they know they will receive care.

 

[cabound]

Hey everyone!

So I'm pretty sure I've decided that this is where I'm going to go (mann.. that feels good!), and I just wanted to get the opinion of some students who attend Touro about Mare Island and living..

I mean, the place has a strange vibe, that historical(/abandoned haha) feel, but does this seem to ever bother you while you're at school? I know there's a cafe or two.. and vallejo's literally a bridge-drive away, but do you feel like you have to leave campus to do everything besides study?

For those of you who live in the dorms on campus...how are they? do you find yourself going out into vallejo like all the time? I'm sure these are weird questions, but the campus atmosphere was pretty much the ONLY thing (besides tuition) that came off a little negative.

On the housing note... how should I go about determining which places in Vallejo are safe to live and which arent? the general consensus I got was that there are some shady areas...sooo, what's good? where do other students live?

Also... I know for first years they have changed the curriculum, so now the do a systems-based approach. Do you feel like this incorporates problem-based learning as well??

Ok, and ONE MORE quickie- the dress code requirement for OMM, do you have to be shirtless (like sports bra only for girls?)

thanks whoever for reading and answering these questions! I'm just getting ready to start making the plans, so I wanna know everything first!!

 

[Boddhichita]

Hey everyone!

So I'm pretty sure I've decided that this is where I'm going to go (mann.. that feels good!), and I just wanted to get the opinion of some students who attend Touro about Mare Island and living..

I mean, the place has a strange vibe, that historical(/abandoned haha) feel, but does this seem to ever bother you while you're at school? I know there's a cafe or two.. and vallejo's literally a bridge-drive away, but do you feel like you have to leave campus to do everything besides study?

For those of you who live in the dorms on campus...how are they? do you find yourself going out into vallejo like all the time? I'm sure these are weird questions, but the campus atmosphere was pretty much the ONLY thing (besides tuition) that came off a little negative.

On the housing note... how should I go about determining which places in Vallejo are safe to live and which arent? the general consensus I got was that there are some shady areas...sooo, what's good? where do other students live?

Also... I know for first years they have changed the curriculum, so now the do a systems-based approach. Do you feel like this incorporates problem-based learning as well??

Ok, and ONE MORE quickie- the dress code requirement for OMM, do you have to be shirtless (like sports bra only for girls?)

thanks whoever for reading and answering these questions! I'm just getting ready to start making the plans, so I wanna know everything first!!

Hey cabound,

A lot of the stuff your looking for can be found in the TUCOM-CA 2011 class thread (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=328254) ...it's long but pretty informative. The 2010 class thread also has lots of info regarding housing, so you might want to check those out.

From what i've heard, yes, OMM labs are shirtless, and girls have to wear sports bra.

 

[skier06]

I'm an east coast applicant, and will by chance happen to be in the Bay Area over this next week. I read on the website that they offer tours of the campus on Mondays and Tuesdays - does anyone know if this is accurate, or if you've been on one, has it been useful?

Also, I haven't submitted my secondary yet (I know, I know, it's late) - would it be worth just dropping it off at the admissions office if I'm going to be in the area anyway, just so they can put a face to my name and see that I really am very interested?

And then I can not-so-subtle-y mention that I'll be back in California in January in case they want to interview me? Haha just kidding on that last part. Sort of.

Thanks in advance....

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

I'm an east coast applicant, and will by chance happen to be in the Bay Area over this next week. I read on the website that they offer tours of the campus on Mondays and Tuesdays - does anyone know if this is accurate, or if you've been on one, has it been useful?

Also, I haven't submitted my secondary yet (I know, I know, it's late) - would it be worth just dropping it off at the admissions office if I'm going to be in the area anyway, just so they can put a face to my name and see that I really am very interested?

And then I can not-so-subtle-y mention that I'll be back in California in January in case they want to interview me? Haha just kidding on that last part. Sort of.

Thanks in advance....

I tried that at the University of Washington before and when you go into the office you usually don't get to meet the people who make the actual decisions but if you make a good impression the office people might remember you and that might be a good thing when you bug them about your status every other day... or hour...

Anyway, my interview is coming up. I'm reading a few books, going over my apps, learning about DO stuff. SDN interview q's. Any other suggestions on prep? Anyone else gonna be there Nov 5th?

 

[poly800rock]

I tried that at the University of Washington before and when you go into the office you usually don't get to meet the people who make the actual decisions but if you make a good impression the office people might remember you and that might be a good thing when you bug them about your status every other day... or hour...

Anyway, my interview is coming up. I'm reading a few books, going over my apps, learning about DO stuff. SDN interview q's. Any other suggestions on prep? Anyone else gonna be there Nov 5th?

how soon do you hear from them? I submitted my secondary a week ago...

 

[orangr85]

id like to know how long it takes too..when i called admissions last week ( which happened to be the day i was complete ), they said i should hear back in a few days if i get an interview. it's been 7 days so i'm not sure if this is bad news or not...

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

how soon do you hear from them? I submitted my secondary a week ago...

I'm sure it's different for everybody but here's when I received my notices:

File Complete Notification (snail mail): 10/3
Interview Invite (snail mail): 10/9 is date on letter but I received the actual letter 10/13

 

[superfan56]

I'm sure it's different for everybody but here's when I received my notices:

File Complete Notification (snail mail): 10/3
Interview Invite (snail mail): 10/9 is date on letter but I received the actual letter 10/13

great to know they're quick!

 

[ocwaveoc]

Hi,

I was recently accepted into Touro and am still deciding whether or not to attend. A lot of the decision will have to do with how the rotations are set up. I was hoping to get some more insight into what the rotation structure is at Touro, but I felt there was vagueness or lack of effort on the part of the Touro representatives to give a clear answer on rotations. From what I know, it's highly random where students get placed and there aren't many local program for students to do their rotations. But I could be wrong. Does anyone have any info on this? Thanks.

I've worked briefly with a Touro-CA graduate a couple of years ago who was a resident. He had just graduated. His main complaint was that during the 3rd and 4th yr clinicals he had to move around so much.

I think this is one of the biggest issue going against DO schools....at least for me it is. In MD schools, you have a choice whether to do all your 3rd and 4th yr clinicals at the med school teaching hospital or to go else where some of the time. In DO schools, you HAVE to move around. Some times these places are close to school. But, you are bound to get places where it's hours from school. This just complicates things in terms of the living arrangements since for electives it is the STUDENTS' responsibility to look for places to live. I've heard someone say "well for MD schools, if you choose to do electives at a place of your choosing rather than the university's teaching hospital, you need to look for a place to live on your own as well". Well, the difference between the DO and MD situation is that in MD schools you do have a choice to stay at the teaching hospital.

 

[superfan56]

I'm sure it's different for everybody but here's when I received my notices:

File Complete Notification (snail mail): 10/3
Interview Invite (snail mail): 10/9 is date on letter but I received the actual letter 10/13

Just got a reply from Lynn saying I have an interview, card was mailed out yesterday!

 

[mils617]

me too!

 

[JWE27]

I have some advice (take it for what it's worth):

So far the interviews I've been on have been great. One of which was even one of those notorious grill sessions where they're essentially trying to simply see how you react to certain questions, scenarios, etc. What I decided was to more or less "take the interview over". I don't mean I was talking over them, being aggressive, etc. During both interviews (I've only had 2 so far, but have 2 more within the next few weeks) I simply volunteered a lot of information right away (mostly because I tend to like to connect many different topics, ideas, etc.). For example, during my last interview at AZCOM right when I walked in I was asked "Why are you here?". I flowed right into why I wanted to be at their school, then why I want to be in a DO program, then why I'm changing careers (obviously I'm a nontrad), then I threw in some of my strengths and why I'd be a great candidate for their program - all of which was in response to their simple: "Why are you here?" question. After that, the main interviewer said: "Wow! We usually have to ask those questions, but you saved us the trouble!" He then said he "...really liked my 'opening statement' ". After that, the interview went fantastic (what was left of it), since they felt they knew a lot about me, and at that point were really just asking personal questions to "get to know me better". I've done this at both interviews I've had to great effect, and I'm posting it here because I have my interview at TOURO-CA this Monday (11/5) and plan to do the same. Obviously you have to have what you want to say well mapped out yet make it seem spontaneous (i.e., don't monotonously drone out a monologue). I realize this approach may not be appropriate for all interview situations, but so far so good! 👍 I think reading the room is important. Also, it helps if you're a good communicator, especially during stressful situations. I'm mentioning this because I've heard one-too-many horror stories from candidates who felt their interview really didn't give the interviewers a chance to learn how great they are, since most of it was dominated by irrelevant or strange questions.

I'll have to post how my next two interviews go (TOURO-CA and COMP).

Just my two cents so far...

 

[superfan56]

scheduling my interview on monday. Great advice!

 

[Desiraju01]

ok get this scenario i am in:

i am going to retake my MCAT in January 26th. I may or may not graduate in 2008 depending on my credits. If i complete my 2nd semester of 2008, i may have one class left to do over summer.

so, if i do not have any classes left over, can i still apply to DO school? is it ok to apply early before the deadline? exactly when is the DO school deadline?? i've been trying to find that..some says march??

If i do have class left over for summer and graduate by end of summer, can i still apply before summer and matriculate after graduation during that summer of 2008?

When is the normal matriculation date for DO schools especially TUCOM-CA?

reason why i chose TUCOM-CA is because of the gpa and mcat requirements!

i am sure other DO school have similar requirements.


is it ok for me to call TUCOM-CA and talk to them about this scenario?? i want to speak with the Dean of admissions. i have his number.

ALSO, if i do not apply for 2008 and apply for 2009, what i should do during the entire year off? is there an internship or some kind of entry-level job or volunteering or anything medical related field that i can do in california? phlebotomy or EMT or something like that after graduating with BS here in florida?

please advise. thank you


also...suppose if my gpa is not good, is it possible to do post-bacc at other college instead of the one i'm currently in?

 

[superfan56]

ok get this scenario i am in:

i am going to retake my MCAT in January 26th. I may or may not graduate in 2008 depending on my credits. If i complete my 2nd semester of 2008, i may have one class left to do over summer.

so, if i do not have any classes left over, can i still apply to DO school? is it ok to apply early before the deadline? exactly when is the DO school deadline?? i've been trying to find that..some says march??

If i do have class left over for summer and graduate by end of summer, can i still apply before summer and matriculate after graduation during that summer of 2008?

When is the normal matriculation date for DO schools especially TUCOM-CA?

reason why i chose TUCOM-CA is because of the gpa and mcat requirements!

i am sure other DO school have similar requirements.


is it ok for me to call TUCOM-CA and talk to them about this scenario?? i want to speak with the Dean of admissions. i have his number.

ALSO, if i do not apply for 2008 and apply for 2009, what i should do during the entire year off? is there an internship or some kind of entry-level job or volunteering or anything medical related field that i can do in california? phlebotomy or EMT or something like that after graduating with BS here in florida?

please advise. thank you


also...suppose if my gpa is not good, is it possible to do post-bacc at other college instead of the one i'm currently in?

Touro's GPA + MCATS aren't that low. They get a lot of spillover from CA allopathic kids. At least all the kids I know there are allopathic rejects.

 

[153606]

Just wondering if anyone has been waitlisted at Touro-MI yet??

 

[thizz6766]

Does anyone have an idea of their stats? MCAT and GPA? I know its late but I want to apply, but if I am below the average i might just wait to next year.

I'm a bioengineer with a 3.1 gpa and 27 mcat.

 

[superfan56]

Does anyone have an idea of their stats? MCAT and GPA? I know its late but I want to apply, but if I am below the average i might just wait to next year.

I'm a bioengineer with a 3.1 gpa and 27 mcat.

I'm not 100% sure, but off the top of my head it's 3.4 26MCAT

 

[zenster]

Does anyone have any lodging recommendations, besides the recommended Courtyard? If staying at a different hotel, any tips on how to get to the interview? Would you call a cab to take you to the Courtyard shuttle? Im coming in from NYC so any advice would be MUCH appreciated.

 

[JWE27]

Does anyone have any lodging recommendations, besides the recommended Courtyard? If staying at a different hotel, any tips on how to get to the interview? Would you call a cab to take you to the Courtyard shuttle? Im coming in from NYC so any advice would be MUCH appreciated.

There's a Motel 6 off Sandy Beach Road in Vallejo that's about 3 miles from the school. If you book it online, it's only ~$40. That's where I stayed, and it was fine. I'm sure a cab for 3miles would be pretty cheap...

 

[DancerDoc777]

I'm not 100% sure, but off the top of my head it's 3.4 26MCAT

Actually, this is straight from the Touro-CA website:

"Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the few medical schools that pre-screens off of the primary (AACOMAS) application. The qualifying bar is reviewed every year. Typically, successful candidates earn Science and Cumulative GPA's of 3.0 or greater and have obtained a minimum combined MCAT score of 23, though the Admissions and Standards Committee will, on a case by case basis, look below these figures."

Hope this helps. I know it helped me! Phew that '26 MCAT' scared me for a second, just one point off!

 

[blueyellow]

I made a post earlier....here it is:

Anyone Interviewing on Nov 12th??? If so, where are you staying? I found a nearby hotel which is WAY cheaper than the Marriot. The name is RAMADA and it will cost you ~$65, instead of the 135 at the recommended Marriot.

This hotel is only a mile away from the Marriot by the way. Check it out: http://www.hotels-rates.com/Vallejo/CA/usa/

So if you are going to opt out of the Marriot and stay at the Ramada, see you there. I know the shuttle in the morning for TUCOM leaves from the Marriot, but I think we can all get to the marriot without trouble and catch the shuttle to TUCOM.

 

[Doc driven]

Thanks for your time. Do you guys think it is worth staying in the hotel the night before to meet the people who are going to be interviewing with you? I live so close to Touro that I just want to drive up the morning of the interview. Thanks again.
Doc driven

 

[superfan56]

Thanks for your time. Do you guys think it is worth staying in the hotel the night before to meet the people who are going to be interviewing with you? I live so close to Touro that I just want to drive up the morning of the interview. Thanks again.
Doc driven

that;s a great question. As i'm booking my hotel this week hopefully

 

[ringtail]

Bueller?...Bueller?......Bueller?..........

 

[orangr85]

just got my interview invite today!!

does anyone know what the post interview acceptance rate is??

 

[gt2007]

I just had my interview and this is how they broke it down for us...which btw is the most detailed breakdown of the application process I have EVER gotten... they get about 4,000 applicants...of which about 2000 get secondaries....approximately 1700 return the secondary....out of the 1700 they usually have around 400-450 interviews a year....out of the 400-450 interviews they accept 130 i believe...which is the size of their class...
they also said that when they have enough slots available they give the admissions committee the admit everyone if they just interview if they so feel...but that usually doesnt happen...so i guess to answer your question...about 25% of the students interviewed get accepted...this is from the numbers that were told to us during the interview

 

[Tanner82]

out of the 400-450 interviews they accept 130 i believe...which is the size of their class...

I doubt that every single person they accept enrolls. They accept 280+ just out of state so chances are alot > than 50%

 

[GQMO16]

so who else is gonna be there at teh interview tomorrow, im pretty excited

 

[chapstick]

I had a question about interviews and acceptance into the D.O. program at Touro-Ca. I am also in Touro's MPH program at the moment.

Stats: (Yes, I know they are low.)

Science: 2.86
Cum: 2.956
Mcat: 27P (9's across the board)
Many extracurriculars, ER experience, teaching experience.

GPA used to be lower, but did a post bac program for 2 semesters and increased it.

I know the GPA is still low, but 27P on the MCAT is a tiny bit higher than Touro's average I think. What do you guys think? After speaking with the dean for months, he said he would push for an interview for me. But after the interview, as committee is looking at my GPA, What do you think my chance of getting in is?

Did anyone get in with a lower than average GPA, or MCAT score?

Nervous, and stomach is in knots. I am filling out the secondary right now.

Help. 🙂 Thanks in advance. Good luck to all.

 

[orangr85]

the dean is a really nice guy -

i have lower than average stats as well,and i think he helped me clinch the interview..i have about a 3.1 sci and overall gpa and a 24S MCAT. I kept in touch with the adcom throughout, got great letters of rec, and did well my first quarter of grad school ( getting my M.S. in bio), so i think that helped.
since youre also doing a post bac program and have a solid MCAT i dont see why they shouldnt help you out!!

keep in mind that post interview their acceptance is really good - something like 289 / 425 or something of the sort. if anything is hurting you it's your application time - get that secondary in asap!! good luck👍

 

[nerdgrrl]

I had a question about interviews and acceptance into the D.O. program at Touro-Ca. I am also in Touro's MPH program at the moment.

Stats: (Yes, I know they are low.)

Science: 2.86
Cum: 2.956
Mcat: 27P (9's across the board)
Many extracurriculars, ER experience, teaching experience.

GPA used to be lower, but did a post bac program for 2 semesters and increased it.

I know the GPA is still low, but 27P on the MCAT is a tiny bit higher than Touro's average I think. What do you guys think? After speaking with the dean for months, he said he would push for an interview for me. But after the interview, as committee is looking at my GPA, What do you think my chance of getting in is?

Did anyone get in with a lower than average GPA, or MCAT score?

Nervous, and stomach is in knots. I am filling out the secondary right now.

Help. 🙂 Thanks in advance. Good luck to all.

Have you talked to Dr. Haight? being as you're already a Touro student, seems like you'd have something of an in to at least talk to him. for the record, my science GPA was 2.9, cumulative was 3.4 (I think? maybe 3.2? applications were a long time ago!), MCAT was 29Q, with a social science major, and graduate work in the same. supposedly my class has the highest average GPA and MCAT of any class they've had before, but who knows what that really means. ;o) good luck!

 

[ringtail]

so who else is gonna be there at teh interview tomorrow, im pretty excited

GQ, I'll be there tomorrow. My wife and I drove up from Fresno and scoped the place out today. Are you staying at the Marriott? I have family in Vacaville and am there for the night. I'm thinking of parking at the hotel and riding the bus with any other students. Don't wanna drive all that if I don't have to. See ya tomorrow.

 

[DrMidlife]

Did anyone get in with a lower than average GPA, or MCAT score?

Yeah, half the class is below the average, by definition.

Best of luck to you.

 

[GQMO16]

im actually staying in san jose wtih familiy, so im gonna have a long drive up tomrorow morning, hopefully it doenst take too long but imleaving a couple hoursearly just in case....have a gnight, will see u there

 

[MDROCKSTAR]

So if you are going to opt out of the Marriot and stay at the Ramada, see you there. I know the shuttle in the morning for TUCOM leaves from the Marriot, but I think we can all get to the marriot without trouble and catch the shuttle to TUCOM.

Good luck with that-- I wouldn't take that risk, but that's a personal preference. I stayed at the courtyard marriot-- which was ridiculously expensive, had no continental breakfast, and was isolated-- the only restaurant close by was a Carl's Jr. (I am from out of state, so I stayed there 2 nights) However, there is a six flags there-- (not yet operational) The rest of the area is pretty shady.

btw, technically the shuttle is for only Marriot customers-- but I guess who cares!

 

[jyland]

I have recently submitted my primary application. Just started getting secondaries from other schools. My stats are 3.4 GPA 30MCAT. Being late in the game do I still have a resonable shot of getting a secondary and an interview?

 

[GQMO16]

I have recently submitted my primary application. Just started getting secondaries from other schools. My stats are 3.4 GPA 30MCAT. Being late in the game do I still have a resonable shot of getting a secondary and an interview?

just based off those numbers u definitely do, just get in ur secondary fast cuz touroca has a quick turnaround time before they offer u an interview...i think i was offered one within a few days after being complete

 

[superfan56]

just based off those numbers u definitely do, just get in ur secondary fast cuz touroca has a quick turnaround time before they offer u an interview...i think i was offered one within a few days after being complete

they are pretty quick. Like a few days quick

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

It's decision day. Are you guys excited? nervous? apathetic? And why do they have to send out their decisions via snail mail anyway? It's called the internet! It's instant!

 

[lovefood]

It's decision day. Are you guys excited? nervous? apathetic? And why do they have to send out their decisions via snail mail anyway? It's called the internet! It's instant!

They can email you their decision so you can know quicker.

Did anyone else interview at Touro this week? They told us they'd let us know by Thursday morning, right? I didn't receive any notification yet.. I'm wondering if this means that I didn't get in?? 🙁

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

They can email you their decision so you can know quicker.

Did anyone else interview at Touro this week? They told us they'd let us know by Thursday morning, right? I didn't receive any notification yet.. I'm wondering if this means that I didn't get in?? 🙁

Woh, relax. The committee meets every other week (today) to review applicants that have interviewed in the past couple of weeks. They make their decision today and mail out the letters tomorrow which you should receive either Monday or Tuesday. Nobody should have found out this morning at least from how I was explained how the process works. Hope that helps.

 

[lovefood]

Woh, relax. The committee meets every other week (today) to review applicants that have interviewed in the past couple of weeks. They make their decision today and mail out the letters tomorrow which you should receive either Monday or Tuesday. Nobody should have found out this morning at least from how I was explained how the process works. Hope that helps.

They told us to send them an email if we'd like to know our decision via email so that we don't have to wait for the snail mail. You're right about their meeting - they met this morning; I thought they had said Wednesday morning.

Actually, Dr. Haight just emailed me the AdCom's decision at around 5 pm today. I was really surprised at that. This has got to be the fastest turnaround time ever.. I interviewed Monday!

Thanks for the help. It did calm my nerves to know they didn't meet yesterday. I was really nervous.. I definately need to relax, before I burn myself out.

 

[orangr85]

this might be slightly off topic..but does anyone know where current students live? on my last visit i wasnt exactly taken with the Vallejo / mare island area...is living in san francisco doable? i only ask because I have some friends that live near Nob Hill and I could probably split an apartment with them...not sure how the commute is though..

 

[skier06]

they are pretty quick. Like a few days quick

Did you get your invite by email or snail mail? I was only complete like, a week and a half ago, but I'm starting to feel like I have a rejection coming... 🙁

 

[skier06]

this might be slightly off topic..but does anyone know where current students live? on my last visit i wasnt exactly taken with the Vallejo / mare island area...is living in san francisco doable? i only ask because I have some friends that live near Nob Hill and I could probably split an apartment with them...not sure how the commute is though..

This past summer, I lived in San Francisco and commuted to Berkeley - because it's the 'opposite' commute, it only took me about 10-15 minutes. BUT Vallejo is fairly far north - I would guess it could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to get there depending on traffic - or how crazy of a driver you are 😛 On the way back, it would probably depend on the time that you left, but I would occasionally get stuck in traffic for an hour going back over the Bay Bridge especially if I left just after 5pm - after 6:30 or 7 it's much better. So I would say it's do-able depending on how much patience you have