UNECOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[Postal]

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Oh wow...Thank goodness you called them because I was considering giving them a call as well....
ugh..more waiting!

 

[Postal]

The University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine was pleased to inform me that...........I am on the alternate list......👎

Not what I wanted but not an outright rejection...

 

[smmossey]

Postal may I ask how you found out about your interview? Did you call or receive a letter? I have a feeling I am on the wait list having called but not asked what the status of my application is. I was told by my army recruiter to call(I guess HPSP is big there) and ask but I dont want to be too pushy. I was complete in late August.

 

[Postal]

Postal may I ask how you found out about your interview? Did you call or receive a letter? I have a feeling I am on the wait list having called but not asked what the status of my application is. I was told by my army recruiter to call(I guess HPSP is big there) and ask but I dont want to be too pushy. I was complete in late August.

Are you asking me how I found out I was waitlisted?

I received a letter in the mail today. I haven't called, e-mailed, or anything.

 

[dunaa]

The University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine was pleased to inform me that...........I am on the alternate list......👎

Not what I wanted but not an outright rejection...

Don't worry postal...I'm sure for your sake the list will move a lot this year...Keep your fingers crossed. I decided to go to UNECOM over TOURO...will be fun to have you there too!

 

[smmossey]

Are you asking me how I found out I was waitlisted?

I received a letter in the mail today. I haven't called, e-mailed, or anything.

Yea that's basically what I was asking. I'm sorry to hear about your waitlist, but I bet it comes through for you. Right now so many people have multiple acceptances and can only accept one in the end.

 

[Postal]

thx guys! Now I'm over here googling sdn threads to find out how much the wait list moves yearly....

 

[nyumedstud]

might apply here

 

[Postal]

I'm on the same boat as you Postal, alternate list. Any luck on finding out how it moves? I haven't had any luck researching it

I think in last year's thread, I saw that SHYREM said that approx. 1/3 of pple in each year's class are pulled off the waitlist. I think I also read that they prefer pple who have taken biochemistry already.

I think most of the waitlist movement happens in the spring (April, May) as students get accepted into MD schools and withdraw from D.O. schools.

That's all I got...

 

[dunaa]

I think in last year's thread, I saw that SHYREM said that approx. 1/3 of pple in each year's class are pulled off the waitlist. I think I also read that they prefer pple who have taken biochemistry already.

I think most of the waitlist movement happens in the spring (April, May) as students get accepted into MD schools and withdraw from D.O. schools.

That's all I got...

Would you choose UNECOM over Touro if you got off the wait list??

 

[Postal]

Would you choose UNECOM over Touro if you got off the wait list??

Well....I'm not 100% sure. I know the smart thing would be to do that bc UNECOM is far more established and probably has good rotations and match rates. At the same time, I like Touro's location( its close to home), mission, and the diverse environment.

 

[smmossey]

You may get lucky earlier. I know I owe one of my schools a deposit come December. People may start to pull there applications by then, and you may get something in January or February. I am gonna hold out for UNECOM cause it's my top choice but it is gonna cost me 3k if I do get in 🙁

Still I think it's worth it, because it's close enough to home where I could go home during holidays but far enough away where my family can't bother me. And it's my #1 choice anyway haha.

 

[fiznat]

Can anyone who was complete in the last few months quickly post what their secondary complete-->interview invite decision turnaround time was? Silence is killing me!

 

[bradtech]

I made a facebook page for the class of 2015!! Can't wait to meet everyone!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_170034253019174

 

[dunaa]

I made a facebook page for the class of 2015!! Can't wait to meet everyone!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_170034253019174

Yaayyy...was waiting for this. Counting down the days till I'm quit my boring job!😴 and say "hello Maine"....😀. See you guys!!!

 

[ladydoc2010]

I really liked the area that this school is in but am having a hard time making a decision based on tuition. Can any current students tell me if there are scholarships available? When I asked during my interview, it didn't seem like there were many. I am having a hard time rationalizing going to an OOS school paying twice the tuition. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[dunaa]

I really liked the area that this school is in but am having a hard time making a decision based on tuition. Can any current students tell me if there are scholarships available? When I asked during my interview, it didn't seem like there were many. I am having a hard time rationalizing going to an OOS school paying twice the tuition. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

I don't think OOS pays twice as much as locals...because that would be ~$88,000😱. They are a private school and don't make the distinction between OOS and locals -tuition-wise. Regardless, UNECOM is expensive (~$45,000). I believe you are referring to MSUCOM, which has OOS paying $69,000 while locals pay half that...even they have scholarships to reduce this to the amount locals pay. As far as scholarships for OOS at UNECOM goes, there isn't much. Check out this link http://www.une.edu/financialaid/comgrants.cfm

Hope this helps

 

[DoctorJDO]

I think she meant 2x the tuition of what her IS school would be?

 

[dunaa]

I think she meant 2x the tuition of what her IS school would be?

Ahh...get it! That makes more sense.

 

[ShyRem]

almost no scholarships. Most students pay full price.

 

[mickc]

Can anyone who was complete in the last few months quickly post what their secondary complete-->interview invite decision turnaround time was? Silence is killing me!

November 5th, still haven't heard anything from UNECOM. Anyone with their secondary complete around the same time, but with an interview?

 

[Truthteller]

I am a current student at UNECOM and would be happy to inform anybody interested about this institution. The good, the bad, and the down right ugly. If you have questions please let me know and I will answer with honesty as my first priority.

 

[dunaa]

I am a current student at UNECOM and would be happy to inform anybody interested about this institution. The good, the bad, and the down right ugly. If you have questions please let me know and I will answer with honesty as my first priority.

Do you regret ever going to UNECOM? Would you go there again if given another chance, will you go there again? What have you learnt from the difficulties you faced at UNECOM i.e has it made you a better person/doctor in any way? What advice will you give to someone who wants to go to this institution to help them deal with any difficulties that they might encounter (because thats a constant regardless of where you go)?

 

[Truthteller]

Do you regret ever going to UNECOM? Would you go there again if given another chance, will you go there again? What have you learnt from the difficulties you faced at UNECOM i.e has it made you a better person/doctor in any way? What advice will you give to someone who wants to go to this institution to help them deal with any difficulties that they might encounter (because thats a constant regardless of where you go)?

To be frank with you Dunaa I do regret matriculating at UNECOM. Like any school there are pros and cons to this institution. However, there are some important cons to consider. For starters, US News & World Report ranked us number one in student indebtedness. This fact looms over everything on campus. Every time they charge us for gloves in the anatomy lab, scalpel blades, forks in the cafe, microscope fees, and an endless list of items students wonder where our money is going ($~48,000). There are a number of faculty members at UNECOM who shine bright, but much of the staff and faculty are mediocre at best. A large percentage of the class has issues daily with miscommunication between departments, bad scheduling with preceptorships, inaccurate information taught in the classroom, and a general "good enough" attitude. The administration has made it very clear that they are more concerned with increasing class size then increasing quality. Students are generally unhappy, but glad to be in school (if that makes any sense at all). We all want to be doctors more then anything, but you can't jump at the first program that accepts you. If I have learned anything from UNECOM it is that you must rely on each other to get through the hard times, and always keep the end goal in mind.

 

[Airborne29]

To be frank with you Dunaa I do regret matriculating at UNECOM. Like any school there are pros and cons to this institution. However, there are some important cons to consider. For starters, US News & World Report ranked us number one in student indebtedness. This fact looms over everything on campus. Every time they charge us for gloves in the anatomy lab, scalpel blades, forks in the cafe, microscope fees, and an endless list of items students wonder where our money is going ($~48,000). There are a number of faculty members at UNECOM who shine bright, but much of the staff and faculty are mediocre at best. A large percentage of the class has issues daily with miscommunication between departments, bad scheduling with preceptorships, inaccurate information taught in the classroom, and a general "good enough" attitude. The administration has made it very clear that they are more concerned with increasing class size then increasing quality. Students are generally unhappy, but glad to be in school (if that makes any sense at all). We all want to be doctors more then anything, but you can't jump at the first program that accepts you. If I have learned anything from UNECOM it is that you must rely on each other to get through the hard times, and always keep the end goal in mind.

Thanks for being honest with us!

I'm still working on my application and UNE will be one of my top three schools that I will apply to in the future. I know this isn't too related to this thread but I know there’s a lot of hype on bashing 'For Profit" schools for charging high tuition rates and most of the time their right. This post provides some insight that price gouging can occur at "Non-Profit" institutions as well.

 

[adkmedgirl]

To be frank with you Dunaa I do regret matriculating at UNECOM. Like any school there are pros and cons to this institution. However, there are some important cons to consider. For starters, US News & World Report ranked us number one in student indebtedness. This fact looms over everything on campus. Every time they charge us for gloves in the anatomy lab, scalpel blades, forks in the cafe, microscope fees, and an endless list of items students wonder where our money is going ($~48,000). There are a number of faculty members at UNECOM who shine bright, but much of the staff and faculty are mediocre at best. A large percentage of the class has issues daily with miscommunication between departments, bad scheduling with preceptorships, inaccurate information taught in the classroom, and a general "good enough" attitude. The administration has made it very clear that they are more concerned with increasing class size then increasing quality. Students are generally unhappy, but glad to be in school (if that makes any sense at all). We all want to be doctors more then anything, but you can't jump at the first program that accepts you. If I have learned anything from UNECOM it is that you must rely on each other to get through the hard times, and always keep the end goal in mind.

So are there any pros? Debt aside, do you feel like you're receiving a good education?

 

[CrazedNDiffused]

Is UNECOM still doing interviews?

I was complete WAY back in September, and haven't heard a thing since then. Should I be worried?

 

[HOPINGTOBE]

Is UNECOM still doing interviews?

I was complete WAY back in September, and haven't heard a thing since then. Should I be worried?

I was complete at the same time. nothing. 🙁

 

[Truthteller]

So are there any pros? Debt aside, do you feel like you're receiving a good education?

Everyone has a different style when it comes to learning and engaging with the material. Some are auditory, some visual, and others learn by doing. As a medical curriculum we make the first two years difficult for those who learn by doing due to the heavy emphasis on didactics. At UNECOM we have access to all the necessary information to do well on the boards, and if that serves as any measure (I'm not sure it does), become good doctors. With that said, it is important to point out that attendance in class begins to drop as the first year progresses and by the second year it is standard to see 40-50 people in lecture out of 120. I stopped going because the quality of the lecture was poor, and others stop going because they can learn it faster and in more depth by reading their textbooks. One criticism that can't be denied is that many professors (both first and second year) have not updated there lectures in years. This leads to inaccurate information being taught and when it comes down to it students are forced to learn one thing for their professor and another thing for the boards. That is endlessly frustrating and makes the program much more difficult then it needs to be. In short, I worry every day that I am not getting the education I am paying for at UNECOM.

 

[Truthteller]

Is UNECOM still doing interviews?

I was complete WAY back in September, and haven't heard a thing since then. Should I be worried?

I would call and ask if they still need anything for your file. I realize you are complete, but it sounds better then calling and asking why you haven't been interviewed. They have been interviewing for a while now.

 

[bradtech]

I paid the $500 deposit today and have 60 days to come up with $1500 more. I am just looking forward to starting med school. Good luck to all.

 

[DPT2DO]

Truthteller, I have a question about rotations if you don't mind. Is there a lot of uncertainty when it comes down to where you will be going? How likely is it that I'd get my first choice? For example, I intend on buying a house and possibly having a child before/during the first 2 years. I'd hope that I could stay local, like MMC in Portland, so that I don't leave my wife (and our house) high and dry. I would hate to have the anxiety of possibly needing to travel around New England during 3rd/4th year because I lost out in the lottery. Any thoughts on this?

 

[ShyRem]

plenty of folks get their first choice. Staying in Portland is usually a very popular desire. When I went through lottery, there were 8 more folks wanting Portland than there were spaces. Rather than risking ending up 8 hours away, I chose to go to Augusta which is 2 hours away. While I was not home during the week, I did get to be home on the weekends I had off. And yes, I owned a home, had two children, and a husband. Was it ideal? no. But it was doable.

Keep in mind you will likely be away in fourth year for at least a few rotations and interviews.

 

[DPT2DO]

Thanks for your response Shyrem. I guess I'll eventually have to deal with moving around - I just feel like it's going to be very challenging and unpredictable. It was the same way for me in PT school, we all had to do 1 away rotation; I ended up in Florida, and it was actually pretty fun!

Do your pre-clinical grades have any impact on preference for clinical sites? Meaning, would a more highly ranked student have a better chance at going to MMC?

 

[ShyRem]

no. it's strictly lottery. Literally drawing balls out of a box.

 

[luv2rad8]

To be frank with you Dunaa I do regret matriculating at UNECOM.

If a current medical student told me they regretted their decision to attend UNECOM as I stood in my kitchen looking at my sole acceptance letter from the same school amongst a slew of waitlists, would I decline my acceptance in order to go through the application process and fees for a third year? My answer is no. For me, I don't regret going to UNECOM despite all the frustrations that we live through. Five more months. Five more months.
​

 

[Postal]

If a current medical student told me they regretted their decision to attend UNECOM as I stood in my kitchen looking at my sole acceptance letter from the same school amongst a slew of waitlists, would I decline my acceptance in order to go through the application process and fees for a third year? My answer is no. For me, I don't regret going to UNECOM despite all the frustrations that we live through. Five more months. Five more months.
​

Well, I mean...who would decline a sole acceptance?
That's just silly

 

[luv2rad8]

Well, I mean...who would decline a sole acceptance?
That's just silly

I agree with you Postal. My point is that sometimes it is nice to know and think about all of the nuances of each school while the application process is going on, but in the end for some applicants (like myself), there is no choice between schools. You have a choice between UNECOM (for example) or doing it all over again. Questions to current medical students about regretting one's choice to attend a school should be asked prior to deciding to apply to a particular school...not while one's waiting to hear of an interview offer or acceptance/declination letter.
I'm not sure of Truthteller's number of acceptance letters but if he/she had more than one for the class of 2013 (I think this person is in my class), I feel bad that they might have had a better experience somewhere else. For those who are interested, I don't regret going to UNECOM. I am thankful they gave me an opportunity to pursue my dream. But regardless of my opinion, we will all be physicians in the end, and that's what truly matters.

 

[jkmph]

If a current medical student told me they regretted their decision to attend UNECOM as I stood in my kitchen looking at my sole acceptance letter from the same school amongst a slew of waitlists, would I decline my acceptance in order to go through the application process and fees for a third year? My answer is no. For me, I don't regret going to UNECOM despite all the frustrations that we live through. Five more months. Five more months.
​

As another current student, I can say that truthteller doesn't speak for the UNECOM student body. Most of my class is very satisified with the majority of our curriculum, faculty, etc etc. Cost aside, UNE is a great place to get a medical education.

 

[bradtech]

As another current student, I can say that truthteller doesn't speak for the UNECOM student body. Most of my class is very satisified with the majority of our curriculum, faculty, etc etc. Cost aside, UNE is a great place to get a medical education.

I agree!! I am going to start at UNE in August and I am pumped.

 

[UWBadger24]

As another current student, I can say that truthteller doesn't speak for the UNECOM student body. Most of my class is very satisified with the majority of our curriculum, faculty, etc etc. Cost aside, UNE is a great place to get a medical education.

Totally agree. Don't let one person's opinion sway you in one direction or another. Most of us are very happy with our choice to be at UNECOM 🙂

 

[TME]

just found out I was placed on the alternate list...not what I was hoping for..

has anyone else who has been placed on the alternate list heard any more info about it? Like what are chances are or how much it moves?

 

[FSD2015]

Totally agree. Don't let one person's opinion sway you in one direction or another. Most of us are very happy with our choice to be at UNECOM 🙂

Thanks. I am glad to hear this.

I have been accepted to two schools in the last 10 days and it will be a hard decision to make over the next month.

I really liked the atmosphere of the school when I was there and that the class size was in the low 100s (compared to the 300 or so of the other schools I have interviewed at). I also am interested in rural medicine and I think the location gives ample opportunity for rural experience while not being too far from developed areas.

If you, or anyone else, chose UNECOM over another school what do you know now that you didn't know then that would have made you more or less eager to attend (I'm not worried about price of the school, I have come to accept that medical school is expensive and it isn't like we are going to be making $15 an hour for the rest of our lives)

 

[dunaa]

If a current medical student told me they regretted their decision to attend UNECOM as I stood in my kitchen looking at my sole acceptance letter from the same school amongst a slew of waitlists, would I decline my acceptance in order to go through the application process and fees for a third year? My answer is no. For me, I don't regret going to UNECOM despite all the frustrations that we live through. Five more months. Five more months.​

I totally agree with you. My questions to truthteller were just to satisfy his apparent eagerness to help and spew some of his frustrations (not to say they are not justified). I have made my peace long ago that nothing in life comes easy and more so, on the path of medicine. Pick any medical school, and you'll find people who regretted going there, so for that to affect my decision will be darn silly. These things just help one psych him/herself up for any challenges ahead and nothing more.
UNECOM felt like home when I first visited for my interview. I couldn't picture myself going elsewhere after that. The cost of attendance never even crossed my mind until I saw people mention it here. What difference will an extra $20,000 (say) make on your final debt load?
Like has been mention so many times here; Go where you are comfortable. Thanks luv2rad8, UWBadger24 and Truthteller. You guys make me wanna go to UNECOM more.

 

[lhnren]

I was complete at the same time. nothing. 🙁

I received an interview today via email. I wouldn't give up hope yet, they are still offering interview dates. Mine is on 1/25.

Good luck to everyone!!

 

[bradtech]

I received an interview today via email. I wouldn't give up hope yet, they are still offering interview dates. Mine is on 1/25.

Good luck to everyone!!

Congrats!!

 

[noday42]

Accepted yesterday (first one)! MCAT 31, cGPA 3.5, New England resident.

 

[reezer4]

i received an interview today via email. I wouldn't give up hope yet, they are still offering interview dates. Mine is on 1/25.

Good luck to everyone!!

+1

 

[Airborne29]

no. it's strictly lottery. Literally drawing balls out of a box.

Quick question ShyRem if you don't mind answering 🙂

I was born and raised in Massachusetts but I've been a Florida resident over ten years. Will a New England born applicant have more weight in applying to unecom than a non-born New England resident? Or should I just move my butt back to Boston for awhile to regain my residence? Thx

 

[ShyRem]

Actually, statistically you have a better shot as an out of state person. The majority of their applications come from New England so that's the majority of their students are from. But remember UNE is a private school, so they have no "in-state" status.

Stay in Florida if that's where you're comfortable.