Why is COMP still interviewing?

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misyel

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I'm curious... both my sister and I got an email for interviews at COMP for June 1st. Does anyone know why they are still interviewing this late in the application process? If they have spots that need to be filled, couldn't they just take it out of their alternate list? Are they just trying to get my $60 supplemental application fee?

PS This is not meant to be an anti-COMP thread, I really just want to know so I can decide whether to even bother to go or not...
 
I called them today to check on my status (I am still on hold, after TWO months, and they have yet to review my app!) and they said the students that they are interviewing are part of the Northwestern Track. Seeing that your location is San Francisco...um...yea...I'm confused too. And what do you mean, 'are they trying to get at your $60'? Are they calling you in to interview before you've filled out a supplemental app?

What I'm thinking is exactly what you're saying -- why not pull applicants that are on their waitlist and -- holy moly -- on hold?

And since you're going to NYCOM -- apparently they sent me a "we're waiting for your application" letter back home...are they still interviewing too?

Good luck with whatever you decide on and congrats on NYCOM!
 
My sis and I both HAVE NOT filled out supplementary applications for them yet. That is why I'm kinda confused... are they just trying to get my $60 bucks only to reject me or leave me on the wait list? Oh, and we're both living here in South San Francisco.

Since u mentioned NYCOM is doing the same thing... I dunno... are all DO schools like this? Kinda makes me feel a little uneasy now...

😕
 
misyel said:
My sis and I both HAVE NOT filled out supplementary applications for them yet. That is why I'm kinda confused... are they just trying to get my $60 bucks only to reject me or leave me on the wait list? Oh, and we're both living here in South San Francisco.

Since u mentioned NYCOM is doing the same thing... I dunno... are all DO schools like this? Kinda makes me feel a little uneasy now...

😕
People who have been accepted to COMP interviewed there without doing the secondary. They just did the secondary later.

All I can think of is COMP and NYCOM may be having trouble filling their class. It doesn't hurt to go if you want to go to COMP.
 
Well it is good to hear I am not alone. I was shocked when COMP called me in April to offer an interview even though I never submitted a secondary or LORs. I just assumed that they were having a hard time filling the class. If you would like to go to COMP over NYCOM then go ahead an interview otherwise just politely decline.
 
As far as I know, Nycom was done interviewing awhile ago.
 
From an optimistic contrarion?s point of view, it is possible that you or your stat alone looks more interesting than some of those on the waitlist. The Adcom knows that you would go to this late interview only if you prefer COMP. The offer now or in August should give anyone a good chance to get in just the same, I think.
 
just go ahead and go to the interview. what's the big deal? either you go and find that you like the school or go and find out you don't. I mean its a great deal, would you rather not have a choice? come on guys be greatful that they even bothered. just my .02. 😀 😀
 
Run, Run like the wind (unless you have no other choice). From my visits the school gave me a creepy feel. I have spoken to several alumni that said to go elsewhere. They accepted me after they put me on hold for 2 months, since then they have called me no less than 3 times trying to get me to go there. It seems to me that they were hedging their bets on the applicant pool and messed up and now can't fill their class. Name another school who interviews you BEFORE you have a complete secondary or even sent one in?

Disclaimer: These are my personal feelings regarding COMP. It did not fit for me (even though I would love to stay in SoCAL). This is not intended to bash just to be frank about it.
 
I interviewed there last week Thursday. They said the committee meets every Wednesday. I hope that will have an answer for me soon, since my $1500 deposit for NYCOM is due on June 1 😱 . I think they are having trouble filling there class, the tour guide even asked us why we were interviewing so late in the process ... but we didn't exactly know either. Anyways, do you think if I call them today I will get and answer?
 
Adapt said:
People who have been accepted to COMP interviewed there without doing the secondary. They just did the secondary later.

All I can think of is COMP and NYCOM may be having trouble filling their class. It doesn't hurt to go if you want to go to COMP.

😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 What the hell?? They have taken people who haven't submitted their secondaries? I thought that was impossible. Someone explain (if you can), I'm confused.
 
From an optimistic contrarion?s point of view, it is possible that you or your stat alone looks more interesting than some of those on the waitlist.

Yeah, I told myself that when they called to offer me the interview (afterall, it is not everyday that you receive a call from a med school that you didn't submit a secondary to offering an interview). However, I decided that was wishful thinking and they were just having a hard time filling the class.

What the hell?? They have taken people who haven't submitted their secondaries? I thought that was impossible. Someone explain (if you can), I'm confused.

Yeah, I thought so too . . . however, they called me in April to offer an interview and I never submitted a secondary or LOR's. I thought it was impossible to interview without a secondary. I guess they just looked at my primary application and decided that I am good enough to warrant an interview without a secondary and LOR's (although I submitted AACOMAS in June, received the secondary that I never submitted in July, and they called for an interview in April . . . obviously they interviewed people who submitted secondaries first).
 
I received an invitation as well for an interview without filling the secondary application. I spoke with a lady who works in admissions and she said that they still have 25 percent of the class to fill and that they are granting more interviews based on the applicant's stats on the primaries, i.e. Science GPA, MCAT scores. I had this conversation over a week ago, so things might have changed since.
 
Do you know why they still have 25% to fill?
 
isn't most of what a med school needs to know about you to decide whether to interview you in the primary app anyway? doesn't the secondary just annoy people because A) it costs more money, and B) it's mostly a rehash of what you put on your primary in the first place? I think all school should do away with secondaries...it would cut the cost of applying in half!
 
Don't get me started on COMP.

It was my #1 choice of Osteo schools. I hosted their admissions rep at my school, took the tour on their campus, wrote letters saying it was my #1 school, spoke to students & grads, but for some reason my application was put on hold in October, saying they would review it Jan. 1st. So, I sent my transcipts priority mail after the fall semester was over. I call the first week of January to make sure they got there and my admissions rep says "Oh, there's so much mail I haven't opened yet - probably about two weeks worth." I had my school send official copies, and I sent an unofficial copy. That's a really unprofessional and casual attitude towards something that they know means so much to us.

Looking back on my tour, I remember the tour guide, an admissions lady, running into a student and saying hello. After he walked away she remarked that he applied three times until he got in. HELLO?! Isn't that confidential information? What else you gonna tell people - his GPA or MCAT score - geez!

Over the months I called and sent emails to my admissions "rep" without a response until I found out she was out on maternity leave which is why I wasn't getting an answer. So, I finally got a rejection letter in March or so and called to find out ways to strengthen my app - the lady I spoke to said she was going into a meeting and that she would call me back the next day - but no call, ever.

So, administratively at least, COMP seems like a mess. I might not have been the strongest candidate but the fact that they're still interviewing and having trouble filling the class may say something about their troubled admissions department. I've been to that school many times and was willing to overlook the bad neighborhood/strip-mall atmosphere because I could stay close to my family and live at the Claremont-McKenna-Scripps area down the road. The inside of the school is quite nice as well, which is a similar experience at Touro.

Unfortunately, they never even gave me a chance to interview and it makes me sad to know that they're overlooking other candidates on their wait-list in favor of interviewing more people. I don't know what kind of class they're trying to build but that is bizarre behavior to say the least.

At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter where you go and if given the opportunity I would still go there, but geez was their admissions office unorganized.
 
specialkay, If you seriously feel like that give the dean a call. Can't hurt at this point right?
 
Robz,

You're right. Even though I have left the director of admissions voicemails and sent emails to her before, during and after the application process (all short and sweet, nothing annoying), I'll send the dean another one today just for the hay of it and let you know what happens. As a matter of fact, I'll send them a copy of my post.

Kay
 
specialkay said:
Don't get me started on COMP.
Unfortunately, they never even gave me a chance to interview and it makes me sad to know that they're overlooking other candidates on their wait-list in favor of interviewing more people. I don't know what kind of class they're trying to build but that is bizarre behavior to say the least.
QUOTE]

I wish I could give you my interview spot... 🙁 I'm gonna email them tomorrow and decline to go to the interview. If it helps, I'll drop your name around too. =)
 
Hey specialkay, yea you should definitely call and ask. It's too bad your counselor was on maternity leave. I generally had no problems with COMP. I guess different people had different experiences.

I applied back in September though so maybe the later in the app season it got, the more hectic it was for them.
 
Misyel -

You are so sweet. That is so nice of you - I really appreciate that and think its quite strange the way that office is run. At the same time, don't worry about it, keep your call short - I've been accepted to another medical school and believe in taking life in stride (with a little bit of complaining). 😉

So, I just re-wrote my post and will be sending it to three of the top admin now. If I STILL don't get a response, I don't know what to make of that school.

Kay

PS Robz or Adapt, PM me if you want to read a copy of my letter ...
 
specialkay said:
Robz,

You're right. Even though I have left the director of admissions voicemails and sent emails to her before, during and after the application process (all short and sweet, nothing annoying), I'll send the dean another one today just for the hay of it and let you know what happens. As a matter of fact, I'll send them a copy of my post.

Kay
Thats cool that you have been keeping in contact. Tell it straight and see what happens.

Personally, i'm a little perplexed at pure interviews this late in the game. I can see interviews for those on the "hold" catergory but just getting though secondaries now seems a bit odd.

Good luck!
 
The adcom might be smart enough not to let certain applicants have a secondary too early. Now is a more appropriate time to deal with them. Is this late deal offered only to applicants who have already secured an acceptance somewhere? Both Hakksar and Misyel have.

And why did someone talk about a class of 220+ instead of 175 not too long ago when there was a rumor/news of this filling problem?

edit:Coincidentally, the increase would be about 25% of the new class size.
 
Robz said:
Thats cool that you have been keeping in contact. Tell it straight and see what happens.

Personally, i'm a little perplexed at pure interviews this late in the game. I can see interviews for those on the "hold" catergory but just getting though secondaries now seems a bit odd.

Good luck!

Thanks - I really do appreciate SOMEONE saying they care. 😀 I have been keeping in contact but rec'd no response from the director - I have a feeling my admissions rep was the weak link in the chain to the top. I also think its bizarre they're still interviewing - I wanted to write something nasty about if they really think they're going to find mini-Einsteins or Mother Theresas in the 11th hour after they rejected perfectly qualified candidates but then I realized I sounded like a woman scorned and as we all know, hell hath no fury like a ... you know.

So, I just sent my email ... and rec'd an autoreply from everyone saying they'll be out until next week or the week after so I'll have to get back to this later. And, I did send a letter of appeal after I was rejected just in case anyone was wondering. I know I should just accept the facts and move on, but I'm curious as to what response I will get. I'm also procrastinating from studying for my microbiology final tomorrow.

Here's my letter:

This is a letter to tell you how Western University has received my application.
Western was my number one choice of medical schools. I hosted your admissions representative at my school, took the tour of your campus, wrote letters saying it was my top choice of medical school and spoke to current students & graduates. After I applied, my application was put on hold in October, with a note saying that Ms. Hanson would review it on January 1st, 2004. I have a competitive MCAT score and strong clincial experience so I believed I would be invited for an interview.

After the fall of 2003 semester, I sent my offical transcipts priority mail as I quit my job and my grades came up significantly. I called my admissions representative, Crystal Latimore, the first week of January to make sure they got there and she said there was at least two weeks of unopened mail that she had not processed yet, which I found to be a quite casual attitude towards the time-critical application process. Whether or not my transcripts made it into my file I'll never know, my emails were never answered.

Over the next few months I called and sent emails to Crystal to indicate my interest without a response until I found out she was out on maternity leave which is why I wasn't getting an answer. I received a rejection letter in March and again called and emailed to find out ways to strengthen my application - the lady I finally spoke to said she was going into a meeting and that she would call me back the next day - but no call, ever. What is going on in your admissions department that I would be received this way?

Recently, I've read on the student doctor network that you're still interviewing and have yet to fill 25% of the class. I might not have been the strongest candidate but the fact that the admissions department doesn't return calls or emails, is still interviewing and having trouble filling the class may say something about your admissions department.

Unfortunately, I was never given the chance to interview and it makes me sad to know that you are overlooking other candidates in favor of interviewing more people. One would think that if you have qualified applicants who are being accepted at other DO schools you would want to meet them as well.

I've visited your school many times and was willing to overlook the bad neighborhood and strip-mall atmosphere because I could stay close to my family and live at the Claremont-McKenna-Scripps area down the road. The inside of the school is quite nice as well, which helped me feel confident in the school and program. At the end of the day, if given the opportunity I would still attend your school, but your admissions office is quite unorganized and has left me disheartened as to the professionalism the admissions staff has towards applicants who are going through a very stressful time.

Sincerely,

Kay (I put my last name but for the sake of this site)
 
So - I got a response this evening and they apologized, gave a very detailed explanation of my application evaluation, said they would meet with me, etc. I told them I'd already been accepted to other schools - hahahahahahahaha. But it was nice to find out their philosophy and realize that it really wasn't the school for me ... they are way about the numbers. Thanks Robz and Adapt! And Misyel, dropping my name wouldn't have helped - all decisions final.


And - here is their explanation as to why they're still interviewing:


"We extended our interview process this year because of the opportunity to offer a special admissions track for students who live in the pacific northwest. This opportunity became available late in our process and in an effort to make it available to as many students as possible, we extended our interview period."
 
Interesting. Well, at least you found out something. Good luck at the school you're going to. 🙂
 
Thanks! I really liked Western but at the end of the day I'm going where I should go ... it seems that's how it always works out ... and good luck to you too!! 😀

On their behalf, they're a good school, grads and students I spoke to are happy ... good clinics, rotations, education, facilities - I just had a bunk admissions rep.
 
specialkay said:
So - I got a response this evening and they apologized, gave a very detailed explanation of my application evaluation, said they would meet with me, etc. I told them I'd already been accepted to other schools - hahahahahahahaha. But it was nice to find out their philosophy and realize that it really wasn't the school for me ... they are way about the numbers. Thanks Robz and Adapt! And Misyel, dropping my name wouldn't have helped - all decisions final.


And - here is their explanation as to why they're still interviewing:


"We extended our interview process this year because of the opportunity to offer a special admissions track for students who live in the pacific northwest. This opportunity became available late in our process and in an effort to make it available to as many students as possible, we extended our interview period."

What IS their philosophy? What about the numbers? Also, I'm from CA, so unless they're placing the previously accepted Pacific/Northwest applicants into the special admissions track (leaving some spots for non Pacific/Northwest people), I don't know why they're interviewing me.
 
specialkay said:
Thanks! I really liked Western but at the end of the day I'm going where I should go ... it seems that's how it always works out ... and good luck to you too!! 😀

On their behalf, they're a good school, grads and students I spoke to are happy ... good clinics, rotations, education, facilities - I just had a bunk admissions rep.


Well I am glad you got the response you needed to hear. I am happy there was some closure for you.

(you could always transfer if you really really wanted to but I'd stick with the school that wanted me)
 
misyel said:
What IS their philosophy? What about the numbers? Also, I'm from CA, so unless they're placing the previously accepted Pacific/Northwest applicants into the special admissions track (leaving some spots for non Pacific/Northwest people), I don't know why they're interviewing me.

Interesting point. THey may be looking at your being from NORTHERN califorina and think you wouldn't mind doing the Northwestern track.

I am wonding if they are running a special track or just going to have a rotation based northwest 3rd and 4th years.

Much like other schools have rotations in other states for some people.
 
Robz said:
Interesting point. THey may be looking at your being from NORTHERN califorina and think you wouldn't mind doing the Northwestern track.

I am wonding if they are running a special track or just going to have a rotation based northwest 3rd and 4th years.

Much like other schools have rotations in other states for some people.
The track is for 30 students to be added to western in addition to the 170 already there. These 30 students will do everything that we do the first 2 years. That is, they will be in the same classes as us and take the same tests The only difference is they will rotate at hospitals in the Northwest their 3rd and 4th years and probably do their residency there.

I guess it is similar to UCLA and Drew/UCLA in terms of how it works, even though Drew is its own university but the Northwest track is still in Western.
 
hello, I'm sorry to hear about Western Kay. I find if kind of funny that Western rejected based on numbers alone??!?!! 😕 First of all, eventhough I do recognize that the competition even in some DO schools is increasing, I look at my numbers and say....hey I am good, but not that good. People do get in with lower than average numbers to both DO and MD, so what's going on here? I attended a dinner with some Western Students a few weeks ago and they told me that Western has not filled their class yet, but that even qualified students that got accepted to out of state MD schools and even some UCs were getting rejected by Western. Why? don't know for sure, but maybe they just didn't meet certain criteria that Western looks for in their students, maybe Western just thought that these students were going to go for that MD anyways, so why offer them an acceptance to their school...I guess if one is really interested, the you should send letters of interest/intent to show them you are serious about their school, which is exactly what Kay did....it just didn't work out. Once again I'm really sorry to hear about this Kay...and I'll feel even worst when I attend Western and find one or two classmates who really didn't want to attend Western, but are just there because it's their only choice....which makes them feel unhappy.....You always get those in ANY school, both MD and DO....best of luck to you Kay and others who are in the same situation. Late
 
Dear Dr. Don, Adapt and Misyel,

Dr. Don, thank you so much for your kind words - I have to say that I'm touched by all of your responses, I love finding all these great people on the other side - I knew you guys were out there!! Just makes me happy to know you're all going into the DO side of things. You guys rock!!

I really can't speculate as to why I didn't get in. I'll admit, my science grades were low, but I don't think that was the only reason. They just ain't buying what I'm selling, that's all. Maybe I shouldn't have titled my essay "My milkshake brings all the drunks to the ER" - (just kidding!) :laugh:

Yes, I did get closure and I think it does make me feel a lot better, thanks to Robz and Adapt for encouraging me. I don't think I'll try to transfer there because I'm going to Florida ... another warm and sunshiney state where I can run around in a bathing suit and study on the beach. OK, maybe at the Starbucks at the beach, but I love Florida and I love osteopathy so life couldn't get any better. And, I can always return to CA to do my rotations during third and fourth year. Two years away ain't gonna kill me! 🙂

Thanks again you guys. Have a great summer!!!!

Kay
 
misyel said:
What IS their philosophy? What about the numbers? Also, I'm from CA, so unless they're placing the previously accepted Pacific/Northwest applicants into the special admissions track (leaving some spots for non Pacific/Northwest people), I don't know why they're interviewing me.


COMP and TUCOM absolutely LOOOVE UC Berkeley students.

My friend who graduated from UCB a year ago just got an interview at COMP too. That might partially explain your interview offer.
 
specialkay said:
Yes, I did get closure and I think it does make me feel a lot better, thanks to Robz and Adapt for encouraging me. I don't think I'll try to transfer there because I'm going to Florida ... another warm and sunshiney state where I can run around in a bathing suit and study on the beach. OK, maybe at the Starbucks at the beach, but I love Florida and I love osteopathy so life couldn't get any better.

You coming down to NSUCOM????
 
Other side of the state - LECOM-Bradenton! But I'm sure I'll see you on rotations as I'm planning as many in South Beach as possible!! 😀
 
specialkay said:
Other side of the state - LECOM-Bradenton! But I'm sure I'll see you on rotations as I'm planning as many in South Beach as possible!! 😀


sweet....good luck being the inagural class....you have to step to put forth the brickwork for future classes....

good luck, I'm sure you will be awesome
 
So does this mean that NOT applying early is better? 😕
 
dollarbincommon said:
So does this mean that NOT applying early is better? 😕

Not at all - always apply early. I'm not quite sure what you're referring to, but for this year only two new Osteo schools opened and took applications later than normal.

I applied in August and it didn't help me, in fact, I believe it is what hurt my application the most.

If you haven't put together your primary now is the time to do it. Good luck!
 
I got one of those emails too and I'm from Chicago. I didn't even fill out the secondary and they wanted me to come in for an interview....weird...i never heard of getting an interview w/o sending in a 2ndary
 
specialkay said:
Other side of the state - LECOM-Bradenton! But I'm sure I'll see you on rotations as I'm planning as many in South Beach as possible!! 😀


Specialkay, how do you plan on doing rotations in California, being that LECOM does not currently have affiliations with that state?
 
sunnysocal said:
Specialkay, how do you plan on doing rotations in California, being that LECOM does not currently have affiliations with that state?


ummmmmmmm south beach is Miami area....

fast cars...super expensive lifestyles....clubs you can't get into.....will smith sings all about it.
 
Howdy y'all -

First of all, rotations can be done at any "approved" rotation site. Who does the approving, I don't know. Its just something I've heard for a long time - you can pick and choose your rotation sites. If the site takes pre-osteo students from another school, I'm assuming they'll take you as well.

Your school can have set rotations but you can also set up your own rotations. A LECOM-Erie student I met at my interview is going home to Washington State for his third and fourth year rotations. As long as you're in good standing with the school you can go where ever you like - the actual admin process I'm not sure of but I know you can do it to some extent.

The way all of my CA friends have planned it is that they go to the osteo school for two years, then return to CA for their 3rd/4th years. As I like to think ahead, I'm going to plan my rotations at sites where I'd like to work and eventually get my residency - like California or Miami cuz I LOVE Florida!

However, I'm going to a school that's trying to establish ties with the new surrounding community - they might not let us go. Either way, I'm fine with it because did I mention I LOVE Florida?

Robz - I've never had a problem with the clubs of South Beach! 😉
 
specialkay said:
Robz - I've never had a problem with the clubs of South Beach! 😉


Thats it...I'm taking you with me...that way I can get in and so some clubbin! 😀
 
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