UMDNJ-SOM Discussion Thread 2012 -2013

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Gsun88 said:
As a UMDNJ GSBS student/ In state resident I can answer some of this. They merged because of UMDNJ's "debt problem" and this merger is supposed to re-allocate funds so that it will be easier for the state. HOWEVER, they have yet to tell us how much it will save the state and etc. It is a little weird that the head of NJ congress turns out to be linked with Rowan. Anyway, as of now Rowan will have a new MD school and UMDNJ SOM will be merged with Rowan so they will have an MD and DO school. There has been concern with Rowan not having the strength to maintain two medical schools but I did hear that there was a clause in the bill saying if UMDNJ SOM is going to loose its accreditation, the merger would be off. I searched online for some news on it and that did pop up. As far as for the students, it sounds like the current students will still be able to graduate as a DO but unsure of under who's name. I was a Cook College student at Rutgers when they were merging and I was able to graduate a Cook Student as that was the contract I signed when attending Rutgers my Freshmen year. Graduate students at Newark GSBS will be merged with Rutgers grad students I believe.

As far as staffing, they cannot fire anyone until July 1st, 2014. The merger is set to take place on July 1st, 2013 unless someone stops it. I believe they are working on the details now. I get an email every once in a while with new info in my UMDNJ student email address. Try to google some of this news. I planned to ask them during my interview unless someone suggest I don't do this lol.
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I am an SOM student and was heavily involved in this merger and continue to be. This merger scared everyone at the beginning, but due to some changes in the bill mostly everyone's fears and anxieties have subsided. First let me say UMDNJ had both a DO and MD school and we did fine for 30+ years this way. The fact that Rowan will now have both is not much of an issue and it seems there will be some collaboration between the two schools that can only help SOM and Cooper. Second are campus will not be moving and this was never even considered; however, we will now have access to Rowan facilities if you choose to use them. Also are accreditation is not going to be an issue and this was stated numerous times, and if it was in jeopardy the merger would be off. We will be keeping the graduate school of biomedical science since this is part of SOM. This will allow medical students to continue to do summer research programs with one of the many faculty currently doing research at SOM. Students can still opt to do DO/PhD or DO/MS. The hope is that by separating from NJMS and the "dept ridden" University Hospital we will be provided more opportunities to branch out and expand. We will not be losing any of our rotation spots including our North Jersey track, in fact the dean has said that they are in the process of acquiring more for the growing student body. In addition current students are expressing their desires to collaborate with cooper in getting some rotation spots there. Overall what I am trying to do is calm anyone's concerns. I was in your position last year and a week after I had withdrawn all my other spots at various medical schools we found out about the merger. I was panicking and all I could do was wait, listen, call my politicians, and hope that I would still have a school to go to. We were all very concerned and worked together to lobby officials to help us and protect us and this was done. SOM is a strong school with an excellent reputation and I am confident it will maintain this. Of course when choosing a school take into consideration that some things will be different such as our name. If this really is concerning to you then pick whichever medical will suit you best. Also good luck to everyone!! If you have any questions about the school, interviews, stats, ect and or want any advice I would be more then happy to help.
 
thanks for that...

do you know how long it takes for the school to let you know of your acceptance after the interview?

Thanks
 
zoner said:
thanks for that...

do you know how long it takes for the school to let you know of your acceptance after the interview?

Thanks
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It seems they give out acceptances every 3rd Friday of the month. For the next batch that is still in progress, they will let everyone know on October 19.
 
Dmr6186 said:
It seems they give out acceptances every 3rd Friday of the month. For the next batch that is still in progress, they will let everyone know on October 19.
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oh damn,
 
titleist975j said:
folks,

is it in writing that they give OOS students instate tuition after the 1st yr?
Click to expand...
I'm private messaging you the link that contains the application on SOM's website for out of state students to become in state.
 
Phoebe87 said:
I am an SOM student and was heavily involved in this merger and continue to be. This merger scared everyone at the beginning, but due to some changes in the bill mostly everyone's fears and anxieties have subsided. First let me say UMDNJ had both a DO and MD school and we did fine for 30+ years this way. The fact that Rowan will now have both is not much of an issue and it seems there will be some collaboration between the two schools that can only help SOM and Cooper. Second are campus will not be moving and this was never even considered; however, we will now have access to Rowan facilities if you choose to use them. Also are accreditation is not going to be an issue and this was stated numerous times, and if it was in jeopardy the merger would be off. We will be keeping the graduate school of biomedical science since this is part of SOM. This will allow medical students to continue to do summer research programs with one of the many faculty currently doing research at SOM. Students can still opt to do DO/PhD or DO/MS. The hope is that by separating from NJMS and the "dept ridden" University Hospital we will be provided more opportunities to branch out and expand. We will not be losing any of our rotation spots including our North Jersey track, in fact the dean has said that they are in the process of acquiring more for the growing student body. In addition current students are expressing their desires to collaborate with cooper in getting some rotation spots there. Overall what I am trying to do is calm anyone's concerns. I was in your position last year and a week after I had withdrawn all my other spots at various medical schools we found out about the merger. I was panicking and all I could do was wait, listen, call my politicians, and hope that I would still have a school to go to. We were all very concerned and worked together to lobby officials to help us and protect us and this was done. SOM is a strong school with an excellent reputation and I am confident it will maintain this. Of course when choosing a school take into consideration that some things will be different such as our name. If this really is concerning to you then pick whichever medical will suit you best. Also good luck to everyone!! If you have any questions about the school, interviews, stats, ect and or want any advice I would be more then happy to help.
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I'll second that. The merger was a major concern for us all at first, but not so much anymore. SOM will be fine. Our Dean is on the accreditation board, so I can't possibly see this as being much of an issue. A lot remains unknown (like how this will impact tuition), but you can rest assured that the administration is working hard for us. I've never been to a school that has advocated more for their students than SOM. They take a lot of pride in their student body, and I can promise that everything they do is in our best interest, and the best interest of SOM.

Stay informed, but there is absolutely no reason to panic or be concerned.
 
I interviewed here this week and it was an amazing experience.
It was extremely relaxed and very conversational. I loved my interviewer and I would have talked to her all day if I had the chance.
The questions they asked me were very specific to my file and other than that normal questions like: Why UMDNJ? What do you know about the merger? Why DO? What kind of doctor do you want to be?

We also talked in detail about healthcare policy so know your stuff!!!

The school was amazing, I really hope I get accepted!
 
I don't get how this school went onto become one of the most reputable do school after only beeing around since the 70s.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile
 
Interview Invite this morning for October 23rd! Very excited - visited the Open House here earlier in the year and the school and staff seemed great. Also work with a first year ER resident who went here and had nothing but great things to say...

I would really like to go try for the Northern track so I could get back up here at the hospital I work at, specifically emergency medicine...

Anyone have any idea if tuition is going to stay near the $32,805/year that it is currently? I see a current student has mentioned that it is still in the works - assuming they would have to come to a conclusion by spring?
 
hey congrats...mind sharing stats and when you were complete
 
Mash43 said:
hey congrats...mind sharing stats and when you were complete
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Thanks, I appreciate it. I was actually complete on Monday of this week...

cGPA: 3.29
sGPA: 4.00
MCAT: 30Q

I'm a bit of a non-traditional student, will be 28 this winter - have worked EMS for 11 years and as an emergency room technician for the past 9 years. One of my letters of recommendation was from a DO emergency physician I've worked closely with for the last 9 years, so I think those ECs helped.
 
WFdeacon04 said:
Thanks, I appreciate it. I was actually complete on Monday of this week...

cGPA: 3.29
sGPA: 4.00
MCAT: 30Q

I'm a bit of a non-traditional student, will be 28 this winter - have worked EMS for 11 years and as an emergency room technician for the past 9 years. One of my letters of recommendation was from a DO emergency physician I've worked closely with for the last 9 years, so I think those ECs helped.
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Both of my tour guides were career medic/EMT. I'm an EMT, and so is a couple other people with invites in this thread

I know it is a relatively common thing for pre-meds, but I'm still guessing they like EMTs 😛
 
EnergyDrink said:
Both of my tour guides were career medic/EMT. I'm an EMT, and so is a couple other people with invites in this thread

I know it is a relatively common thing for pre-meds, but I'm still guessing they like EMTs 😛
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Woot EMTs FTW! Well hopefully ftw. I hope this turns out well for all of us!. So nervous for next Friday. ARGGGGG
 
WFdeacon04 said:
Thanks, I appreciate it. I was actually complete on Monday of this week...

cGPA: 3.29
sGPA: 4.00
MCAT: 30Q

I'm a bit of a non-traditional student, will be 28 this winter - have worked EMS for 11 years and as an emergency room technician for the past 9 years. One of my letters of recommendation was from a DO emergency physician I've worked closely with for the last 9 years, so I think those ECs helped.
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.... Did you work at MMH ER? I don't want to say your name for privacy purposes but PM me. It's Faux hawk kid (to not disclose my name as well) lol.
 
Gsun88 said:
Woot EMTs FTW! Well hopefully ftw. I hope this turns out well for all of us!. So nervous for next Friday. ARGGGGG
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I'll +1111111 another one of your posts, chiming in as a fellow EMT/ED Tech also so nervous for next Friday!
 
II for 11/8.

Complete early, but was waiting for new MCAT scores until middle of September.

31 MCAT, 3.97 GPA, lots of clinical work experience, well rounded ECs.
 
Gsun88 said:
.... Did you work at MMH ER? I don't want to say your name for privacy purposes but PM me. It's Faux hawk kid (to not disclose my name as well) lol.
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Ha! I'm sitting here going - faux hawk kid... thinking it was like some squad member from one of the towns around here... then I saw your username and laughed. What's going on man? Next Friday? Congrats - you'll do great... this is only my second interview - had one at Robert Wood a few weeks ago, but won't hear from them until December... so I'm hoping I get good news from UNDNJ-SOM before then... I'll be down there on the 23rd...

Where are you working now? Shoot me a message - just turned private messaging back on...
 
Gsun88 said:
Hopefully I will be able to on Friday!!!

6 Days left peeps. Who's excited/nervous?
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I am really excited!!!!!

They said at my interview that they pretty much only accept/waitlist people unless you did something crazy and acted like a jerk on the interview day!
They also said that if you don't get a call you are probably on the waitlist.

Good luck to everyone waiting!!!
 
psychgirrrl said:
I am really excited!!!!!

They said at my interview that they pretty much only accept/waitlist people unless you did something crazy and acted like a jerk on the interview day!
They also said that if you don't get a call you are probably on the waitlist.

Good luck to everyone waiting!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what they told me too. Said it doesn't matter if your MCAT and GPA are perfect. If you're arrogant or just very awkward, you will still get rejected. The interview is definitely the make or break, and they accept about 50 people off the waitlist I was told.

Can't wait until Friday!!!
 
was complete 8/22, heard nothing....thoughts? i'm thinking silent rejection? was really hoping for an interview here and hoped my 36/3.81 would have cut it.

in other news, my friend also started a site for like-minded people to complain about their rejections...schoolrejection.com (i just posted up my UMDNJ "rejection")
 
tp1989 said:
was complete 8/22, heard nothing....thoughts? i'm thinking silent rejection? was really hoping for an interview here and hoped my 36/3.81 would have cut it.

in other news, my friend also started a site for like-minded people to complain about their rejections...schoolrejection.com (i just posted up my UMDNJ "rejection")
Click to expand...

My friend who has similar stat but lower mcat just heard back from this school with an interview.

Be patient, the application pool is getting bigger and stronger each year. You need to wait a little. Sometimes there is advantage of applying early but in your case you arent late
 
Dmr6186 said:
Yeah that's what they told me too. Said it doesn't matter if your MCAT and GPA are perfect. If you're arrogant or just very awkward, you will still get rejected. The interview is definitely the make or break, and they accept about 50 people off the waitlist I was told.

Can't wait until Friday!!!
Click to expand...

Is anyone else feeling more nervous than excited as the day approaches?
 
Gsun88 said:
Is anyone else feeling more nervous than excited as the day approaches?
Click to expand...

I haven't seen my girlfriend in a couple of weeks. We are going to spend the weekend together, and I am starting to think about/imagine/be nervous the phone call on Friday more than spending time with her. How terrible is that 🙄
 
Dmr6186 said:
I haven't seen my girlfriend in a couple of weeks. We are going to spend the weekend together, and I am starting to think about/imagine/be nervous the phone call on Friday more than spending time with her. How terrible is that 🙄
Click to expand...

Haha that's pretty terrible but I'm sure she'll understand. I've been daydreaming right before bed about getting that phone call and that keeps me up for an extra hour. So nervous!!!
 
how would you explain a low mcat? lets say a 23 or 24? but you have a really high gpa like a 3.9
 
Who else can't wait for Friday? This week is going by SO SLOW.
 
How long does it take to get a complete email? I sent my secondary about a week or 2 ago.
 
psychgirrrl said:
Who else can't wait for Friday? This week is going by SO SLOW.
Click to expand...

I'm sure we all made it in. Will be a great time to celebrate. If you get in, will you definitely go here or are you waiting on anything else?

medicalapp12 said:
How long does it take to get a complete email? I sent my secondary about a week or 2 ago.
Click to expand...

They are probably very busy since it's the height of the application season. Did they charge you the secondary fee yet? They charged me pretty much the same day I got the complete email during the end of August.

Edit: Also with the whole Rowan-merger thing going on, it may hopefully prove to be pretty beneficial in terms of clinical rotations. Since Rowan is affiliated with Cooper Medical Center, maybe we will be able to do rotations there? (If we get in!!!) That's one of the three level 1 trauma centers in NJ, so it'd be so great to go there and see how much it has to offer! I like to dream as I wait lol.
 
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bob89010 said:
how would you explain a low mcat? lets say a 23 or 24? but you have a really high gpa like a 3.9
Click to expand...
the admissions office told me before they don't normally offer interviews to anyone who got lower than a 25, no matter how high the gpa
 
Dmr6186 said:
I'm sure we all made it in. Will be a great time to celebrate. If you get in, will you definitely go here or are you waiting on anything else?
.
Click to expand...

I am so nervous for tomorrow. My friends are excited for me but I am all nerves now. My co-worker was telling me he's going to call me every 15 mins to freak me out lol.

This is my number 1 choice and I made sure the interviewers knew that. If I get in, the cycle is over for me. Here's hoping!!!
 
Gsun88 said:
I am so nervous for tomorrow. My friends are excited for me but I am all nerves now. My co-worker was telling me he's going to call me every 15 mins to freak me out lol.

This is my number 1 choice and I made sure the interviewers knew that. If I get in, the cycle is over for me. Here's hoping!!!
Click to expand...

Good luck Gsun, I'll be rooting for you tomorrow. Just remember to tell them after they accept you about that Veritas guy who is lookin' for an interview 🙂.
 
Gsun88 said:
I am so nervous for tomorrow. My friends are excited for me but I am all nerves now. My co-worker was telling me he's going to call me every 15 mins to freak me out lol.

This is my number 1 choice and I made sure the interviewers knew that. If I get in, the cycle is over for me. Here's hoping!!!
Click to expand...

Goodluck! Fingers crossed for ya!! Hopefully we'll be hearing good news on here tomorrow.
 
Gsun88 said:
I am so nervous for tomorrow. My friends are excited for me but I am all nerves now. My co-worker was telling me he's going to call me every 15 mins to freak me out lol.

This is my number 1 choice and I made sure the interviewers knew that. If I get in, the cycle is over for me. Here's hoping!!!
Click to expand...

Also my number 1 and yeah man I was telling admissions how much I wanna go here as well. Less than 24 hours to go!
 
Dmr6186 said:
Also my number 1 and yeah man I was telling admissions how much I wanna go here as well. Less than 24 hours to go!
Click to expand...

My stomach is in knots and I am shaking with nerves. Good thing my co-worker is driving me to work tomorrow. I have never been this nervous about anything. Dmr, I hope we can post some good news tomorrow. Veritas, If I get in, I will do so lol. I'm sure you'll get an interview soon enough. Did you try talking to Director Watkins about your app? Medical, I hope I can join the 2017 group on facebook tomorrow. Here's hoping ladies and gentlemen. May our dreams come true. (speaking of dreams, good luck sleeping tonight lol)
 
Gsun88 said:
My stomach is in knots and I am shaking with nerves. Good thing my co-worker is driving me to work tomorrow. I have never been this nervous about anything. Dmr, I hope we can post some good news tomorrow. Veritas, If I get in, I will do so lol. I'm sure you'll get an interview soon enough. Did you try talking to Director Watkins about your app? Medical, I hope I can join the 2017 group on facebook tomorrow. Here's hoping ladies and gentlemen. May our dreams come true. (speaking of dreams, good luck sleeping tonight lol)
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Talked to her at the open house and introduced myself/sent a follow up email. No word though. Just going to be patient, as I'm sure you're trying to do currently haha.
 
Veritas23 said:
Talked to her at the open house and introduced myself/sent a follow up email. No word though. Just going to be patient, as I'm sure you're trying to do currently haha.
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has anyone heard anything? any phone calls.
 
I've been accepted! So happy and relieved. I was freaking out all day, and now... oh man. It's like zen. I feel great right now.

Just some info, I received a phone call at 3:20-ish from the 3rd year med student who interviewed me last week. She told me that I will receive an acceptance packet in the mail in the next week or so. My stats: 3.5 GPA, 33Q MCAT. I applied to both DO/MD, and I am a reapplicant.

Edit- more random info: I am an in-state resident. I finished my AACOMAS app on 6/24, my secondary on 8/30, and I was interviewed last Friday on 10/12. I was out of college for 2 years, working in the hospital as a tech.
 
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