University of North Texas (UNTHSC/TCOM) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

[CharlesLehnhoff]

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1) There are a tremendous amount of community service options for students, such as screening patients and assisting in some clinics. The only downside is that everyone rushes for them, so you gotta be quick on your feet to grab it when it opens!

2) There are all sorts of opportunities for medical careers via the interest groups, so you can find a few and see what they are all about. Also, there is a primary care clinic on campus so you can talk or email the doctors who work there for more information/shadowing/etc. Also, the rotating faculty allows for you to meet people of all specialties that can help direct your questions and whatnot towards your interests. The other day, there was a alumnus that was a neurosurgeon who spoke about what it takes to do what he does, and he was urging people to give him a call and come stay with him for the day to get a glimpse on what it is like. The faculty and associates of the school are very hands-on so you always gotta ask!

3) Students typically live either in the neighborhoods surrounding the area (difficult to find a place here, so make sure you start looking ahead of time), or they live about 10-15 minutes away off Bryant Irving. There are some lofts and swanky apartments that are east of campus, but they are pretty expensive (but the plus side is that there are several restaurants just a stairwell away). One tip I have is to not live outside of Fort Worth; we have some classmates that do, and the only convenient routes they take are ones that have been under constant construction (like 20 years on some roads?), so make sure when looking at areas to drive during rush hour to see what it would be like to live in that area.

4) Student organizations are listed here:
http://web.unthsc.edu/downloads/file/5942/2014-2015_master_organization_list

hope that helps!

Absolutely true about living outside the city unless you go southwest to Benbrook. I live in Keller and it is a nightmare to go downtown to THR events, even though its only 12 miles....it is also very expensive to live downtown near campus as well because of TCU students. They drive the cost of student housing. But Fort Worth is one of my favorite cities outside of SA. There are a lot of things to do that are very safe and you can ride the TRE to Dallas if you get bored with FW.

I have a few friends that just graduated from TCOM and some of them are my primary reasons on why I want to be here over some MDs. In fact I just met with an old colleague who teaches 4th year at UTHSCSA, and I told him I was thinking about UTHSCSA or TCOM. He said he would choose TCOM for many reasons. His top being they just end up being better physicians.

 

[slim_pickens]

Just thought I'd put down my interview info for folks who are out there waiting:
TMDSAS submitted 6/22, TCOM secondary finished prior to that.
sGPA 3.48, overall GPA 3.38, MCAT 30, interviewed on 9/5.

Really enjoyed the campus and local hospital. It was nice to see how the students all seem to watch out for each other (there's even a master google-drive with any study material that students deem useful that gets passed down one class to the next), and I couldn't coax one negative comment about how the school does things from my second year tour guides. All in, it's a great school in a great city. As one of the admissions members said "The Fort Worth area is the best kept secret in Texas, and we like it that way."

 

[s5260205]

I've recently decided to apply to TCOM and submitted my TMDSAS application today.
I understand this is really late, and it takes time for processing. Do you think my TMDSAS application will be processed and submitted before the deadline on Oct. 1st? Or should I just not bother with this cycle?

Thank you!

 

[costales]

Are you talking about the October 15th deadline for supporting documents?

 

[s5260205]

I think TCOM has a Oct 1st deadline for TMDSAS application to be submitted (which includes all the letters, transcript, etc.); the secondary application is also due on Oct. 15th. Don't know if I would able to make it to the Oct. 1st deadline for TMDSAS to finish processing beforehand.

 

[costales]

TCOM uses TMDSAS rules and deadlines except for the secondary app which is school-specific, so you should be okay as long as your supporting documents are sent to TMDSAS by October 15th. The October 1st deadline is only for the online application and electronic fee payment. You could call the admissions office to confirm.

 

[s5260205]

Thanks for the clarification! Hopefully I would still get an interview with this super late application.

 

[razorbacktj]

I just had an interview on 9/23, and I felt very compelled to share my experience. I didn't plan on even applying to a D.O. program this time last year, but my friend told me how much he loves the philosophy at his program (Michigan State). I can't believe I was ever worried, and I certainly can't believe I almost passed on the chance to apply to TCOM. I was very impressed by the atmosphere. The people were extremely friendly and approachable, and the facilities were top notch (both inside and out).

I like the way they focus on Bloom's Taxonomy, something my wife (who is a teacher) has been harping about for years. The way they structure their curriculum, and overall educational experience, seems to be completely devoted to ensuring that their students become competent doctors. They bring in real patients, not actors, for their students to interview with real problems associated with the topic they are learning at that time. This is just one of many things that I saw them doing and spoke to the students about while I was there. They spare no expense to make sure their students have the technology and facilities that will best accommodate learning. I was also a big fan of their anatomy lab.

The interviewers ask questions that are reasonable to get to know you, but it doesn't seem like they are trying to make you fall on your face. The interviews were a very pleasant experience, and I immediately felt that I could be myself with them.

I can't say enough about how pleasantly surprised and impressed I am with this school and its community. Let me know if you have specific questions.

 

[Allium cepa]

Can someone who has interviewed share what time the interview day ends?

 

[LChristmas]

Can someone who has interviewed share what time the interview day ends?

My day ended at 230, but there were 3 different groups on my interview day, so I'm not sure if they finished at the same time.

 

[trs88]

An odd question, I'm in state and I've been complete since May/June and I just checked my application and I still say "This application is Complete". Should I send a letter of interest/intent or just remain patient?

 

[JeBrAs]

An odd question, I'm in state and I've been complete since May/June and I just checked my application and I still say "This application is Complete". Should I send a letter of interest/intent or just remain patient?

I was in the same situation as you up till 1.5 weeks ago. There are still plenty of interview spots left, I got to schedule interview in early October. What might help is an update. I had plans already set into motion to shadow an anesthesiologist a couple of days before I got my II invite. I was going to use this an an update for my application and then send TCOM an email to give a heads up on the update and add a little more about how I would love to get a II from this awesome school etc. I don't think it would hurt to try. But like I keep seeing all over SDN, patience is a virtue........

 

[slim_pickens]

My day ended at 230, but there were 3 different groups on my interview day, so I'm not sure if they finished at the same time.

The three groups determine the order in which you do the three main 'events' for the day:

1) Your the local hospital (JPS).
2) Your two interviews.
3) Campus tour.

There's an optional breakfast from like 7-7:30, then the groups break and re-convene for lunch and a brief lecture on the school at.... I want to say noon, but it's been a few weeks.
After the lunch / lecture are whatever two events you still have to do.

In theory, you're supposed to be done by 2:30-3:00, but depending on traffic to/from JPS, how fast/slow your student guides talk, and if the interviews run long/short, you could get out a bit sooner or later than that.
My last interview ran late, and I didn't shake Ms Carolyn's hand to leave until probably 3:30-3:45.
Then again, I was literally the last guy out the door. Hope this helps!

 

[dragon mouse]

Hey I was wondering if anyone who was able to go through The Office Student Development and be housed with a TCOM student the night before the interview and what your thoughts were on that experience.

Hi, did anyone answer your question maybe via PM? I'm still waiting to hear back about student hosting for my interview next week... Time to start looking for other options if I don't hear tomorrow/Tuesday I guess

 

[JeBrAs]

Hi, did anyone answer your question maybe via PM? I'm still waiting to hear back about student hosting for my interview next week... Time to start looking for other options if I don't hear tomorrow/Tuesday I guess

Nope I have not received any information on that. So I am in the same boat as you and will have to book a hotel tomorrow. Do you interview on the 3rd of October?

 

[therealdeal1]

Can someone who interviewed comment on who does the two interviews (i.e. med students, admissions officer, professor etc.) and also whether the interviews are open-file or closed... I would really appreciate any feedback!

 

[costales]

It's two professors (one basic science, one clinical) and closed file (they don't have your stats).

 

[costales]

I'm still waiting to hear back about student hosting for my interview next week... Time to start looking for other options if I don't hear tomorrow/Tuesday I guess

I'd go ahead and book a room. Student hosting is variable and a bit hard to predict. For instance, the first 6-8 weeks of med school are usually the busiest, and if your interview falls on an exam day, there will not be many people willing to host the night before.

 

[radkat101]

Nope I have not received any information on that. So I am in the same boat as you and will have to book a hotel tomorrow. Do you interview on the 3rd of October?

Us first years have been pretty immersed in our Neuro block. We do get the emails letting us know you guys are looking to stay with us, so the school is getting the message out. There are a lot of students requesting housing, and many of our homes/apartments are not places you would even WANT to stay in right now.

 

[mattrmcg]

Us first years have been pretty immersed in our Neuro block. We do get the emails letting us know you guys are looking to stay with us, so the school is getting the message out. There are a lot of students requesting housing, and many of our homes/apartments are not places you would even WANT to stay in right now.

This is the truth 😀

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Still no love from good ol Texas...breaking my heart.

 

[JeBrAs]

Us first years have been pretty immersed in our Neuro block. We do get the emails letting us know you guys are looking to stay with us, so the school is getting the message out. There are a lot of students requesting housing, and many of our homes/apartments are not places you would even WANT to stay in right now.

Ah, that is very understandable and I appreciate you informing us of that. Good luck with with your studies!

 

[Grandy]

Hi! I've submitted my TMDSAS application late and now I'm filling a whole bunch of secondaries in a short time. I was wondering if anyone here is willing to read my TCOM secondary essays and give me feedback and tips because I didn't really consider the OD path till recently and I feel like I can't write as enthusiastically as I would for MD schools.
Thanks in advance!

 

[MackandBlues]

Us first years have been pretty immersed in our Neuro block. We do get the emails letting us know you guys are looking to stay with us, so the school is getting the message out. There are a lot of students requesting housing, and many of our homes/apartments are not places you would even WANT to stay in right now.

Yup, second this. Lots of us barely grocery shop and do laundry so our homes aren't too clean most of the time. Unless you have a significant other helping to look out for you...

 

[JeBrAs]

So how did the powder puff football game between the first and second years turnout? I was not able to stay after my interview to watch.

 

[Dr Granger]

Anyone know how many pre-match offers TCOM gives out? Are they the type of school to just do a few or what?

 

[razorbacktj]

They told us they only give very few and that they'll give even fewer this year.

 

[JeBrAs]

They told us they only give very few and that they'll give even fewer this year.

That's the impression I got as well

 

[MackandBlues]

So how did the powder puff football game between the first and second years turnout? I was not able to stay after my interview to watch.

We (first years) lost the game but our cheerleaders won the halftime showdown! Lots of fun 🙂

 

[trs88]

I guess no news is good news at this point. I emailed a letter of intent as well as asking about the status of my application. I was told the letter was added to my file so anyone reviewing it would see it. Didn't hear about my status.

 

[medhead1990]

I guess no news is good news at this point. I emailed a letter of intent as well as asking about the status of my application. I was told the letter was added to my file so anyone reviewing it would see it. Didn't hear about my status.

How did you submit your letter of intent? Im thinking I might do that (i guess more an update letter )as well, do you just shoot it over to the admissions e-mail or a specific person?

 

[trs88]

How did you submit your letter of intent? Im thinking I might do that (i guess more an update letter )as well, do you just shoot it over to the admissions e-mail or a specific person?

Just the tcom admissions email listed on their website.

 

[dlqo0oplb]

Had my interview yesterday. Extremely conversational and very approachable faculties/medical students! State of the art anatomy lab too. Definitely one of the top DO schools.

 

[docbsb2015]

I know this sounds pretty paranoid but how long did it take for those who received interviews to hear back from TCOM….its been a little over a month since my app has been received. I know it has only been a month but just trying to get a gauge if I should be concerned at all or not. Thanks

 

[67552931811]

Hi! I've submitted my TMDSAS application late and now I'm filling a whole bunch of secondaries in a short time. I was wondering if anyone here is willing to read my TCOM secondary essays and give me feedback and tips because I didn't really consider the OD path till recently and I feel like I can't write as enthusiastically as I would for MD schools.
Thanks in advance!

Wow.

 

[LChristmas]

I know this sounds pretty paranoid but how long did it take for those who received interviews to hear back from TCOM….its been a little over a month since my app has been received. I know it has only been a month but just trying to get a gauge if I should be concerned at all or not. Thanks

I've seen them send an II as soon as one day after secondary submission. I waited just under 1 month, but I was complete mid-June. I'm sure they're probably much busier now, so I wouldn't start freaking out just yet. Good luck!

 

[slim_pickens]

I know this sounds pretty paranoid but how long did it take for those who received interviews to hear back from TCOM….its been a little over a month since my app has been received. I know it has only been a month but just trying to get a gauge if I should be concerned at all or not. Thanks

My application was complete 7/22 and I received my interview invite call on 8/25.

Soooo about a month.
Good luck!

 

[JeBrAs]

I know this sounds pretty paranoid but how long did it take for those who received interviews to hear back from TCOM….its been a little over a month since my app has been received. I know it has only been a month but just trying to get a gauge if I should be concerned at all or not. Thanks

I waited about 9 weeks

 

[docbsb2015]

Thanks guys…appreciate it

 

[costales]

Wow.

LOL. That's okay. I wasn't crazy about optometrists either.

 

[costales]

We (first years) lost the game but our cheerleaders won the halftime showdown! Lots of fun 🙂

One of these decades, the 1st years are going to pull a historic upset. On the bright side, they've always won a year later.

 

[67552931811]

LOL. That's okay. I wasn't crazy about optometrists either.

Lol.

 

[RN2MD2014applicant]

my new mcat scores were updated by TCOM yesterday...not impressive. Made a 10 on verbal but my bio dropped from a 9 to 6 and PS remained the same at 7.
I am counting on that verbal which went from a 5 to 10.
Hope with my EC, LOR's and the verbal score...ill get an interview soon.

 

[biotoMED1923]

Interviewed a few weeks ago, just thought i'd share.

The overall experience was great. It was very organized and everyone was super nice. My interviews went....okay. One was super conversational and i thought it went well. The other not so much. I felt like the guy just shot down everything I said- it was more of an interrogation than an interview. Maybe he was just doing that to see how I would react under pressure? Idk. Anyway, I really like this school and very felt comfortable there. I hope that one interview doesn't hurt me too much. Anyone else have a similar experience? This wait is killing me!

 

[JeBrAs]

Interviewed a few weeks ago, just thought i'd share.

The overall experience was great. It was very organized and everyone was super nice. My interviews went....okay. One was super conversational and i thought it went well. The other not so much. I felt like the guy just shot down everything I said- it was more of an interrogation than an interview. Maybe he was just doing that to see how I would react under pressure? Idk. Anyway, I really like this school and very felt comfortable there. I hope that one interview doesn't hurt me too much. Anyone else have a similar experience? This wait is killing me!

I had a similar experience, my first interview was a little tough, lots of "why" questions and other difficult touchy questions, not much conversation overall. My second interview was so relaxed and conversational, I was able to find interests of this interviewer and have conversations about them, a fun interview. I feel like I was able to answer the questions confidently and I think I prepared well for this interview as I play the day back in my mind. It is going to be a long wait, especially if we have to wait till Feb 2nd......

 

[clairephillips]

I just filled out a secondary for this awesome school. I know my app is super-late, but I have read a great deal about this school and am so excited! I wonder if I have any chance here at this late date - 3.84 cgpa, 3.76 sgpa, 31 (10/10/11) MCAT, third year teacher nontrad.

 

[costales]

Some people in my class got a psychiatrist for an interviewer. They said it was, er, an interesting experience. He's actually a super nice guy.

It's not often that you get two interviewers who are similar.

 

[costales]

I just filled out a secondary for this awesome school. I know my app is super-late, but I have read a great deal about this school and am so excited! I wonder if I have any chance here at this late date - 3.84 cgpa, 3.76 sgpa, 31 (10/10/11) MCAT, third year teacher nontrad.

I'd say your chances are still good, especially if you're a Texas resident.

 

[clairephillips]

I'd say your chances are still good, especially if you're a Texas resident.

Yes, I'm a native Texan.

 

[puppylatte]

@clairephillips Are schools understanding when you could need around 6 subs in 1 month?