University of North Texas (UNTHSC/TCOM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

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I signed up to stay with a student. Hopefully someone helps me out! I don't have a lot of money 🙁

So for people who've already interviewed or current students is there any recommendations on how to prepare for this interview? I understand knowing the basic questions, but it seems like the feedback is suggesting the interviews are low stress and mainly aimed at just getting to know you rather than grill you. Is this really the case?
 
Yes it is. Just be yourself and answer questions honestly. Good luck!
 
I signed up to stay with a student. Hopefully someone helps me out! I don't have a lot of money 🙁

So for people who've already interviewed or current students is there any recommendations on how to prepare for this interview? I understand knowing the basic questions, but it seems like the feedback is suggesting the interviews are low stress and mainly aimed at just getting to know you rather than grill you. Is this really the case?

You shouldn't have a problem finding someone to stay with and most want to get to know you but some will grill you w pretty tough sequential situational questions and some will throw u off by asking you what superhero you would be and why. Everyone interviews different, be ready for it all.
 
my impressions: interview was informal, some questions about what i accomplished, what kind of support system i had for my med school, some hypotheticals about failing an important exam, dealing with a noncompliant patient, a dying child & their family, etc. most questions were open ended and i kinda had to think out loud and talk. there was a couple of tough ones that i had to pause for a sec and strategize. however the entire interview was very easygoing, friendly and thoughtful.
i like tcom a lot. overall solid school, excellent facilities, awesome location in dfw, everyone was genuinely nice and obviously they have tough academics.
ps. there were two interviews not one (two different professors).
 
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Since we are all fighting for the same spots...I would definitely say to go in shorts and a tshirt (maybe something from your undergrad institution). From what I noticed the interviewers reacted well to being addressed as "dude" and "man." Also, they want to make sure that you talk about what you are going to do with all the money you are going to make as a doctor.

I actually found the interviewers I had to be pretty good at being very conversational and then out of nowhere throwing in a tough situational type question. Obviously you need to go in and be yourself, one of the big things they clearly are looking for is personality fit, just be ready to put together some thoughtful answers to tough questions. Also, if you aren't prepared to speak to the ACA you are not smart
 
Since we are all fighting for the same spots...I would definitely say to go in shorts and a tshirt (maybe something from your undergrad institution). From what I noticed the interviewers reacted well to being addressed as "dude" and "man." Also, they want to make sure that you talk about what you are going to do with all the money you are going to make as a doctor.

I actually found the interviewers I had to be pretty good at being very conversational and then out of nowhere throwing in a tough situational type question. Obviously you need to go in and be yourself, one of the big things they clearly are looking for is personality fit, just be ready to put together some thoughtful answers to tough questions. Also, if you aren't prepared to speak to the ACA you are not smart

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY7anGG16u0[/YOUTUBE]
 
yes, it depends on who you get but definitely watch out for curveballs. still it is more like a friendly conversation, not a test or anything like that. not at all
 
I meant to post this earlier. Somebody in our club watched their white coat ceremony last month and had this count:

Schools with 3 or more students in TCOM Class of 2016:
UT Austin 35
Baylor 26
Texas A&M 23
Brigham Young 10
U of Houston 9
UT Dallas 8
UT Arlington 8
UT San Antonio 7
Trinity U 7
TCU 7
Texas Tech 6
UNT 6
Abilene Christian U 5
UT Pan American 5
Rice 3
U of St Thomas 3
St Edward's U 3
from 68 schools across the U.S.

Of course, this may differ from their official roster. But it does look like it's the same top three every year.

Very interesting list. It matches what I know anecdotally. Thanks for posting.
 
^ Yup. Texas Baylor and aTm have been top 3 for years ... BYU is def a favorite for OOS students.
 
Why has TCOM not being giving interviews? The last day they gave interviews was on 8/2....
 
the student volunteer for our group told us they do interviews and campus tours two days a week in the fall, on tuesdays and thursdays. so they're processing a lot of applicants through right now.
 
Just now applying have a 3.25 sGPA, last 90 hours is a 3.87. Took MCAT 7/27 but averaging a 34
 
Why has TCOM not being giving interviews? The last day they gave interviews was on 8/2....

I have no clue. I've had my application status changed to "You have been invited to an interview" for a long time now. However, I have yet to be called for the scheduling. I called and said you just have to wait, they had already cleared 190 kids to be to interviewed by that open house. I guess it just takes time to figure out logistics.
 
I have no clue. I've had my application status changed to "You have been invited to an interview" for a long time now. However, I have yet to be called for the scheduling. I called and said you just have to wait, they had already cleared 190 kids to be to interviewed by that open house. I guess it just takes time to figure out logistics.



Yup. And with TCOMs small interview size it takes awhile to get thru them
 
the student volunteer for our group told us they do interviews and campus tours two days a week in the fall, on tuesdays and thursdays. so they're processing a lot of applicants through right now.
My interview is on a Friday 😏
Maybe it's because I'm OOS?
 
Are OOS applicants interviewed as a separate group, meaning only on certain designated days? I wouldn't think so, and I can't seem to find any mention of it...
 
Ok, I'm new here, so I'm thinking maybe I missed something 🙂. Was there something on the application you had to fill out or "check a box" to be considered for the ROME program? I am interested in rural medicine, but I only have two interviews scheduled and I hear you get three if you are being considered for ROME.

Should I contact the program director maybe, or the admissions office?

Thanks!
 
Ok, I'm new here, so I'm thinking maybe I missed something 🙂. Was there something on the application you had to fill out or "check a box" to be considered for the ROME program? I am interested in rural medicine, but I only have two interviews scheduled and I hear you get three if you are being considered for ROME.

Should I contact the program director maybe, or the admissions office?

Thanks!

Definitely call and double check with the admissions office. When I applied DO/PhD (requires 3 interviews), they first scheduled me for two interviews. I called to make sure they had the application on file/I had been invited to interview for the program, which they did, and they re-scheduled me for 3 interviews.
 
I have no clue. I've had my application status changed to "You have been invited to an interview" for a long time now. However, I have yet to be called for the scheduling. I called and said you just have to wait, they had already cleared 190 kids to be to interviewed by that open house. I guess it just takes time to figure out logistics.

"Zzzz" no more! Interview invite for September 11th. I was pleasantly surprised b/c they actually called me for it.

Did they also call you?
 
can you please tell me the date your application was complete and your stats?
 
Ok, I'm new here, so I'm thinking maybe I missed something 🙂. Was there something on the application you had to fill out or "check a box" to be considered for the ROME program? I am interested in rural medicine, but I only have two interviews scheduled and I hear you get three if you are being considered for ROME.

Should I contact the program director maybe, or the admissions office?

Thanks!

You need to call them ASAP. The ROME program has their own separate interview:
http://www.hsc.unt.edu/ruralmed/index.cfm?pageName=Rural%20Scholars%20Program%20FAQs

How do I apply to participate in the Rural Scholars Program?

You indicate that you are applying for the "Rural Medicine Curriculum" on the "Supplemental Application" page of your medical school application for the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.


What will the admissions process be for a medical school applicant who is applying to participate in the Rural Scholars curriculum?
Your application will initially be processed just as any other applicant. If you are offered an interview, you will have an additional interview scheduled with the Assistant Dean of Rural Medical Education. In addition, you will be asked to complete a shadowing/interview experience off-campus with a private practice physician who is a member of our rural faculty.


 
can you please tell me the date your application was complete and your stats?

Hey Star,

I submitted my primary application on June 27th, and my secondary wasn't completed until July 22nd.

My stats are average at most. Overall is 3.89, science is 3.97. 30M MCAT, and average ECs.
 
Hey Star,

I submitted my primary application on June 27th, and my secondary wasn't completed until July 22nd.

My stats are average at most. Overall is 3.89, science is 3.97. 30M MCAT, and average ECs.
thanks! do they call you on your cell number or home phone?
 
"Zzzz" no more! Interview invite for September 11th. I was pleasantly surprised b/c they actually called me for it.

Did they also call you?

Yes, I got the call from Caroline this afternoon, but I was working and missed it. Called her back just now, but she works from 6-3. Will have to wait another day to schedule, sigh.

But at least I'm finally getting scheduled, yay.
 
I'm flying in to town tomorrow afternoon and will be wandering around the campus scoping it out. If anyone wants to meet up and say hi send me a PM! 😀
 
Does anyone else have an interview around Sept. 13th?! I am trying to see if anyone would be interested in sharing a taxi or something...transportation to and from the airport is kind of expensive 🙁
 
Does anyone else have an interview around Sept. 13th?! I am trying to see if anyone would be interested in sharing a taxi or something...transportation to and from the airport is kind of expensive 🙁

I rented a car for $62 total for 3 days from Budget. So far it has been very worth it!

And can I just say how excited I am that there is an In N Out down the street from this school????
 
I rented a car for $62 total for 3 days from Budget. So far it has been very worth it!

And can I just say how excited I am that there is an In N Out down the street from this school????

I. Hate. You. So. Much. Right. Now. ... Animal style, hate. 😉

I actually researched opening one in town here and was decimated to learn that they're all corporate establishments, no franchises. :cry: It literally would've made millions considering all the Cali transplants. It's really weird, actually, how many former Cali residents are living in this city.

/end derailment

EDIT: JaBoom, did you apply to ETSU last year? I could've sworn we chatted back then...
 
Eh, nobody can beat Whataburger. Or P. Terry's in Austin. In-N-Out does have great shakes, though. And they're neurotically clean.

A burger a day keeps the doctor away! 😀
 
Wow that is a great deal! I was worried that I would not be able to rent a car since I am only 21, so I booked a super shuttle instead. All in all I spent $350 for airfare, 2 nights hotel, and round trip transportation...hopefully it will be worth it!!!

On another note, is anyone else applying for the DO/PhD program?!
 
I. Hate. You. So. Much. Right. Now. ... Animal style, hate. 😉

I actually researched opening one in town here and was decimated to learn that they're all corporate establishments, no franchises. :cry: It literally would've made millions considering all the Cali transplants. It's really weird, actually, how many former Cali residents are living in this city.

/end derailment

EDIT: JaBoom, did you apply to ETSU last year? I could've sworn we chatted back then...
Yeah I'm a Cali transplant in Maryland but now a hopeful Texan! I totally smashed through a 3x3 today. It was awesome.
I didn't apply to ETSU last year. This is my first year applying.
 
II for 9/25! Caroline called me yesterday during TT El paso interview so I missed it. Called her back today and got offered 9/14 or 9/18 but I asked for 9/25.
 
II for 9/25! Caroline called me yesterday during TT El paso interview so I missed it. Called her back today and got offered 9/14 or 9/18 but I asked for 9/25.
can you please tell me when you were complete and stats?
I am just trying to figure out if I have a chance here.
 
can you please tell me when you were complete and stats?
I am just trying to figure out if I have a chance here.

Primary transmitted 7/12
Secondary submitted 7/30
unofficial II (by checking website) 8/22
Official II (received phone call) 8/23

cGPA 3.7, sGPA 3.8, 27N
 
From what I picked up in the interview they are still fighting really hard to not lose the "small school" feel from when the classes where half the size they are now. So Caroline pretty much calls everybody who gets an interview and if you get in the Assoc Dir Admin assigned to your file calls you to let you know. Pretty nice touch if you ask me.

Oh, and now that we have a In n Out locally and I can directly compare Whataburger, I'd say they are way too different to say one is better than the other. If you want a greasy delicious post bar burger, you cant beat Whataburger, but If you want something restaurant quality fast (not counting the line) the In n out is the way to go.
 
ft worth has some homegrown burger joints that are pretty good: the love shack in the stockyards, dutch's by tcu, fred's.
the grape restaurant in dallas supposedly has amazing burgers, but i haven't tried them.
whataburger is great, like dairy queen they're consistent no matter where you go in texas.
 
It's so funny because the burger debate came up in my interview. HAHA! One of the faculty members I interviewed with was also from California like me so we talked about In-N-Out being in town. He didn't grow up on In-N-Out like I did so he didn't see what all the fuss was about. He said there are better burgers in town.

So about my interview:
It was an all day event, two interviews, an orientation, a tour with students, and a lunch. My interviews were with one MD (psychiatrist) and a PhD faculty member. TCOM does what's called a "partially closed file" format meaning that they cannot see your transcripts, your MCAT scores, or your letters of recommendation. The only part of your file they can see are your essays and your chronology thing with your work history. So big hint, make sure you know what you wrote in your essays!
My MD interview was pretty easy going. He was very easy to talk to. He knew my essays very well as if he had studied them beforehand and had questions ready to ask me. We mostly talked about my essays and he asked me to elaborate more on some things I wrote. We did get on the Obamacare topic for a bit so it's probably good to be well informed. The "Why D.O.?" question came up which was awkward to answer that question to an MD. It was a pretty low-stress interview but he did ask a lot of questions.
My second interview, at about 10 minutes into it I made the realization that this guy did not read one bit of my essays and knew nothing about me. He asked very open ended questions like, "So tell me about yourself," and just basically let me ramble on. He talked a lot about the school and what it had to offer so he gave me some good information. That one was pretty low stress too.

Overall, I really love this school. The student ambassadors that gave us the tour were really happy and seemed to really like OMM. The facilities looked brand new like the surgery simulation room, the other sim labs, the cadaver lab was amazing! I am really hoping they offer me an acceptance here. It's a great school!
 
You were lucky they didn't talk about BBQ. It's a religious topic, you know. Glad your interview went well. 🙂
 
What are my chances with a 3.3 and a 26R mcat (10P 6V 10B). Have extensive clinical background, 1 publication and 5 submitted for publication?
 
Meh I can live with that. Where are the stats for this?
 
Finished my interview here.

Honestly I enjoyed the school very much, I like the location, campus, but what I really liked was the commitment I felt the professors had towards teaching students. It seemed they're very open to student feedback, and the curriculum is well planned (systems based) and executed. The simulation lab was just baller.

The interviews were very relaxed, I didn't feel nervous at all, they tell you ahead of time they're not out to try to cause punitive damage against you, there's no right/wrong answers, just how you answer matters. I didn't feel like any of the questions were mind games, they were pretty straightforward. Though my interviews were definitely question/answer, they weren't the conversational type that others mentioned. But again, there's many interviewers so there's no way to predict ahead of time what style of interview you will get. But either way you're going to be alright.
 
Just got a call to schedule an interview on 9/20 here. IS, 3.4/35Q and complete in early June.
 
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