Why DMU now owns me!!

[Orthodoc40]

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When I moved to DMU, within the first month, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer which eventually lead to her being parlayzed from the waiste down. I wasn't around for that and it played pretty heavily upon me. Me being a happy go lucky person, attempted to ignore it however. When my father's health started to slip (he is in his 70's) I started to worry that I wouldn't be around if something were to happen. In addition, my gf of 5 years and I, were having problems with the distance. So, all these factors have made me think about my decision. I love DMU, but I would urge everyone to think about their choice, no matter which school they decide to go to. Think about how these situations will effect you. It is easy to say a plane flight is nothing until you get out here and your only source of communication is the phone. I have begun talks with another school about transfering or starting over again as a first year. Which school, eh, I wont say until I get the green light or decide against it. This is MY story, however. I am a firm believer in fate and it seems that fate is smacking me in the head right now. We shall see. Part of medical school is a growth away from everything being easy to things being very hard. I knew coming out here I would have to be far away from everything I knew and loved. I did it, however, and what I make out ot if from here on in is my own. You are obviously thinking more about your choices than I did. I let a hatred for Pennsylvania push me out of the state. Medicine is my dream, but, being happy while I pursue my dream is more important to me. It would take a lot for me, right now, to risk that dream. DMU was my number one choice for many reasons; the atomosphere, the people and the reputation being the top three. If I was meant to be here and learn these lessons from a distance, then the talks with the other school will go south. If not, then you will see a new signature at the bottom of my name and I will forever be known as that kid that transfered. Maybe this will prove negative in the future, I don't know. I do know that watching my family crumble without me even being near to them is not something I want. *I didn't check any of this for spelling*

Sorry to hear that, Jamers. All of these things happening can only make medical school that much more of a challenge for you. It must be tough. And it does make me think about what ifs for my own family situation and how where I go might affect that.
I hope your plans work out in the best way possible for you, and your family!

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

When I moved to DMU, within the first month, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer which eventually lead to her being parlayzed from the waiste down. I wasn't around for that and it played pretty heavily upon me. Me being a happy go lucky person, attempted to ignore it however. When my father's health started to slip (he is in his 70's) I started to worry that I wouldn't be around if something were to happen. In addition, my gf of 5 years and I, were having problems with the distance. So, all these factors have made me think about my decision. I love DMU, but I would urge everyone to think about their choice, no matter which school they decide to go to. Think about how these situations will effect you. It is easy to say a plane flight is nothing until you get out here and your only source of communication is the phone. I have begun talks with another school about transfering or starting over again as a first year. Which school, eh, I wont say until I get the green light or decide against it. This is MY story, however. I am a firm believer in fate and it seems that fate is smacking me in the head right now. We shall see. Part of medical school is a growth away from everything being easy to things being very hard. I knew coming out here I would have to be far away from everything I knew and loved. I did it, however, and what I make out ot if from here on in is my own. You are obviously thinking more about your choices than I did. I let a hatred for Pennsylvania push me out of the state. Medicine is my dream, but, being happy while I pursue my dream is more important to me. It would take a lot for me, right now, to risk that dream. DMU was my number one choice for many reasons; the atomosphere, the people and the reputation being the top three. If I was meant to be here and learn these lessons from a distance, then the talks with the other school will go south. If not, then you will see a new signature at the bottom of my name and I will forever be known as that kid that transfered. Maybe this will prove negative in the future, I don't know. I do know that watching my family crumble without me even being near to them is not something I want. *I didn't check any of this for spelling*

Ultimately, you have to do what is best for you and I know that your family IRL and on SDN will support your decision. Either way, your compassion and know how has been demonstrated over and over again in your numerous posts. Keep us updated as to your decision.

 

[It'sElectric]

It just seemed to me that other schools were giving higher percentages - in the 90's. UMDNJ claims over 90% for gettin just 1st choices, which is unusually high, if it is true.

Do you by chance have a link to this, because that just seems unreal to me. 90% get their 1st choice?! Wow.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Do you by chance have a link to this, because that just seems unreal to me. 90% get their 1st choice?! Wow.

Eh - this is yet another phase of the game that DMU beats most other schools - they post & communicate just about everything you could ask about.
Where I got this info was from the Director of Admissions at UMDNJ, who told me that over the telephone last Friday... (mind you, I was hit on the head with a falling car seat last Friday, too - so - I might be a little funnier in the head than normal for a while....) but that is what she said, and she said she'd forward me the match list & other info I asked about.... I suppose if she told me over the phone, she'd tell you over the phone, too. That's the closest thing to a link I've got. Honestly, it sounds hard to believe, but that's all I have to go on.

 

[It'sElectric]

Eh - this is yet another phase of the game that DMU beats most other schools - they post & communicate just about everything you could ask about.
Where I got this info was from the Director of Admissions at UMDNJ, who told me that over the telephone last Friday... (mind you, I was hit on the head with a falling car seat last Friday, too - so - I might be a little funnier in the head than normal for a while....) but that is what she said, and she said she'd forward me the match list & other info I asked about.... I suppose if she told me over the phone, she'd tell you over the phone, too. That's the closest thing to a link I've got. Honestly, it sounds hard to believe, but that's all I have to go on.

I gotcha. I never understand why schools don't make these sorts of things more accessible to potential students, but oh well. Even DMU needs to work on it, considering they still haven't updated a ton of stuff on their website (i.e. Class 2006 Match list/statistics, Class 2010 profile, and various other things).

If that info. is true, then it's quite impressive in my mind.

 

[whatdapho]

With everything said, I want DMU to own me!!!!! I have to wait until May until anything can happen to the waiting list. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

 

[KeyLime]

..

 

[musiclink213]

I just got back from my DMU interview. Yes, hte school is gorgeous. It feels like a med school, if that makes any sense. But, it's way too hard to get there. I took 2 planes each way, for a total of 4 planes, and all of them were delayed. Damn Northwest Airlines. Can't keep a normal schedule. Anyways, if I could transport the DMU campus and facilities of the first 2 years to the UNE area, and then do NYCOM rotations, it would be perfect.

 

[Jamers]

I just got back from my DMU interview. Yes, hte school is gorgeous. It feels like a med school, if that makes any sense. But, it's way too hard to get there. I took 2 planes each way, for a total of 4 planes, and all of them were delayed. Damn Northwest Airlines. Can't keep a normal schedule. Anyways, if I could transport the DMU campus and facilities of the first 2 years to the UNE area, and then do NYCOM rotations, it would be perfect.

My room is a mess too.

 

[Orthodoc40]

I just got back from my DMU interview. Yes, hte school is gorgeous. It feels like a med school, if that makes any sense. But, it's way too hard to get there. I took 2 planes each way, for a total of 4 planes, and all of them were delayed. Damn Northwest Airlines. Can't keep a normal schedule. Anyways, if I could transport the DMU campus and facilities of the first 2 years to the UNE area, and then do NYCOM rotations, it would be perfect.

I had the same problem only my 4 planes became 5 planes - also Northwest. If I could basically take DMU, move it a little closer to the Northeast, and charge UMDNJ's tuition, it would be perfect!! LOL!

But Jamers is right.

 

[musiclink213]

I gotta say though, Des Moines does have some of the friendliest people. I was walking the night before my interview in the Skywalk, and I was a little lost. Some guy stops his cell phone conversation and says, "excuse me dear!" Now, being from NY, I got a little nervous, because it was pretty much deserted, and it was dark out. But he just asked if I needed any help getting back to where I needed to. Then, the next day, at my interview, I was waiting for a cab for about 40 minutes, and it still hadn't come. I was getting nervous because I had to get my flight, and I was starting ot cut it close. Some first year comes up and asks if I want him to take me to the airport. He didn't know me, I didn't know him. But he just offered to drive me ot hte airport.

Actually, when I told my interviewer about what happened in the Skywalk, he said that's what they like to do in Des Moines, they like to be friendly and scare us east coasters.

 

[Orthodoc40]

I gotta say though, Des Moines does have some of the friendliest people. I was walking the night before my interview in the Skywalk, and I was a little lost. Some guy stops his cell phone conversation and says, "excuse me dear!" Now, being from NY, I got a little nervous, because it was pretty much deserted, and it was dark out. But he just asked if I needed any help getting back to where I needed to. Then, the next day, at my interview, I was waiting for a cab for about 40 minutes, and it still hadn't come. I was getting nervous because I had to get my flight, and I was starting ot cut it close. Some first year comes up and asks if I want him to take me to the airport. He didn't know me, I didn't know him. But he just offered to drive me ot hte airport.

Actually, when I told my interviewer about what happened in the Skywalk, he said that's what they like to do in Des Moines, they like to be friendly and scare us east coasters.

That's what I call a good place to be! 😀

 

[musiclink213]

That's what I call a good place to be! 😀

Sure it's a nice place, but after visiting, I don't know if I could see myself there, just because of how hard it is to get there. I really wish I could just transport the school to another location. I went to the interview because I heard such good things about the school, so I figured if it blew me away, I would go. And it really did impress me, but I don't think it blew me away enough to be so far away, and so tough to get to.

 

[jbone]

Sure it's a nice place, but after visiting, I don't know if I could see myself there, just because of how hard it is to get there. I really wish I could just transport the school to another location. I went to the interview because I heard such good things about the school, so I figured if it blew me away, I would go. And it really did impress me, but I don't think it blew me away enough to be so far away, and so tough to get to.

You would actually be suprised how many direct flights there are from the east coast to Des Moines. You might have to take another airline, but there are quite a few options. Not so much for us west-coasters but there are still options available. Good luck to ya.

 

[It'sElectric]

Sure it's a nice place, but after visiting, I don't know if I could see myself there, just because of how hard it is to get there. I really wish I could just transport the school to another location. I went to the interview because I heard such good things about the school, so I figured if it blew me away, I would go. And it really did impress me, but I don't think it blew me away enough to be so far away, and so tough to get to.

Personally, I think this is a fairly good reason not to attend any school. If you have an acceptance to a school that you feel is as equally impressive, and it's in a better location, then I don't know a single person who could disagree with you decision.

Hell, location is the primary factor in choosing a residency spot, and it's definitely a factor in choosing a medical school.

 

[musiclink213]

You would actually be suprised how many direct flights there are from the east coast to Des Moines. You might have to take another airline, but there are quite a few options. Not so much for us west-coasters but there are still options available. Good luck to ya.

I must have not seen them, then. I did see one flight that left at 6 pm to Des Moines, and then coming back, at 6 am. I tried all the travel websites, and the airlines directly. Or, if there was a direct flight, it was insanely expensive, more than it would cost for me to fly internationally. I'm leaving from NY, and I checked all the 3 area airports. But if there are a wide variety of direct flights somewhere that I'm missing, it might balance out my major issue with the school.

 

[Jamers]

I gotta say though, Des Moines does have some of the friendliest people. I was walking the night before my interview in the Skywalk, and I was a little lost. Some guy stops his cell phone conversation and says, "excuse me dear!" Now, being from NY, I got a little nervous, because it was pretty much deserted, and it was dark out. But he just asked if I needed any help getting back to where I needed to. Then, the next day, at my interview, I was waiting for a cab for about 40 minutes, and it still hadn't come. I was getting nervous because I had to get my flight, and I was starting ot cut it close. Some first year comes up and asks if I want him to take me to the airport. He didn't know me, I didn't know him. But he just offered to drive me ot hte airport.

Actually, when I told my interviewer about what happened in the Skywalk, he said that's what they like to do in Des Moines, they like to be friendly and scare us east coasters.

haha, yes they do scare us east coasters. I was suprised by it because I am used to the Philly attitude: don't talk to anyone who is not wearing a badge and even then, stand far enough away that you can run. So when people were willing to help me without first being offered money, I nearly shat myself.


Location should be a prime factor. That being said, it does take me 2 flights to get back home. A flight to chicago and then to avoca or philly. There are some direct flights but, none to where I live. If you drive to Chicago you may have a better chance of hoping on a direct flight.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

Then, the next day, at my interview, I was waiting for a cab for about 40 minutes, and it still hadn't come. I was getting nervous because I had to get my flight, and I was starting ot cut it close. Some first year comes up and asks if I want him to take me to the airport. He didn't know me, I didn't know him. But he just offered to drive me ot hte airport.

Heh, i probably know who did this for you. He's a fabulous guy, and loves DMU, great friend of mine. Too freaking tall though....

 

[pguin]

hey everyone I jsut wanted to post an apology for some of the negative things I said about DMU. I was truly just trying to be objective from the information that I had gathered but I recently talked with some advisors and students (it was difficult to gey the information) and have a much better understanding of the rotations that are availiable. It does seem that you'll be able to spend almost all of your time (at least 1 year) in one location eliminating the need for living out of a suitcase. I only brought it up initially because it was a concern of mine and I thought it might help others who had the same reserve. In all I think DMU is an amazing school with some awesome (yet overkill) features and extremely extremely friendly and happy students. I personally just dont feel the school and city is a fit for me but I know everyone who attends that school does and will truly love it!...g'luck everyone with getting in and my apologies again if anyone felt I was trying to bash the school!

 

[Jamers]

hey everyone I jsut wanted to post an apology for some of the negative things I said about DMU. I was truly just trying to be objective from the information that I had gathered but I recently talked with some advisors and students (it was difficult to gey the information) and have a much better understanding of the rotations that are availiable. It does seem that you'll be able to spend almost all of your time (at least 1 year) in one location eliminating the need for living out of a suitcase. I only brought it up initially because it was a concern of mine and I thought it might help others who had the same reserve. In all I think DMU is an amazing school with some awesome (yet overkill) features and extremely extremely friendly and happy students. I personally just dont feel the school and city is a fit for me but I know everyone who attends that school does and will truly love it!...g'luck everyone with getting in and my apologies again if anyone felt I was trying to bash the school!

Here is a DMU hug! 😍

DMU is amazing. It does have Soundman. 😍 Sorry Jbone, you get enough love as it is!

 

[pguin]

Here is a DMU hug! 😍

DMU is amazing. It does have Soundman. 😍 Sorry Jbone, you get enough love as it is!

the DMU hug made me feel all warm and special inside!! Thx

 

[expat03]

I must have not seen them, then. I did see one flight that left at 6 pm to Des Moines, and then coming back, at 6 am. I tried all the travel websites, and the airlines directly. Or, if there was a direct flight, it was insanely expensive, more than it would cost for me to fly internationally. I'm leaving from NY, and I checked all the 3 area airports. But if there are a wide variety of direct flights somewhere that I'm missing, it might balance out my major issue with the school.

My boyfriend lives in Syracuse and always has to fly through one of the three airports in the NYC area to get to des moines. We have found that if you start looking way before you need it you can usually find some pretty good flights. His last flight was Syr to LGA to Des Moines for $300 (?), but we found his flight home for christmas for $280. (which I thought was a steal---Syr to Des Moines for $280?!)

Without a doubt it is more work to be able to find these flights, but I just wanted to let you know that it is definitely possible.

With that said, I agree with It'sElectric in that if you are just as happy at another school it makes more sense to go closer to home. (if you like home ) It's why I picked DMU--even though the fact that I love the school and feel as though I am getting a great education does help out.

 

[musiclink213]

My boyfriend lives in Syracuse and always has to fly through one of the three airports in the NYC area to get to des moines. We have found that if you start looking way before you need it you can usually find some pretty good flights. His last flight was Syr to LGA to Des Moines for $300 (?), but we found his flight home for christmas for $280. (which I thought was a steal---Syr to Des Moines for $280?!)

Without a doubt it is more work to be able to find these flights, but I just wanted to let you know that it is definitely possible.

With that said, I agree with It'sElectric in that if you are just as happy at another school it makes more sense to go closer to home. (if you like home ) It's why I picked DMU--even though the fact that I love the school and feel as though I am getting a great education does help out.

I really would like to know what airline this is. Is it a direct flight from NYC to Des Moines? I checked the DSM website, and it says they only have one nonstop flight per day, except Sunday, to NYC. I saw this flight, and it was at 6 am. I'm not fond of 6am flights.

If there were more direct flights, it really would make a huge difference for me. If it was more easily accessible, there is a good chance that I would choose DMU. Being close to home isn't so important to me, but being able to easily get home is important. You never know what might happen, and if G-d forbid I would need to come home right away, I don't want to have to worry about making a connecting flight or sitting in the airport for hours.

 

[It'sElectric]

I really would like to know what airline this is. Is it a direct flight from NYC to Des Moines? I checked the DSM website, and it says they only have one nonstop flight per day, except Sunday, to NYC. I saw this flight, and it was at 6 am. I'm not fond of 6am flights.

If there were more direct flights, it really would make a huge difference for me. If it was more easily accessible, there is a good chance that I would choose DMU. Being close to home isn't so important to me, but being able to easily get home is important. You never know what might happen, and if G-d forbid I would need to come home right away, I don't want to have to worry about making a connecting flight or sitting in the airport for hours.

I just realized that I must have somewhere along the line gotten really used to flying out of smaller airports, because connection flights are not a big deal at all to me.

 

[musiclink213]

I just realized that I must have somewhere along the line gotten really used to flying out of smaller airports, because connection flights are not a big deal at all to me.

I've been spoiled, I guess. I'm used to flying out of big airports, and pretty much anywhere I've had to go, I've been able to fly direct. Actually, this year, going on interviews, was the first time in my life I've ever had a connection. You know, I'm sure I could get used to it, and if I had used a different airline, it's possible my flights wouldn't have been so delayed and I could have made a one hour connection. But I just don't like sitting in an airport for hours on end waiting for a flight. Not exactly my cup of tea.

 

[Pugnacious]

We got the same, great feelings about DMU also. 👍

Little background...coming from Colorado. Based on lots of research, we determined these six schools were the "right" schools for my wife to attend and so applied initially and then a secondary application:

1) DMU
2) AZCOM
3) LECOM-B
4) LECOM-E
5) KCOM
6) ATSU - Mesa
** She also got accepted to WVSOM without interview (WVSOM was on the list of twelve we first applied to (she didn't have her MCAT scores released at that time and we weren't sure how she had done so we applied to others.)

As things started looking up, we declined LECOM-E interview, declined WVSOM acceptance. I think ATSU-Mesa messed up her LOR's, but we would decline there regardless. We flew to LECOM-B and she interviewed on Dec. 5th (I drove around and then hung out with the security guard while she was interviewing): great weather there, walked on the beach, etc. Then we flew to Des Moines the night of Dec. 7th: rental car doors frozen, cold, cold, cold. (She was accepted to LECOM-B by the way.). Interview the next day.

DMU was as I expected. All the good comments about it I've read here were accurate. Great campus, surgury stuff, great people, Des Moines is nice, etc. I can transfer in my job there, so I drove around, met some people, took the tour with the interviewees at the end of the day. Wife got the acceptance email on Dec. 22nd and we put down the deposit immediately. We still have interviews set up at KCOM and AZCOM. I think AZCOM is also a good school but not quite up to DMU.

So congrats to the rest of you guys/gals. I'll be the one using the indoor track and not having to worry about the exams. 🙂. I might check out that DMU MHA program though or something at Drake University, so maybe that wouldn't be entirely true 🙁 .