Thanks for dropping in. I've heard many people say this "TCOM pushes you". How do you mean? That kind of fires me up because I'd definitely want a challenge. I appreciate any insight you can offer. Good luck on the exam.
I'm sure all medical schools push you, but the vibe I receive from TCOM is that we are the underdogs out of all the other Texas medical schools. TCOM is considered one of the newer schools and they want to get their name out! The faculty and staff here are very hands-on in changing & managing the curriculum to make sure we are prepared for our boards and clinics. Trust me when I say, school comes first before big events/holidays. This year they implemented "Medical Informatics" and "Community Resources" into our first year curriculum ON TOP of OMM, Clinical Med, and the Current System. It may not seem like a lot, but the days are long. It's not like UTMB where we get out at noon on some days. Also, everyone must take the exact same courses. There is no placing out of Biochem or what not. A bunch of us joked around during our first 5-week "Cell Science" course saying how this class was pretty much our entire undergraduate degree in FIVE WEEKS. Now, some of us actually miss the "Cell Science" days bc we had free time. But it's NOT THAT BAD...you just have to study all the time so you don't fall behind. There have been 9 ppl that dropped out for various unknown reasons thus far (and it's only the first semester). However, what really makes my experience are the people in my class. MY class is not cutthroat, we share notes, and everyone is ACTUALLY friendly, mature, and out-going (I AM NOT SAYING THIS TO SAY THIS) I actually do like everyone in my class considering how for undergrad I could not say the same. Lastly, I think we are in school the longestttt. We go from the beginning of July to the end of June. A few upperclassmen have told me that what helped them out the most for boards was TCOM Systems-based curriculum. We take everything twice. For first years, we take GI 1, Renal 1, Cardio 1, Neuro 1, Pulmonary 1, Endocrine 1, etc... and then we take it all again second year (GI 2, Renal 2, etc..) with EVEN MORE clinical integration and pathology. Anyway, I know exactly what you guys are going through for those who are still waiting. Trust me, once you're in, the playing field is leveled. It doesn't matter what your stats were and the admissions people know that! You just have to have ENDURANCE, GREAT TIME-MANAGEMENT SKILLS, SELF-MOTIVATION, and BECOME USED TO THE LONELY/SOLITUDE/FRUSTRATED feelings when you're studying 8+ hours straight.
In the meantime, you can try to get your "File Reviewed" by going to the TCOM website. It might throw your name out again. Also, you can apply to the Master's program (Master in Medical Sciences - for pre-meds trying to get into medical school). My class had 20 or 25 students from that program
But the stress here honestly doesn't compare to the stress of not getting in or not knowing what the heck to do for another year. =D Good luck!
I know...LONG post but I love giving the 411. Anyway, back to studying a little while longer.
