TUCOM-NV Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[DbDan]

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Yeah, I probably was since the Jan.5th group was the first group to be interviewed this month. I dunno how other med schools' AdCom's are (since I didnt interview with any other schools), but having a response after sending a thank-you note post-interview was pretty nice on Touro-NV's part.

I sent thank yous to my interviewers and never heard back 🙁 o well I guess.

 

[llescaflownell]

I sent thank yous to my interviewers and never heard back 🙁 o well I guess.

I wrote thank you emails as well to my interviewers and the Dean, and never heard back either. But I got accepted, so don't take it personal; they probably get thank yous from every interviewee.

 

[melissaliss]

I sent my secondary at the beginning of Jan. Do they send any sort of complete email? How long does this take? Is it too soon for me to call and ask my status?

 

[2hot2doc]

I am currently making a decision between Western and Touro-NV. Is anyone currently making this decision or did any students at Touro-NV want to share their thought process.

I also had a few questions on Touro-NV faculty. I did not learn much about Touro's faculty when I went there, and unlike many schools, I was not overwhelmed by the admissions office and students telling me their faculty is the best. (Obviously saying the faculty is great and having a great faculty are two different things that I am trying to assess). It is really difficult to tell if there is that rock solid teaching core at a school unless you talk to someone who is there. Do any Touro students care to share their experiences with the teaching staff at Touro? I am assuming there is good and bad faculty at every school, but I am interested in the consensus.

Also here are some more specific questions. How many anatomy teachers are in the lab when the class is dissecting? Is the full class in the lab at once or do they split the class? How helpful are the anatomy teachers at explaining the important structures? How are the OMM teachers? Do second years feel somewhat comfortable doing OMM?

I was also interested in general surgery. Are there any contacts or connections at the schools that know about this field?

 

[DbDan]

Waitlisted 2 interviews, 2 waitlists ugh looks like it may be time to start taking classes again and trying to improve apps for next cycle.

 

[cardiackid88]

Hey DbDan, don't be too stressed about it just yet. i hope you're on the high waitlist when there are others who are going to withdraw their acceptances. Good luck for the meantime - are you currently enrolled in post-bacc classes?

 

[daithi]

I got waitlisted too. Do all of the waitlist letters state the part about candidancy for early admit to next year's class? Just curious. I was going to email them and see where on the list I fall. Hope everybody has a good day.

 

[cardiackid88]

You might want to check out the 2008-09 thread if you want a comparison for those who were on waitlist. I think the positions on the list are revealed around may (after finishing with all the interviews), and then some applicants called every week or so to get an update on their ranking on the list. If I remember correctly, Oscar said that there might be 2 additional "acceptance" spots just in case 1 or 2 students decide not to show up on the first day. But if everyone shows up, the 2 are then offered early admission for the next year (Class of '15). Hope that helps.

 

[DbDan]

Hey DbDan, don't be too stressed about it just yet. i hope you're on the high waitlist when there are others who are going to withdraw their acceptances. Good luck for the meantime - are you currently enrolled in post-bacc classes?

No, i'm currently working full-time and not enrolled for this quarter in postbac classes. I am likely going to send out some SMP applications this weekend just in case and also enroll in UCLA extension classes for spring quarter. Retaking just 2 classes in spring can bring me to a 3.0, if i continue 2 more through summer will bring me to a 3.2 science GPA and a 3.1 Cum

 

[sizzlesz]

I will be interviewing in 2 weeks. I have around 50 science credits. Based on other posts, it seems like the interviewers want more. Do you think they will grill me on why I have only 50 science credits. What are they looking for? Will I be waitlisted with only 50 sci credits?

I was just recently accepted with only 38 science credits. They did not ask about it during my interview. Oscar told me it was a concern, but since my MCAT was above average (not by far - 29), it made up for it.

Good luck. And congrats to everyone else that just got admitted.

I'm from the Henderson area and I have a townhouse walking distance from campus. If anyone is interested in renting a bedroom when the fall semester starts, PM me.

 

[melissaliss]

Ah, I'm stressing out about this school. I called on Monday to find out if I am complete and they told me that they needed my transcripts. Why do they require this? I misunderstood the supplemental instructions and thought that they needed these after you were offered an interview. Also, they said they did not have my D.O. letter even though I sent it in a packet with the other letters that they DID have. Argh.

 

[sizzlesz]

Ah, I'm stressing out about this school. I called on Monday to find out if I am complete and they told me that they needed my transcripts. Why do they require this? I misunderstood the supplemental instructions and thought that they needed these after you were offered an interview. Also, they said they did not have my D.O. letter even though I sent it in a packet with the other letters that they DID have. Argh.

The exact same thing happened to me a few months ago. When I told the admissions lady that the missing item was in the same envelope as others they have received, she looked for it and found it. I then rushed my transcript over to them and followed up by email. Once they got everything, the turn-around was instant.

So don't be discouraged. Keep checking back in with them until they receive everything and hopefully you'll get an interview soon. Good luck!

 

[HoboCommander]

Anyone have a list of rotation sites for Touro-NV?

 

[MN premed]

Anyone have a list of rotation sites for Touro-NV?

UMC/Valley

• Valley
• UMC
• Desert Springs
• The VA
• Spring Mountain
• Fremont
• Nevada Health Centers, Inc.
• Southwest Medical
• Summerlin Hospital

Sunrise Hospital

St. Rose Dominican

 

[Xiphoid2014]

I just got accepted to my first choice, so a spot will be opening up soon.

 

[wiiturtledove]

Thinking of just getting into the PA program first, versus doing a MPH. Beats taking a post-bac. It makes more sense in my situation to take classes that are relevant, can demonstrate success in hard classes, and apply it to the DO program once we get in.

I am just asking if you guys know so please no flame wars. Just an innocent question.

 

[cardiackid88]

Thinking of just getting into the PA program first, versus doing a MPH. Beats taking a post-bac. It makes more sense in my situation to take classes that are relevant, can demonstrate success in hard classes, and apply it to the DO program once we get in.

I am just asking if you guys know so please no flame wars. Just an innocent question.

Why not do the Medical Health Sciences Post-Bacc? It's not a public health masters, and you do the "relevant" classes that the med students will take. It's a choice between an 11-month Post-bacc versus the 28-month PA program.

 

[DOisDaBest86]

ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woot woot!

The school is awesome, and I loved the facilities.

Is there a facebook page for c/o 2014?

 

[DOisDaBest86]

Anyone else planning on attending touro-henderson this year? I love this school. So who are my future classmates? 🙂

 

[Neurophysin]

Finalized my decision to NV 👍. Sending in my deposit tomorrow 😀
What was the class size again?

 

[Hopeful DO25]

Congratulations to all the new accepted students. Glad to hear you will be joining the TUN-COM Class of 2014!

There is actually a facebook group for us that is extremely active. I recommend that you join and introduce yourself.

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=to...ada&init=quick

See you soon!

 

[DOisDaBest86]

the facebook link doesnt take me to touro nv. it takes me to ada link.

 

[DOisDaBest86]

never mind, I found the correct facebook link

 

[cardiackid88]

Lol nothing says "i'm a med student" than makin it official on facebook

 

[nene12]

Lol nothing says "i'm a med student" than makin it official on facebook

I know this thread is for the med school but are any of you familiar with their post bac program at Touro? are there any linkage agreements to Touro-NV?

 

[rayraydolly]

Hi there!
I just recieved an interview invitation with TUCOM-NV and I am so excited! Does anyone know on average how many people they interview and how many they accept? Thanks.

 

[Tekar]

70 accept
20 wait
10 deny

Of course, that is their overall population. I'm not sure how the numbers get skewed this late in the game as the class is already really taking shape as people are now finally settling on their destinations after all the acceptances and denials we have received are in.

Good luck in the interview.

Why a doctor
Why a DO
Why here

expect those questions.

 

[raebear]

Just gave up my seat here, so hopefully it goes to one of you deserving people! 👍

 

[Skippygonenuts]

FINALLY got an interview invite at Touro-NV. can't begin to describe how happy I am. I know people have asked this before, but does anyone have any tips for the interview? Its my first medical school interview and i'm quite nervous.

I have looked all the SDN posts, and also looked at the interview feedback. I have heard of doing a mock interview but am not really sure what that is. If anyone has any info they can share, it would be highly appreciated.

is anyone else here interviewing on March 11?

 

[drdolot]

FINALLY got an interview invite at Touro-NV. can't begin to describe how happy I am. I know people have asked this before, but does anyone have any tips for the interview? Its my first medical school interview and i'm quite nervous.

I have looked all the SDN posts, and also looked at the interview feedback. I have heard of doing a mock interview but am not really sure what that is. If anyone has any info they can share, it would be highly appreciated.

is anyone else here interviewing on March 11?

Its not a stressful interview. Know why DO, why Touro, why Nevada
think of a few questions you want to ask them

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Its not a stressful interview. Know why DO, why Touro, why Nevada
think of a few questions you want to ask them

Thanks! is there anything they like to hear? for example do they want somebody who is leaning toward primary care, or some body who is open completely undecided?

 

[raebear]

Thanks! is there anything they like to hear? for example do they want somebody who is leaning toward primary care, or some body who is open completely undecided?

I would tell them what is true for you and not worry about what they want to hear. If you are extremely interested in primary care, then show that passion and back it up whole-heartedly. If you are undecided that's ok too, but be sure you have strong reasons for why DO, why Touro and why Henderson. I think saying "what they want to hear" is going to make you sound fake, and rehearsed. Be yourself and be confident and you'll be great! Good luck!

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Thanks raebear!

Also, does anyone know if touro-nv invites everyone who meets their minimum requirements for an interview (as i read somewhere earlier on sdn) or are they selective with the invites?

 

[QuackaDO]

Thanks raebear!

Also, does anyone know if touro-nv invites everyone who meets their minimum requirements for an interview (as i read somewhere earlier on sdn) or are they selective with the invites?

That's not true... I was told during my interview that they interview about 500 (out of 3000 apps) through the whole process and they interview through Aprilish if I remember correctly. Don't want to burst your bubble, but I received a call on Friday and was told that the last group that got accepted filled the class, so you'd be competing for the waitlist at this point unless some drop out which it sounds like they do quite a bit so it's still worth going and giving it your all.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

thats unfortunate. oh well, not losing anything by still trying.

sbreland, how did your interview go? did they ask anything outside of why touro, why do, and why nevada?

 

[drdolot]

Thanks! is there anything they like to hear? for example do they want somebody who is leaning toward primary care, or some body who is open completely undecided?

I think (not sure) but I think, mostly all schools like to hear that you are leaning towards primary care. However, in my experience, being honest and having a good explanation for why, comes a long way to just saying "I want to do primary care". Don't forget, everyone knows this! People go to these interviews and say whatever they think the med school "wants" to hear. They have interviewed thousands of students. They know when you are lying. TUNCOM is special in the case that the interviewers are so nice and understanding. They want to get to know you and they want to see if you are a good fit for the school. You have to give a good reason for why the profession you are seeking will benefit the osteopathic profession and the society and yourself! Whether it is primary care or neurosurgery. Be passionate! Be yourself! Really pay attention during the tour to other students. Are you similar to them? Would your personalities be compatible?
PM me if you want more info!

 

[drdolot]

Thanks raebear!

Also, does anyone know if touro-nv invites everyone who meets their minimum requirements for an interview (as i read somewhere earlier on sdn) or are they selective with the invites?

Once again, not completely sure, but they are selective for interviews. I know someone who did not get an interview after secondaries. During the interview, they said they interview about 570 people out of 4,000 applications (or more).

 

[drdolot]

thats unfortunate. oh well, not losing anything by still trying.

sbreland, how did your interview go? did they ask anything outside of why touro, why do, and why nevada?

Keep in mind also, they have three wait-list categories. High, medium, low. If you get in high, you have a very very good chance of being offered a seat. Don't go to the interview feeling that there is no chance.... there is. They would not have invited you otherwise. I'm sure spots open up daily. Last year, they moved about 50 people off the waitlist.

 

[lakers4ever14]

Once again, not completely sure, but they are selective for interviews. I know someone who did not get an interview after secondaries. During the interview, they said they interview about 570 people out of 4,000 applications (or more).

This statement is partially true. They changed their secondary midway through this application season. During my interview, i was speaking with some of the other students and some of us had different secondaries. People who applied earlier were asked to submit an essay, while I basically had to fill out a form with no personal statements or questions whatsoever. I would find it hard to believe that they would not offer someone an interview if they sent them that secondary, because there was no additional information in my secondary that could help them make a decision.

There is a final possibility, whereby they send that secondary to everyone as a source of revenue, but I would hope that as an institution of integrity and honor, this is not common practice. I think Touro Nevada will become like Touro NY where a secondary will mean an interview in the future. I loved the school and The dean, Oscar Para is an extremely nice person. If you have questions, he is a great resource.

 

[gforce32]

Wow. what a terrible admissions office. I submitted everything in october and called them in december and they told me i was complete and the committee was reviewing my file. I waited patiently and called them today to see what my status was. I was told that they haven't received my letters or transcripts. wtf?? why did you say i was complete then, if i wasnt?????

i asked susan what my chances are if i send in the letters/transcrits today, and she said they are about wrapping up the admissions process and most spots are taken. and they are interviewing through march.

this is seriously stupid. i want my $100 back.

 

[CheddarIsBetter]

Well, I've been accepted here and I'll be taking it thankyouverymuch 😀

But oh, that $2,000 deposit is chunky. At least it goes towards the tuition later.

I feel stupid: is there a Touro-NV/TUNCOM Class of 2014 thread? I can't seem to find one if there is. I tried searching, but nothing comes up. I'm really looking forward to starting school here, and it's close enough for family and friends to easily visit me 🙂

 

[CheddarIsBetter]

Wow. what a terrible admissions office. I submitted everything in october and called them in december and they told me i was complete and the committee was reviewing my file. I waited patiently and called them today to see what my status was. I was told that they haven't received my letters or transcripts. wtf?? why did you say i was complete then, if i wasnt?????

i asked susan what my chances are if i send in the letters/transcrits today, and she said they are about wrapping up the admissions process and most spots are taken. and they are interviewing through march.

this is seriously stupid. i want my $100 back.

Wow, I feel bad for you gforce. That's seriously messed up---I don't know how they could have done that to you. Did you contact them in that time period between December and now?

The admissions office can be dumb sometimes. For example, when sending out the secondaries, WesternU *KNEW* that their secondary email ended up in people's email spam folders FREQUENTLY. But they never bothered to globally address the issue and left people in the dark about this problem. Therefore, when I found out that they actually were giving me a secondary, I found out about 1.5 months later than when they first sent it out. Bleh.

I wish you luck in wherever else you applied, though

 

[Tekar]

Well, I've been accepted here and I'll be taking it thankyouverymuch 😀

But oh, that $2,000 deposit is chunky. At least it goes towards the tuition later.

I feel stupid: is there a Touro-NV/TUNCOM Class of 2014 thread? I can't seem to find one if there is. I tried searching, but nothing comes up. I'm really looking forward to starting school here, and it's close enough for family and friends to easily visit me 🙂

See the Facebook link below. 55 or so of us there getting to know each other.

http://www.facebook.com/Reforger#!/group.php?gid=149913946134

 

[CheddarIsBetter]

Thanks for the link, Tekar!! One of the main things I'd like to know about: that "mandatory Dell laptop" thing. I seriously don't want to give them $1,300 if it means it's going to be a Dell.

Is there no way to opt out of this? Or any way to pick a brand other than Dell, which is absolute junk??

I used to be wary of Macs, but I've been using one for some time now and enjoying the lack of extra maintenance (virus scanning, scandisking, defragmenting, firewalling, etc). I'd rather save the money and use my own laptop rather than ending up with what will amount to a crappy paperweight.

 

[lakers4ever14]

Thanks for the link, Tekar!! One of the main things I'd like to know about: that "mandatory Dell laptop" thing. I seriously don't want to give them $1,300 if it means it's going to be a Dell.

Is there no way to opt out of this? Or any way to pick a brand other than Dell, which is absolute junk??

I used to be wary of Macs, but I've been using one for some time now and enjoying the lack of extra maintenance (virus scanning, scandisking, defragmenting, firewalling, etc). I'd rather save the money and use my own laptop rather than ending up with what will amount to a crappy paperweight.

I have been dying to know to and will be contacting them about it. It seems like it is going to be a logistical nightmare, and what concerns me most is the size and weight. anything bigger than 13 inches and 5 pounds for me might as well be a leave at home desktop. I also just got a dell catalog in the mail and was having trouble finding a laptop that actually retailed for 1300, which makes me think there is some serious misinformation (hopefully) or someone is making some money off of this (likely).

 

[CheddarIsBetter]

I too think I will try contacting them about this (although, which department I should direct my inquiry I'm not sure). And yes, I'm suspecting that they are profiting from this.....which unfortunately may be why they were mandating it.

Dell computers are so cheap because their quality is so low. I don't see how a *DELL* laptop could be worth $1,300, preloaded or not. You could get something like a Lenovo Thinkpad for that much money, which would be something I'd be willing to buy. But not a Dell. That's just ridiculous.

Another school I interviewed at, ATSU SOMA, also has students buy laptops, but they are IBMs at least. AND they do allow you to opt out of this "program" if you wish.

Hopefully by the time August rolls around they will have changed their stance, or the policy, on this.

 

[gforce32]

if its a business class dell laptop, like latitude, then that is a reasonable price because most of them come with a 3 year warranty and overnight shipping for repairs. plus the parts they use in business class are much better than the cheaper ones like the inspiron

 

[QuackaDO]

Well, I interviewed a week and a half ago and from the sounds of it the laptops will be mandatory and there will be no opt out. Their reasoning is this... there are certain programs that you'll need for school (so they said) and when you get hundreds of different students using different types of computers it's a nightmare for the IT department to go in and help and make sure your computers are up to speed and repairable. It's not the Geek Squad where they know everything about every computer... it can and will be easier for the IT department to fix and maintain everyones computers if they are all of the same type. As for it being a Dell.... well, that's their choice and it probably IS dictated by the price they can get it for. If you don't like it then pay to have all the Apps they require loaded on whatever computer you want to use and use that, but if it crashes or you have problems don't expect much help from IT would be my guess. Keep the school issued one handy in case of crashes, but otherwise be prepared to use what you get from them. Personally I have 3 different laptops that I "could" use (including a netbook I just bought abut 3 weeks ago in hopes of being able to use it for school) and I would love to use one of them, but based on their reasoning and the logic behind it, I can deal with it. Either way I got the impression that the $1300 is going to be rolled in with tuition and fees so it won't be coming out of your pocket (per se) but instead out of your loans. I understand it can be a sore subject but if it really is that big a thorn in anyone's side to be able to do this you could always refuse the seat and give it up to someone who would be overjoyed to go to TUN. Just a thought to keep in mind...

As for the question about my interview... it went well. We honestly didn't talk about much but spent 45+ minutes talking (on a scheduled 30 min interview) and they did ask how I came to learn about Osteopathic medicine (read that as Why DO?) and what things about Touro impressed me the most (Why Touro NV?). Here's a hint about the second question... the answer is not that you like Vegas or the weather or climate or any of that... the question is WHY TOURO NV... not Why Vegas. FInd things about the school specifically that you like such as programs, professors, class size, or whatever it is that attracts you to the school. You can add the "Why Vegas" part as extra sweetner at the end of your response, but definitely have a reason to want THAT particular school. For the rest of the interview we got to talking about personal stuff and common interests so make sure you have something to say about yourself beside "I'm a hard worker and want to be a doctor"... tell them something like a personal story or achievement that will make you stand out and will make them remember you. "I'm a hard worker" and "I want to be a XXXXX" they hear all the time by those that aren't prepared to talk about THEMSELVES... be yourself, talk about yourself, and you'll do fine

 

[wannabeaDO]

LOL would someone give up their seat because they would get a Dell instead of a Lenovo? HAHAHAHA


I do wish they would not use a Dell. They use recycled parts, and sometimes if you get unlucky, the hardware will break before you even use it.

 

[melissaliss]

That's not true... I was told during my interview that they interview about 500 (out of 3000 apps) through the whole process and they interview through Aprilish if I remember correctly. Don't want to burst your bubble, but I received a call on Friday and was told that the last group that got accepted filled the class, so you'd be competing for the waitlist at this point unless some drop out which it sounds like they do quite a bit so it's still worth going and giving it your all.

Actually this is not true - the class is not full, but is nearly full. I got invited to interview and scheduled today and they told me that the class is not quite full yet.