TUCOM - CA Discussion thread 2007-2008

[Bonsante]

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For those who already had interviews and have been accepted. Can you tell me how your experiences were like? How did you prepare for the interviews beside going over your applications? What were the interviewers looking for? I am really interested in your success stories because this school is my top choice. How did you separate yourself from other interviewees and what did you like about school? Many thanks.

 

[bluemonkey]

Hey Bosante-

You should check out the interview feedback forums. Most of your questions are answered there. Other than knowing your application (and yourself) inside and out, you need to be prepared to answer questions about why osteopathic medicine and why Touro? Having a solid foundation of knowledge about current issues in medicine is also essential. Finally, make sure to consider ethical questions regarding abortion, eugenics, etc. Good luck with your interview!

 

[Blondeurope]

I would say all that was said above and just KNOW that if you get an interview you are qualified so just concentrate on being as relaxed as possible and let them see the real you. They want humans that can practice medicine well for patients, not robots that can simply spew out facts. Also, be sure to move on after each question. Don't get hung up if you don't answer something as well as you possibly could have, no one will answer every question 100% so just be sure to recover yourself and your confidence after each question.

 

[Dr. Shot]

Just a quick update for those who are interested. Dr. Haight said that they are still in the first phase of interviews but that was quickly changing (around end of the year, early Jan). Second, currently he is discouraging the admissions committee from putting people on the wait-list, as he says "its still to early." Third, there are about 40 people interviewing every 2 weeks and he allows the adcom to pick all 40 if they choose to do so, but like he said that will change next month, to something like 4-6 out of 40.

I just thought some of you might want this bit of info. Good luck to you all!

 

[psych]

I don't think he meant that in January the # he allows the committee to accept is 4-6 out 40. I understood that only 4-6 acceptances was late in phase 2, like march or april.
So perhaps at the begginning of phase 2 he'll tell the committe they can accept 25-30 out of 40.
That's a huge leap (40-->4-6) if Dr. Shot is right. I doubt Touro would be unfair like that (i.e. some who interviewed the last day of phase 1 with identicle stats/equally as friendly as someone who interviewed the first day of phase 2 is 10x more likely to be accepted)
I don't know but this is what I picked up. Good luck to those interviewing soon!
🙂

 

[bluemonkey]

I also got the impression from Dr. Haight that starting in January only 4-6 per 40 are accepted and then the numbers decrease further...

As far as "fairness" goes, keep in mind that Touro uses rolling admissions. People who apply early are rewarded.

 

[psych]

I also got the impression from Dr. Haight that starting in January only 4-6 per 40 are accepted and then the numbers decrease further...

As far as "fairness" goes, keep in mind that Touro uses rolling admissions. People who apply early are rewarded.

Wow I guess if someone else understood it like that, then I'm pobably wrong. I feel bad for those in phase 2.

 

[skier06]

I also got the impression from Dr. Haight that starting in January only 4-6 per 40 are accepted and then the numbers decrease further...

As far as "fairness" goes, keep in mind that Touro uses rolling admissions. People who apply early are rewarded.

Yeah, it still kind of sucks though, especially since when I scheduled my interview, they were scheduling ~2 months out. That just seems like such a drastic difference in acceptance rate - why would they even bother inviting all of those people to interview, why not just cut the number of interview invites after a certain point instead, so as not to give people false hope? If true, this information is very discouraging, I had really been looking forward to my interview there.

 

[bluemonkey]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be a downer. I could have gotten the information wrong. Plan on going in there and wowing your interviewers!!!

 

[Bonsante]

Yeah, it still kind of sucks though, especially since when I scheduled my interview, they were scheduling ~2 months out. That just seems like such a drastic difference in acceptance rate - why would they even bother inviting all of those people to interview, why not just cut the number of interview invites after a certain point instead, so as not to give people false hope? If true, this information is very discouraging, I had really been looking forward to my interview there.

I agree with cutting out the interview invites. Applicants already spent so much money in the process, why give them a sense of false hope and make them pay for airfairs, hotels, etc.?

 

[skier06]

I agree with cutting out the interview invites. Applicants already spent so much money in the process, why give them a sense of false hope and make them pay for airfairs, hotels, etc.?

Exactly, in addition to it being a huge waste of time for the interviewers as well. I'm sure that they have better things to do than interview tons of people, of which only 10% will be accepted.

 

[bluemonkey]

Isn't it traditional for schools to get full around Janurary or February?

 

[psych]

Let's not forget that Dr. Haight also said that almost everyone put on the 'high' waitlist usually gets accepted. I'm sure most of those people are the phase 2 applicants that would have been accepted in phase 1.

 

[Dr. Shot]

Let's not forget that Dr. Haight also said that almost everyone put on the 'high' wait list usually gets accepted. I'm sure most of those people are the phase 2 applicants that would have been accepted in phase 1.

that is so true. So you guys in phase 2 don't lose hope. He said that most students get off the high wait-list, and some in the medium wait list (not every year though).

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DancerDoc777]

Hey guys! I got an interview invite on December 19th! It's my second one so it's pretty exciting, however I guess I am with everyone else lumped into "phase 2". Oh well, those of us interviewing now will just have to knock their socks off. I haven't scheduled a date with them yet since I found out friday night (yesterday) but probably will on Monday (Christmas eve). Hopefully they will be in their office!

 

[singinfifi]

Hey guys! I got an interview invite on December 19th! It's my second one so it's pretty exciting, however I guess I am with everyone else lumped into "phase 2". Oh well, those of us interviewing now will just have to knock their socks off. I haven't scheduled a date with them yet since I found out friday night (yesterday) but probably will on Monday (Christmas eve). Hopefully they will be in their office!

Ugh. Good luck with that. I scheduled mine on Monday (Christmas Eve) and got an interview spot for (you ready for this?) Feb. 12th.

 

[Doc Sheffer]

I had an interview for Jan. 14th but i'm gonna cancel that since i'm 100% certain i'm going to GA-PCOM.. Hopefully some other person can get that interview date

 

[Dr. Shot]

Some of you know I had an interview date scheduled for Jan 22nd. Lynn called me from the ADCOM office on Dec 12th and told me there was an interview date open for Dec. 18th, so I took it.

I got the acceptance email last Friday. I am so excited since this is my first choice school. In addition, I mailed in my deposit ($2000, ouch) yesterday.

I think the interview went pretty well. They asked me questions straight from my application, no difficult questions at all. On the other hand, some applicants got grilled on their responses, I would of grilled them too since they pretty much set themselves up for it.

One word of advice, know your applications like the back of your hand. Also know why DO? One interviewee responded with "DO is a back-up for me," and then got grilled for it. In addition, when you responded to a questions don't leave any open ended responses, first, it like looks dumb, second, the interviewers looked annoyed when they had to ask additional questions to get a complete answer.

If anyone has any specific ? please PM or post here. Good luck to all of you!!!!

 

[kufan]

I am interviewing at Touro on Jan 8th. From previous posts it sounds like my interview falls in the phase 2 category. This also means that there is a 10% acceptance rate. Can anyone confirm? I am coming from Kansas and I hope that the time and money wont be spent in vain. I would love some insight. thanks

 

[Dr. Shot]

I am interviewing at Touro on Jan 8th. From previous posts it sounds like my interview falls in the phase 2 category. This also means that there is a 10% acceptance rate. Can anyone confirm? I am coming from Kansas and I hope that the time and money wont be spent in vain. I would love some insight. thanks

The school is probably right at the end of phase 1. I don't really know what phase they will be in when you go or how many seats are left. I would definitely email Dr. Haight and ask him. He is straight forward. He had told my group that they are fast approaching phase 2 and said it should be sometime right after New Years, he did not say a specific date. So just contact him, he is an easy going guy and would be happy to help you.

Good luck to you!!!!!!

 

[kufan]

thanks so much. I will email him.

 

[Bonsante]

Hey Kufan, I also have my interview on the 8th. I switched to it this afternoon so I'll see you at the interview.

This might be interesting to some people, when I called to change my interview to an earlier date and asked about the phases - the interview-scheduling lady did not know what I was talking about, as far as she knows there is no such thing. Then again, Dr. Height is making the decision not her right? I hope Touro Univerisity is still in phase I, if such thing exists, when I have my interview.

 

[Dr. Shot]

The phases are made up by Dr. Haight. He just calls them phase 1 and 2. There is no University policy around this. Basically, when ever Dr. Haight feels like it, according to him when class seats are close to being filled, he decides its phase 2 time.

Phase 2 means he tells the ad-com to pick less people of the list, like 4-6 out of 40 and he also tells them to start a wait-list. He doesn't walk in there and say "its phase 2 time."

He also said, if your High wait-listed chances are good that you will get pick. Medium wait-list still has a chance but very little, and low wait-list, well he said no one has ever been picked off that list.

Good luck to all

 

[superfan56]

honestly, just kill the interview and you won't have to worry about what phase Touro is in.

 

[Bonsante]

honestly, just kill the interview and you won't have to worry about what phase Touro is in.

This is my first interview, and I would be lying if I say I am not nervous. I definitely want to do well and make a good impression, and I hope they will like me.

 

[wcbcruzer]

Does anyone have any idea about how many spots are still open in Touro-CA?

 

[zhousilai]

Does anyone know the difference between western and Touro-CA besides their locations?

any tips, pros and cons??

 

[poly800rock]

Does anyone know the difference between western and Touro-CA besides their locations?

any tips, pros and cons??

western is more established than touro, being around for about 10 years more that touro.

 

[DancerDoc777]

Hey guys, I'm trying to switch my interview to either Jan 7th or 8th because I will be in town then. The admissions staff is awesome and they're really working with me, but they're just waiting for someone to cancel or reschedule their Jan 7/8 interview. This is a long shot, but I thought if someone had an interview for Jan 7 or 8 and is canceling for some reason (withdrawing due to acceptance elsewhere) then please let them know and I'll take your spot. You can shoot me a PM too. I'd be glad to name my first born after you or something. 😀

 

[mother]

i have spent hours and weeks studying the DO/ Allopathic comparisons and contrasts and it seems like one day last week I became absolutely certain I really want to become a Doctor of Osteopathy. I love the holistic, more coprehensive, view of the person in the environment. But now I realize that I may have spent so much time making the decision that I will have destroyed my chances for admission in 2008. I am academically qualified, 3.5 overall GPA, 3.99 (one A-) in post baccalaureate program, 31 Q on MCATS, with solid EC's diverse but fine, and good LOR's I think. I've worked for over a year as in a lab doing hands on speciman work, and I've shadowed MD's and DO's,. more or less. I even am bilingual, although less as time passes, TUCOM CA is my absolute first choice school. Any chance this late? And will it harm me for next season if I am rejected this year? I didn't expect to be so wordy, just so much to say. Help, thoughts, all appreciated. Thank you. Happy New Year!😕

 

[bth7]

i have spent hours and weeks studying the DO/ Allopathic comparisons and contrasts and it seems like one day last week I became absolutely certain I really want to become a Doctor of Osteopathy. I love the holistic, more coprehensive, view of the person in the environment. But now I realize that I may have spent so much time making the decision that I will have destroyed my chances for admission in 2008. I am academically qualified, 3.5 overall GPA, 3.99 (one A-) in post baccalaureate program, 31 Q on MCATS, with solid EC's diverse but fine, and good LOR's I think. I've worked for over a year as in a lab doing hands on speciman work, and I've shadowed MD's and DO's,. more or less. I even am bilingual, although less as time passes, TUCOM CA is my absolute first choice school. Any chance this late? And will it harm me for next season if I am rejected this year? I didn't expect to be so wordy, just so much to say. Help, thoughts, all appreciated. Thank you. Happy New Year!😕

You have a VERY good chance. Even if applying this late. don't buy into all this phase 1 phase two nonsense. People get in who interview in April, every single year.


bth7

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

 

[superfan56]

i have spent hours and weeks studying the DO/ Allopathic comparisons and contrasts and it seems like one day last week I became absolutely certain I really want to become a Doctor of Osteopathy. I love the holistic, more coprehensive, view of the person in the environment. But now I realize that I may have spent so much time making the decision that I will have destroyed my chances for admission in 2008. I am academically qualified, 3.5 overall GPA, 3.99 (one A-) in post baccalaureate program, 31 Q on MCATS, with solid EC's diverse but fine, and good LOR's I think. I've worked for over a year as in a lab doing hands on speciman work, and I've shadowed MD's and DO's,. more or less. I even am bilingual, although less as time passes, TUCOM CA is my absolute first choice school. Any chance this late? And will it harm me for next season if I am rejected this year? I didn't expect to be so wordy, just so much to say. Help, thoughts, all appreciated. Thank you. Happy New Year!😕

Honestly you should have no problem

 

[singinfifi]

I had an interview for Jan. 14th but i'm gonna cancel that since i'm 100% certain i'm going to GA-PCOM.. Hopefully some other person can get that interview date

Um. Yeah. can I send you cookies or something? I totally got your spot today!

😀

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

I'm on the medium waitlist and I can't figure out why. I have average grades, good ECs, an above average MCAT, and my interview went well according to my fellow interviewees. Do I really only have a slight chance of getting in now? During our interview I could have sworn I heard the guy (not Dr. Haight we had somebody else) say that all of the high waitlist gets in and most of the medium waitlisters and almost never any low waitlister.

(I found out their decision almost two months ago and I'm still a bit peeved)

 

[superfan56]

I'm on the medium waitlist and I can't figure out why. I have average grades, good ECs, an above average MCAT, and my interview went well according to my fellow interviewees. Do I really only have a slight chance of getting in now? During our interview I could have sworn I heard the guy (not Dr. Haight we had somebody else) say that all of the high waitlist gets in and most of the medium waitlisters and almost never any low waitlister.

(I found out their decision almost two months ago and I'm still a bit peeved)

when you say average, what do you mean by that? 24MCAT? 3.4GPA? (my stats are 3.2 GPA/3.48GPA/3.68post bacc GPA, 28P MCAT, great letters, non trad student) I knew from the interview I was in, if i wasn't, i probably would have been a bit peeved myself. How's your DO experiences been? How are your LOR's? From what I recall of my interview, the other interviewees didn't have any shadowing experiences with DO's. I think dr. haight said the top medium waitlist have a good shot. Keep hope alive! Good luck.

 

[Dr. Shot]

I'm on the medium waitlist and I can't figure out why. I have average grades, good ECs, an above average MCAT, and my interview went well according to my fellow interviewees. Do I really only have a slight chance of getting in now? During our interview I could have sworn I heard the guy (not Dr. Haight we had somebody else) say that all of the high waitlist gets in and most of the medium waitlisters and almost never any low waitlister.

(I found out their decision almost two months ago and I'm still a bit peeved)

I would definitely write a letter to Dr. Haight stating how interested you are about getting into Touro. Also, send them follow up letters stating what you have been doing. It won't move you to the high wait-list but when it comes to picking names of the list, and if by than Dr. Haight knows your name, you will have a much better chance. Good luck to you.

 

[HouseIsMyHero]

when you say average, what do you mean by that? 24MCAT? 3.4GPA? (my stats are 3.2 GPA/3.48GPA/3.68post bacc GPA, 28P MCAT, great letters, non trad student) I knew from the interview I was in, if i wasn't, i probably would have been a bit peeved myself. How's your DO experiences been? How are your LOR's? From what I recall of my interview, the other interviewees didn't have any shadowing experiences with DO's. I think dr. haight said the top medium waitlist have a good shot. Keep hope alive! Good luck.

3.2 GPA undergrad/3.2 grad/30 MCAT/research + volunteering/I shadowed some DO's in a rural community.... I'll definitely send them an update letter when I get my final master's grades in (3.4?); I'm just really curious what put me on the medium list versus the high waitlist because I have another interview coming up and I don't want to make the same mistakes if it's correctable.

My interview had 7 people in it so I talked for about 8 minutes... maybe that was it? Grrr, this is frustrating.. I thought I was over it but talking about it makes me even more mad. I need to get off SDN until summer. 🙂

 

[DancerDoc777]

Um. Yeah. can I send you cookies or something? I totally got your spot today!

😀

Yah, I just got someone's spot as well for January 14th. Not sure who canceled but thanks! 😍 See ya there singinfifi.

 

[skier06]

Yah, I just got someone's spot as well for January 14th. Not sure who canceled but thanks! 😍 See ya there singinfifi.

oooo i'll be there on the 14th too - i've been trying to get an earlier date, but to no avail....so i guess i'll see you then!

 

[DancerDoc777]

oooo i'll be there on the 14th too - i've been trying to get an earlier date, but to no avail....so i guess i'll see you then!

Cool, I'll see you then too! It looks like we'll have a nice little SDN interview group! Somehow that makes me feel better about the whole interview day haha. 😀

 

[keys]

I'm scheduled to go on the 8th.. THIS tuesday! I'm feeling a bit nervous..

 

[singinfifi]

So I had posted "hey, we should all hang out before the interviews"

...then realized my interview is on the 15th.

I have one at WVSOM on the 14th...

wow. good thing I straightned *THAT* out.

heh.

Good luck guys!

 

[superfan56]

honestly, not knowing your interviewees is better. I don't want to make it seem like some sort of competition, but let's face it, put 5 pre-meds in the same room and someone is going to compete for the top slot. not knowing anyone in the same room allowed me to do it without feeling bad about it.

 

[singinfifi]

honestly, not knowing your interviewees is better. I don't want to make it seem like some sort of competition, but let's face it, put 5 pre-meds in the same room and someone is going to compete for the top slot. not knowing anyone in the same room allowed me to do it without feeling bad about it.

Well, maybe better for you but I find myself inclined towards the exact opposite (from my personal perspective anyway). If I'm going to talk about myself (some very personal information might I add) in front of 4 other people in my "peer group" I'd sure like to know them at least a little bit first. But that's just me.

Why would you ever feel bad about doing your best? I expect nothing less of my self, nor of the people that will be in that room applying with me. Besides, whose to say how many they are going to take, 0, none? all?

I now find my self wondering if the group interview format isn't partially to see how you DO interact with others. I mean, you are going to be working in lab groups, in teams, with a partner etc etc etc. It's something to consider, I guess.

 

[superfan56]

Well, maybe better for you but I find myself inclined towards the exact opposite (from my personal perspective anyway). If I'm going to talk about myself (some very personal information might I add) in front of 4 other people in my "peer group" I'd sure like to know them at least a little bit first. But that's just me.

Why would you ever feel bad about doing your best? I expect nothing less of my self, nor of the people that will be in that room applying with me. Besides, whose to say how many they are going to take, 0, none? all?

I now find my self wondering if the group interview format isn't partially to see how you DO interact with others. I mean, you are going to be working in lab groups, in teams, with a partner etc etc etc. It's something to consider, I guess.

It is supposed to see how you are a team player. But you can be a team player and be a team leader. Take it for what it is the questions aren't personal enough where youd be embarassed about anything.

 

[singinfifi]

First off, I had intended to type "1, none, all?"...not "0? none? all?" (go me).

heh.

I didn't mean that I was concerned that there'd be something embarassing in the interview, personal and embarassing are two very different things. I was just referring to the fact that you are already sitting in a room looking at 5 or 6 strangers asking you all kinds of questions. I'd much prefer to be sitting in a room with 5 or 6 strangers then 10 or 11. Again, personal preference.

🙂

 

[bluemonkey]

There were a total of 8 of us split into two interview groups. I never got the impression that we were being compared to one another, but it is important to pay attention to what everyone is saying...

 

[Dr. Shot]

There were a total of 8 of us split into two interview groups. I never got the impression that we were being compared to one another, but it is important to pay attention to what everyone is saying...

That is so true.

Here are some pointers for the interview. I read through the interview feedback and I can say from my personal experience they are pretty accurate of what goes on. So read them.

1) Know your app like a crazed mad scientist. Be prepared to answer follow up questions to the answers you give.

2) Pay attention to what other people are saying, not just by listing, make eye contact. I noticed the interviewers were checking everyone out when one person was talking.

3) There is usually one person out of the 3 interviewers that tries to be the one who grills you. I was told this would happen and it did. They ask you difficult questions or try to corner you. They do this because they want to see how you handle yourself. If they ask you a question you have no idea about just say so, it won't hurt you.

One more thing, two applicant in my group were really grilled because their answers did not make sense. Take a second to think about what your going to say before starting a sentence.

Good luck!!!!

 

[DancerDoc777]

That is so true.

Here are some pointers for the interview. I read through the interview feedback and I can say from my personal experience they are pretty accurate of what goes on. So read them.

1) Know your app like a crazed mad scientist. Be prepared to answer follow up questions to the answers you give.

2) Pay attention to what other people are saying, not just by listing, make eye contact. I noticed the interviewers were checking everyone out when one person was talking.

3) There is usually one person out of the 3 interviewers that tries to be the one who grills you. I was told this would happen and it did. They ask you difficult questions or try to corner you. They do this because they want to see how you handle yourself. If they ask you a question you have no idea about just say so, it won't hurt you.

One more thing, two applicant in my group were really grilled because their answers did not make sense. Take a second to think about what your going to say before starting a sentence.

Good luck!!!!

Thanks! That's really helpful info. I was wondering though, because it's a group interview, do they ever ask the same question to all or some of the students? Like "why DO or why medicine"? For instance, would they go down the line and ask the "why DO" question to each candidate? It seems like it might get slightly redundant, but I guess that can happen in a group interview format.

Also, do they give you a chance to ask questions about the school, during the group interview? Or is it strictly interviewers asking questions and we just save the questions for later? How important is it to come with questions, for the interview portion?

 

[superfan56]

First off, I had intended to type "1, none, all?"...not "0? none? all?" (go me).

heh.

I didn't mean that I was concerned that there'd be something embarassing in the interview, personal and embarassing are two very different things. I was just referring to the fact that you are already sitting in a room looking at 5 or 6 strangers asking you all kinds of questions. I'd much prefer to be sitting in a room with 5 or 6 strangers then 10 or 11. Again, personal preference.

🙂

i didn't really mean the word embarrassed either, i was typing on my iphone and it didn't work out too well. as far as personal questions, it's nothing personal to the point it's i guess the word is "uncomfortable." it's a very interesting type of interview, none i had experienced before in the working world or interview process. you pretty much know yourself where you don't need my advice, but i'm just throwing out my .02 cents in what worked for me from my interview in december which i was accepted. do what you gotta do to make things happen. and it's not 5-6 strangers asking you questions, it's 3 interviewers and like 5-8 interviewees you just sit with and they rattle off questions in a line to each person.