UNECOM Discussion thread 2007-2008

[rgerwin]

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also, in regards to stats, it wasn't even in my interview. I had a 28, but my gpa was<3.0. Didn't matter, which was very refreshing. Also, I know a number of people who had much lower MCAT scores and definitely kicked some major butt this trimester grade-wise. The best lesson I learned this term for any exam is don;t panic, and get sleep.

 

[packitinstan]

If they accept a candidate, what is the deposit situation? (time and $amount) thanks

 

[rgerwin]

I think it was $500 non-refundable by 12/15, then another refundable $1000 by 2/15(date?) Both are applied to your tuition, so you shold get it back after loans come through.

 

[scorpio22]

Hi, so I have been neuortically checking this thread and it's only making me freak out more. UNECOM is one of my top choices, I've been complete for a little over a month now and I haven't heard anything. My MCAT was only a 24 and I have a 3.6. It seems that everyone is getting interviews right away, should I assume my app. wasn't competative enough? Sorry for my obsessive questions!

 

[Chunkeroni]

I wouldn't give up yet, I had very similar stats (GPA 3.7 and MCAT 24) last year and was put on ASA list and will be attending UNECOM next year (verrrry excited!!!)

 

[rgerwin]

Don't sweat stats. Yours are totally in the ballpark. You could always call the admissions office to follow-up, otherwise it could be that things are pretty busy.

Congrats on the ASA!!!

 

[IUgrad]

Hey, rgerwin! I read that you live in Portland (I think it was you?).

If so, how is the housing situation up there? Do you rent or own? Where is a good place to look for listings?

 

[RN2DO]

Hello all...Any thoughts about buying the necessarry medical equipment or books now? I am working full time and if I can pay for something now it would be to my benefit. I gave my notice effective 7/31/08!! I am buying my laptop after the first of the year.
Thanks for the input...

 

[rgerwin]

So, there are certain books you should wait on, and ones you can definitely get. A Rohan's Atlas is good. I wouldn't get a Netter's, b/c it comes with the SOMA membership($60). I also like the Thiemes atlas. Maybe not for the Limbs, but Head/Neck and TAPP.

I personally didn't get the medical kit(it was $600). I got my otoscope/opthalmascope from amazon.com. Welch Allyn, but junior size. $200. Also got the BP cuff, bag, and scrubs online. Bought the Johnny and stethoscope at the bookstore. If you shop around for scrubs, you get great deals. Books for 2nd term are good to get online during 1st term to get used prices. I think my medical kit was about $425 all told.

If you decide to buy the school kit, I do not recommend getting any of the upgrades. You don't need them, just remember to charge stuff the night before. I know one person who shelled out for the panoptic and during our opthalmascope workshop they said everyone has to learn to use the usual stuff, so why bother.

I also bought a couple of extra scalpel handles and forceps and we found them very handy, and cheap. If you can get Nitrile gloves cheap, get them. Bookstore is pricey.

Target sells massage tables, I think. Or Walmart.

That's all I can think of now.

As far as Portland housing, it's really not that expensive. Look at the portland press herald and craigslist.

 

[rgerwin]

Oh sorry. I rent. Owning is too expensive for us in Portland, though anything real estate is too expensive for us(both students) so that's not saying much. If you can rent, I would, b/c you can't be sure you'll be here for more than 2years, whether by bad luck or choice.

 

[ShyRem]

Keep an eye on ebay for stuff if you don't mind used. You can get fabulous deals (but be careful, you can also be HAD).

Walmart sells scrubs. Also keep looking for sales at All Heart (but order early, they tend to be slow with shipping and often backordered).

Try out all kinds of computers. Some folks love the macs, I love my tablet. don't settle for something cheap -- I know lots of folks who bought the cheapest computer they could find and are wishing they bought the more expensive lighter model instead. You WILL be bringing it to some classes all the time, so think about how much weight you really want to haul around.

 

[BiOhAzArD1499]

although UNECOM is gorgeous, and probably my top choice, the tuition is one of the highest. The question i find is, "is $41,000 a year worth it when i could get the same education at another DO school for $33,000?"

Belichek,

Yeah, the 41K a year does seem to disinterest most people when choosing a medical school. But think of it this way, go to the place where you can become the superior physician you have the potential to be and don't let cost be an issue. Yes, we are all gonna have loans, some more than others, but don't let a number get in the way of a great medical education, a great atmosphere and a lifestyle you can appreciate. We're all in plan together, most for 7 years, go to where you want to go regardless of cost.

Bio

UNECOM Class of 2012!!

 

[boodthedog]

Hi, so I have been neuortically checking this thread and it's only making me freak out more. UNECOM is one of my top choices, I've been complete for a little over a month now and I haven't heard anything. My MCAT was only a 24 and I have a 3.6. It seems that everyone is getting interviews right away, should I assume my app. wasn't competative enough? Sorry for my obsessive questions!

I would call. I didn't receive a secondary for a while, called, and had one in minutes. Then I waited longer for an interview than at most other schools. Don't worry quite yet. Even though I just interviewed, I had the feeling that it was still on the early side.

 

[belichek]

just got the letter of acceptance today from UNECOM. (interviewed last tueday)

 

[IUgrad]

Congtratulations! 🙂

Is that where you're headed?

 

[belichek]

not sure, i got in NSU too, and just had an interview at LECOM Bradenton. Id say im split between NSU and UNECOM at the moment, thier both very different but at the same time really really nice. if i get into BRADENTON that will make the decision much more difficult(since i liked the PBL that bradenton offers, and they had the highest COMLEX scores of any DO school in the country last year, so its a tough choice). Where you headed IU grad? what did u think of UNECOM compared to elsehwere?

 

[IUgrad]

Oh sorry. I rent. Owning is too expensive for us in Portland, though anything real estate is too expensive for us(both students) so that's not saying much. If you can rent, I would, b/c you can't be sure you'll be here for more than 2years, whether by bad luck or choice.

Thanks 🙂

 

[IUgrad]

not sure, i got in NSU too, and just had an interview at LECOM Bradenton. Id say im split between NSU and UNECOM at the moment, thier both very different but at the same time really really nice. if i get into BRADENTON that will make the decision much more difficult(since i liked the PBL that bradenton offers, and they had the highest COMLEX scores of any DO school in the country last year, so its a tough choice). Where you headed IU grad? what did u think of UNECOM compared to elsehwere?

I really loved it. That is the problem for me -- I loved all three schools where I was accepted. It was really unexpected that I was accepted at all three, and now I'm having the worst time deciding, not because I don't want to commit to one but because I don't want to give up the other two acceptances when just a few months ago I was dying to go to any of the three. Maybe that sounds crazy?

The two biggest positives for me at UNE are the location (fiance's family is 30 min South) and the students/cohesive environment (incredibly awesome, especially for a medical school). The biggest con is the tuition (and maybe a little bit the focus on primary care). I think I want to specialize in peds gastroenterology, and the other two schools seem to have more students who later specialize. But again, that could be the students they attract, not the school itself... The tuition (and cost of living) is definitely the hardest part for me. I already have a significant student loans from undergrad/post-bacc, so that is definitely a huge consideration.

It sounds like you have a difficult decision, too! I hope you hear good news from Bradenton, even if it does make your decision that much harder... 😉

 

[rgerwin]

I know alot of people not going into primary care, including me. There are a fair number who are thinking about EM, a couple of surgeons, neurology, and I'm sure others.

 

[ShyRem]

I hate to break it to y'all, but EVERY medical school (of any initials) will prepare you for primary care. You won't find a medical school that "specializes in churning out surgeons"... you find schools that prepare you for ANY specialty you want. And their job is to provice the starting point, the broadest category, the broadest foundation. What you choose to do with that broad foundation is up to you. But EVERY school prepares you pretty much with the same information.

So I guess we should say every med school prepares you for primary care.

 

[IUgrad]

I'm sorry if offended anyone. I was only saying that there are more graduates who end up specializing from DMU and KCUMB than UNECOM. I realize that a graduate of any MD/DO school can go into any specialty. I never said that KCUMB or DMU focus on churning out surgeons; only that, from looking at their match lists, it seems like a large percentage of their graduates go into areas other than primary care. I understand that the first two years are pretty standard across the board (in terms of what you learn, although there might be a different way in which it is taught), as are the rotations 3rd year, that is why I wondered if it might have something to do with the emphasis of the school on primary care. It was the impression I got from UNE from their website etc. that they were interested in fulfilling the need for primary care docs in Maine, especially for the elderly population. I know now better, so thanks for the information.

As I said, that is just a small factor in my decision. I just thought I might have a *slight* advantage going to a school that had matched more specialists, and that is the only reason I brought that up. Tuition, environment, curriculum, etc. are all much bigger concerns.

Thanks for the information. I really value the opinions of current students who have been through it all before, and it's nice to get the "inside" info. 🙂

 

[TweetyPie]

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[IUgrad]

You got it right that UNECOM attracts primary care types. It is not the school that in any way promotes PC specialities nor is the curriculum or administration biased toward it.

One thing that worked to my advantage in landing a Neurosurgery spot was that on my 3rd year rotations not many were interested in surgery. So guess what? I got a lot of face time with general/neurosurgeons which for me, translated into glowing LOR's for my residency application. The rest is history. You may find more competition during rotations going to a school that churns out a lot of specialists. Just a thought.

Congrats to all of you! I tremendously miss UNECOM and loved my time there.

Congratulations on matching into neurosurgery! That's awesome! 🙂

You bring up an excellent point that I hadn't considered. There probably are so many intangibles that I really shouldn't consider match lists in my decision. It is just so difficult to make a decision that I find myself nitpicking, you know?

All in all, I feel the most comfortable at UNE, but I just worry about the tuition more than anything. A doctor told me once, before I even applied, that if she could do it all again, tuition would be her biggest concern. Now, that might just be the rantings of someone far removed from the process, cynical at her high student loan payments. Everyone probably has something that they regret about some aspect of their training. In my case, I guess I just have to reconcile if the connections that I could make being in New England (where I hope to someday practice) are worth $10,000-15,000 more a year. Any thoughts on this?

Also, I have been looking into loan programs in Maine, specifically the MELA medical loans. Does anyone know anything about this? (I have significant undergraduate loans that I was hoping I might be able to consolidate with the private consolidation loan program -- it would cut my interest rate a lot!)

One more question - Does UNE ever give scholarships? How common is it?

Thanks again for your help, everyone. It really is kind of you to come back and offer advice to us clueless premeds. 🙂

 

[wook]

you find schools that prepare you for ANY specialty you want. And their job is to provice the starting point, the broadest category, the broadest foundation. What you choose to do with that broad foundation is up to you. But EVERY school prepares you pretty much with the same information.

Very true.

I'm sorry if offended anyone

No offense taken. The only way you are going to find out about something is if you ask. I would have to defer to folks still in school about the scholarships.


Wook

 

[psych]

I think UNECOM is my 1st choice school but I didn't submit my 2ndary til October 25th because I didn't receive their email in August. 🙁

Anyway I live in CA and I really want to go there. Should I call/email them and let them know how interested I am? I'm afraid I won't even get an interview...

 

[TweetyPie]

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[TweetyPie]

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[TweetyPie]

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[belichek]

the food at UNECOM sucks, as does the library. Those two factors might assuage my decision to attend NSU instead.

 

[IUgrad]

Yes, there are many intangibles that probably would be impossible to gather in let alone be trusted enough to give you the sense that you are making the right decision. What I think you should do is to consider in general all the similarities of all the schools out there. Once that is done I think you'll come to realize that all of them will get you where you want to be.

Don't expect to be 100% convinced that you have made the right choice. The right choice for you will be the school you matriculate to. Once you are there and if any doubts seep in--that's when you will have to make the mental adjustments to make the experience just what you want it to be.

This isn't too hard since again, most of the schools are more similar than they are different. Making mental adjustments while you are there is much easier than trying to gather in and quantify what really are intangibles.

Thanks - that makes a lot of sense. When you put it that way, the only "real" differences that stand out for me are being close to family in UNE (can't decide how much importance to place on this since I will busy with school most of the time), and being in New England for rotations, which should help with residency.

You're right; I need to just make a decision and be comfortable with the fact that I may not feel 100% about it. 🙁 Like you said, the experience is what I make of it, regardless of where I go. Thanks -- I really needed to hear that.

 

[IUgrad]

I encourage you to actually crunch the numbers to make sure you have the correct perspective on the tuition and its impact on what your loan payments will be like.

Here's a loose but effective comparison of a school charging 41k/yr versus 31k/yr:

Assuming carrying over UG loans of 50k and a worst case scenario max FFELP interest rate of 8.5% at a 10 yr payback term (you can increase the term to 15 or 25 yrs lowering your overall monthly payment)

41k x 4 yrs = 164k + 50k UG = 214k = $2,625

31k x 4 yrs = 124k + 50k UG = 174k = $2,134

Difference: $491

For me, right now, at a resident's stipend of ~$43k, that 491 would be a little tough. Could I do it? Yes. But you also look at your projected salary for the field you want to go into.

For example, Gastroenterologists are one of the higher paid specialists out there. For the data I currently have (MGMA 2003), post expenses, post malpractice costs, but pre-tax, GI's made an average salary of $169/hour. At the average 40 hours worked (MGMA 2003) for a GI, that's 352k a year.

With respect to loan payments, adjust your perspective a little away from your $9-$14 an hour after school job you now work.

Bottom line, for me, even if I had not specialized, a high versus moderately low tution is really a non-sequitur in the larger scheme of things.

Here's a good calculator for comparing costs: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loancomp.phtml

Wow, thanks for that! I will look into it further.

 

[ShyRem]

the food at UNECOM sucks, as does the library. Those two factors might assuage my decision to attend NSU instead.

Might. But most med students I know don't eat the school's food (most of us bring our own - it's cheaper), and we don't generally study in the library unless it's to grab a study room. Mainly we study in Alfond. As an MSII, I think I've physically been in the library maybe 4 times.

 

[belichek]

where in alfond did u study? and how long is it open? and what is the best place to eat around there? and is there a gym?

 

[ShyRem]

alfond has study rooms on the first floor, and chairs/tables on the third floor (look down the halls and you'll see nooks with comfy chairs there too). You have access to Alfond 24/7. Literally. I recall during anatomy seeing people come IN to the lab to study when I was leaving at 1am. And there is hot water for tea/hot chocolate/oatmeal 24/7 and a microwave and refrigerator. You will be assigned a locker so you can store various pantry foods in there for the year (I highly recommend this for brain food when your study hours go longer than you expected).

Best place to eat: my house. I really don't have any opinions on going out to eat, because really I cook better than most restaurants (case in point: last night I had a lovely slow-cooked rib roast with homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, and fresh green beans. Then I made homemade green chile so my family could have breakfast burritos this morning. Today I'm going to make cranberry-raspberry coffee cake for breakfast for the week and a homemade chocolate cake for my kids. And I have a rump roast in the crockpot. Also going to make a chicken-spinach-sundried tomato-lowcarb pasta recipe for lunches in case I get tired of roast beef sandwiches this week). But I do like Panera sandwiches (they're not too close to school though).

A gym. The school has a gym, and there is a Planet Fitness in Biddeford.

 

[EEL08]

ShyRem can you tell me anything about how the five year extended program works? I think you've mentioned before that maybe it's not a formal option but people can do it. I'm interested in finding out more about 5 year programs so I thought you might be able to give me some insight. For what reasons are students allowed to extend?

 

[rgerwin]

I really don't think UNECOM food is that bad. I'm a crappy cook, live farther away, and the commuter plan makes it only $4 for all you can eat. Every day I also take tea, coffee, and snacks with me, so I never spend money outside the plan at school.

The only people I know on the 5-yr. plan are those who really felt after the 1st term the pace was not something they wanted as part of their life. This can often be preceded by some academic trouble, mostly with anatomy, not that they are alone in that category. A monster course. I don't know anything about going into the 5 yr. program right off the bat. They do charge you by credit, so the biggest extra expense is living costs. If you already at UNECOM, there is a meeting with a panel of people and your advisor regarding the change. And it seems you can make up your own schedule, to a certain point, after that.

Also, when figuring out loans, don't forget to include interest accrued, b/c it will.

 

[ShyRem]

if you're looking at the 5 yr plan for a right away thing, contact the RSAS or curriculum office for details. I do know it's an option, but I don't know the particulars. I'm more of a "shove-it-down-my-throat-while-I-have-2-kids-at-home-and-a-husband-who-works-graveyards-
let-me-only-sleep-5-hours-a-night" kind of girl. After all, I'm not getting any younger. 🙂 But I do know there are lots of people who wish they had done 5 year from the get-go. It's definitely not a bad idea.

 

[IUgrad]

Thanks for all the information -- you guys are awesome! 😍

For those of you paying tuition through financial aid, how do you do it? Just curious because I know that the Stafford loans hardly make a dent.

Does anyone use the MELA loans? What other loan programs do you use? How are the interest rates for the alternative/private loans that are commonly used?

I was wondering because I've read that Maine is one of the better states for state loans, repayment programs, etc.

 

[Gold 5]

Hi Guys,
I got in, now I am trying to plan some logistics. My wife works in finance and since Maine doesn't seem to great on the employment front, we are thinking of living in Portsmouth NH. This way she can commute to Boston and I school. Is this possible with the snow and bad weather in the winter??

 

[ShyRem]

I do use the MELA loans. As for how you pay tuition, etc., your cost of attendance (COA) is figured with all costs relating to attending school -- tuition, book allowance, OMM table, computer, housing, transportation, food, etc. The MELA loans are for monies above and beyond Stafford loans. So for me (I have a family), I get Stafford loans and then apply for up to my COA through MELA (you'll get this figure early summer or so). Then when monies are disbursed to the college, you get the remainder in a check or direct deposit. Budget wisely and let it last all semester (or semester and summer). MELA was fast and user-friendly online for their application process.

Living in NH: there are some of my classmates who do this and they rarely miss a day of school. Personally I think those days are planned days, but I've never asked. If the weather is that bad they generally close school, but don't worry about transportation. Get yourselves an EZPass and take the turnpike. As the cash cow of Maine, they work HARD to keep it clear.

I can hear the next question already: do I need an SUV with studded snow tires? That debate has been had and there are two thoughts. One: if you're a bad driver, then perhaps yes, you'll want/need them. Two: well, let me just say I have a regular old four door front wheel drive sedan with all season radial tires and I've never had a problem. And I live across town. The plow drivers keep their blades pretty darn sharp out here in Maine and cut through the ice down to the road pretty fast.

 

[Gold 5]

Hi Shy, thanks once again for your advice. How is traffic up yonder? Always moving or is rush hour bad?

 

[ShyRem]

Whether rush hour is bad depends on your perspective. I lived outside of Denver CO and worked for several years in the heart of the city, so "rush hour" to me means when I have to leave my house at 6:00 am to drive 30 miles and get to work by 8:00 am (and no, there's no time for a coffee drive-thru). Yet there are folks who swear there is a "rush hour" here in Maine. To them "rush hour" means it takes 10 minutes longer to get from school to Portland. I just can't call that "rush hour".

However, I will say that in the town of Biddeford there are 2 lane roads, people don't know what a red light is for, and it is just amazing that with a 25mph speed limit and the complete disregard for traffic signals you CAN get gridlock!!! YES! It's possible!!! amazing in it's stupidity, but totally possible. But even then it doesn't take long to get ANYWHERE in Maine. In my opinion. Other folks gripe about the "long drive" from Biddeford to Portland. It's all perspective.

😉

 

[Onstarr]

the food at UNECOM sucks, as does the library. Those two factors might assuage my decision to attend NSU instead.

The food is really not that bad.
and most students including myself bring food (we have a huge fridge in the lobby)

And for the library issue, I havent set one foot in the library to study yet.
Alfond building is "the" place to study. internet access/alfond cafe/convenient 187 deg hot water dispenser for tea-coffee-soup-etc/big tables + blackboard! (you'll start to love it)/bright lights (big issue for me because i cant study in dim areas)/relatively warm/open 24/7. 👍

i read MELA above and immediately thought Mitochondrial myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis... this biochem block is getting to me...

where in alfond did u study? and how long is it open? and what is the best place to eat around there? and is there a gym?

The school gym is open till 11pm almost everyday including weekends. Sauna + swimming pool.
if not, there is a decent gym - Planet Fitness in town only $19.99/mo for All-Access Black Card - including unlimited pass/guest pass/tanning booth/discounts foods&drinks etc.

 

[ppatel1185]

Anyone looking for roomates for next year? 🙂

 

[RN2DO]

Hey Gold 5,
I will be commuting from Exeter....I am sure the highways will be ok....
Does anyone know if there is something I should be doing now for financial aide or does the school contact me over the next several months?
Thanks...

 

[FireMed]

Do you guys think it is too late to apply for this year?

I will be deploying to Afghanistan in Feb and there until Aug.


Any thoughts?

Ryan

 

[IUgrad]

My only concern is that if you are just now applying, you might not get invited for an interview before you leave for Afghanistan. I applied in August, was invited to interview in Sept for October interview date, so it took a few months between when I submitted my application to be interviewed. Maybe the wait is shorter now, though, I don't know.

My advice is to call admissions and tell them your situation. Who knows -- they might be able to expedite your application or get you in to talk to someone before you leave. Then again, they might tell you that you have to wait in line with everyone else, but you don't know unless you try.

Good luck!

 

[Gold 5]

Ryan,

Apply right away. Make sure they get your recommendations ASAP (think Fed-Ex). Once they have your application and LOR’s, you will hear back from them pretty soon since they seem to be on the ball. If you don’t hear back within two or three weeks, give them a call and explain the situation. If you do get an interview latter than your deployment date, call and explain the situation. My gut instinct is that they will be flexible with you. God Bless and stay safe!

 

[IUgrad]

I'm sorry to bother you current UNECOM student with yet another question, but I wanted to ask about the grading system there. When you say it's "pass/fail" is it straight up pass/fail, no high pass, etc.? Is there ranking that takes place? How exactly does this work?

My adviser told me that sometimes a school that claims to be pass/fail will actually still have tiered system in place, i.e., honors, high pass, pass etc. that looks a lot like a traditional grading system. This just led me to wonder what the system was at UNECOM.

Thanks for your help! 🙂

 

[ShyRem]

UNECOM is a high pass (>90), pass (70-90) and fail (<70) grading system.

As for ranking, officially there is no ranking, and no one will ever admit to students being ranked. Lots of rumor around that one, but the official word is "we don't rank students". Unofficially who knows... I'm not privy to those secret files.