Hi 17191719,
Your GPA is so high. I'm sure you would be able to easily get into Western's DO program directly if you improve your MCAT score. Just wondering why you want to spend the money for the MSMS with such a high GPA.
I live in LA but am totally unfamiliar with the Pomona area. I'm sure most hotels would provide shuttle transportation =/ GOOD LUCK SEARCHING!
I had an interview for this program last year too. On last years thread for this program DbDan explained his interview, I think we were interviewed on the same day. He explains it exactly as it was. I quoted his post below. If you have any other questions, I can try and answer them =)
"There were 10 of us who interviewed today, Jodi mentioned that there was 5 interviewed before our group and currently 9 more scheduled, some others still needing to be scheduled and more filing in as today was the last day to submit. The group that interviewed today were all very nice and everyone was very supportive of one another. Overall I could see any one of them as a classmate come June and would be very happy. (I know some of you are on here! lol)
There is space for 20-25 students, 10 linkage DO spots, 2 linkage Dental spots and what looks like 5 podiatry? (I think) spots for linkage. That doesn't necessarily mean the breakdown of the class will be this though since our interviews were actually all for DO linkage.
We had an essay to write, it was a behavioral essay giving you a conflicting situation asking how you would respond. You have about an hr and internet access to write it, nothing too difficult.
We had a short campus tour, which I must say is a great campus. The new building is great and while its not an undergrad feel since it is basically an old strip mall, its definitely bigger and nicer than some DO schools which have a single building which is little more than a converted warehouse.
We then had lunch and a financial aid presentation. Lunch was good, nothing spectacular but better than I had at LECOM or Touro, some sandwiches, chips, orange/apple, a cookie and some soda. One thing I did not realize is that courses actually being on JUNE 14th. VERY early especially since I'm on a few waitlists and this is likely the very earliest I'd hear back from them. Interesting situation but nothing I can't work out with the office in the event I get accepted, we'll see.
Interview itself was fairly uneventful. Some normal questions, why medicine, why DO, experience based questions showing maturity, responsibility, etc. The interview was fairly laid back and the interviewers were very nice, not as stressful as some other interviews I've been in. They said that we should hear back in roughly 2 weeks about both the MSMS program as well as linkage.
I left with a good feeling about the school. Jodi was very nice and extremely helpful and understanding of every situation. She was very forthcoming with information and seems very excited to help everyone in the program. She said they will be issuing committee letters, helping with personal statements, school selection, etc. They seem genuinely invested in getting you into medical school, regardless of whether it is at Western or elsewhere. The faculty seemed very happy there and campus was great. Overall I was very impressed.
If I don't get linkage is it the place for me? probably not. The tuition is just too steep personally and I feel that I could better accomplish my goals by retaking courses through an extension program and keeping my job so I won't accumulate debt. I would definitely love to get a DO at Western though so who knows, maybe if I don't get linkage and go my own unstructured way I'll still somehow make it into the school. To anyone that interviewed with me today, good luck, hope you all get accepted! " DbDan
Also, I'll be able to give another perspective since I am pre-DO.
