WVSOM Discussion Thread 2007-2008

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I just checked my status there since it's been "pending" for about 6 weeks. It now says decision deferred, I take it that's a bad thing? If they wanted to interview me they would have just gotten to it, correct?

 

[JLH2008]

I just checked my status there since it's been "pending" for about 6 weeks. It now says decision deferred, I take it that's a bad thing? If they wanted to interview me they would have just gotten to it, correct?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. It just means they haven't made a decision about your file right now. Just keep looking at all of your options and don't write them off. If you are really interested in going to WVSOM, I would let them know that. Send an email to Annette or Angie to see if there is anything you could do to push your application along. Annette is absolutely wonderful and is always willing to help. (Angie was on vacation when I interviewed so I didn't get to meet her but she was very friendly through her emails as well.) Don't give up on it just yet, especially since we are getting closer and closer to the Dec 15th deadline when alot of people will be declining acceptances.

 

[Collide]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. It just means they haven't made a decision about your file right now. Just keep looking at all of your options and don't write them off. If you are really interested in going to WVSOM, I would let them know that. Send an email to Annette or Angie to see if there is anything you could do to push your application along. Annette is absolutely wonderful and is always willing to help. (Angie was on vacation when I interviewed so I didn't get to meet her but she was very friendly through her emails as well.) Don't give up on it just yet, especially since we are getting closer and closer to the Dec 15th deadline when alot of people will be declining acceptances.

Thanks so much, the reply was informative and appreciated! 👍

 

[Barts]

I think a good way to look at it is that you aren't so bad that they want to just outright reject you, but you aren't so outstanding that they want to get you in to interview ASAP. I'm not trying to be offensive, but you are probably just a run of the mill (or slightly below) applicant. This doesn't mean you don't have a chance, it just means that you aren't going to be fighting them off with sticks.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[JLH2008]

Don't let this get you down. I know for a fact that they put certain files on hold based on MCAT scores and GPAs. If either of these are below their averages for accepted students then they will put the file on hold, or defer the decision in your case, and will probably go back a little later and give it a second look. Sometimes they have students below one of the averages but they see something in the personal statement or volunteer activites that intrigues them so they will go ahead and grant an interview. The fact that you applied early is a plus. Also, I would email one of the admissions staff I mentioned earlier. At this point it can only help. Maybe you can give them an aspect of you that they hadn't gotten from your primary application.

 

[superfan56]

keep in touch with the addmissions office. I haven't spoken to anyone except a recruiter who came to my school last month and am almost 100% positive that he helped me in the process to get an interview thus far. They're really nice.

 

[go_mountaineers]

My status was updated on their website today as accepted. I was wondering if anyone could answer this question. If I decide to go there the massive deposit is obviously due dec 14. Are the health and proof of selective service forms due on the same date or are those just due before matriculation? Thanks

Matriculation...and by the way you should decide to come here😀

 

[desijigga]

I just checked my status there since it's been "pending" for about 6 weeks. It now says decision deferred, I take it that's a bad thing? If they wanted to interview me they would have just gotten to it, correct?

Definitely call and ask them why your application was put on decision deferred status (Maybe your application is missing something, who knows). I think if you show even a little bit of interest in the school you should be granted an interview. O yea and make sure you show some interest in rural medicine, of course that is the number 1 thing they want their students to get into. My stats are around average, but I think I talked to the admissions office atleast twice before my application was reviewed. Don't worry I think many people who were accepted last year were initially put on hold.

 

[Dr VonNostrand]

Hello everyone I have an interview on 11/26 and was wondering if anyone who interviewed already could give me some advice? I interview in the afternoon session.

Thanks!!

 

[Ilovethemcat]

Hello everyone I have an interview on 11/26 and was wondering...

Check out the "Interviews" link at the top of the entire page.

My interview was extremely laid back and the questions were not stressful whatsoever. They pretty much ask everyone, why DO and why WVSOM. If you have some connection or familiarity with the state or school be sure to share that with them. I would not be one bit worried about your interview unless you know nothing about West Virginia, the school, or the osteopathic profession.

The most unusual question they asked me was "how many people do you think live in a small town?" It was not a difficult question at all but it was just less expected than anything else. I said <7000 which I probably should have said less than about 4k. The one interviewer said "oh thats fine... i ask becasue we have had a few people come in here and say something ridiculous like 200,000 or less". They highly stress primary care and rural healthcare so that type of information is important to them. Make sure you have good questions for them too.

The rest of the day is good as the admissions staff and the students are extremely nice and helpful. I interviewed in the afternoon as well so I can tell you, you go on a long tour of the campus, go to lunch with students, then come back and wait for your interview. If you want to sit in on a class I would contact them ahead of time to schedule a time before you need to be there at 1015. I stayed at the Briar Inn which is right off I64. It was cheap (~$64) and nice.

 

[Collide]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies and suggestions. I went ahead and emailed them (the only link I found dealing with admissions was to Donna Varney) and got a response saying that once all files are reviewed, they will go back and take another look at those with a "hold" status. I think I will email her again and ask if she can offer me any suggestions to improve my chances at WVSOM...thoughts on that?

Thanks again all.

 

[JLH2008]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies and suggestions. I went ahead and emailed them (the only link I found dealing with admissions was to Donna Varney) and got a response saying that once all files are reviewed, they will go back and take another look at those with a "hold" status. I think I will email her again and ask if she can offer me any suggestions to improve my chances at WVSOM...thoughts on that?

Thanks again all.

I would shoot Annette or Angie an email. If you want their email addresses send me a pm and I will get it to you!

 

[Collide]

I would shoot Annette or Angie an email. If you want their email addresses send me a pm and I will get it to you!

Thanks! PM sent 🙂

 

[g8trdrkmk]

I was told during the interview process that it is 60% out of state....
it REALLY sucks for out of state folks, but on the other hand the money they put into the facilities there is UNBELIEVABLE...They are getting 6 more human robots next year (that's what the dean informed our interview group)...One robot, named Otto, has pupils that respond to light, his vital signs will react to drug dosage (done through a barcode type "fake" injection...the thing can flatline!

Anyway, I interviewed on Oct. 26th and the website updated my acceptance on Oct. 30th...I could't believe the turnover...So, for those getting interviews get ready for a whirlwind of emotions, because the school is FANTASTIC, the students were so nice and helpful, the admissions department was great, and overall it looks to be some of the most exciting years to come!

Good luck to everyone and anyone that gets accepted in class of 2012 and doing SBL, hit me up!

After browsing the website this school looks like everything I've been looking for in a medical school. How do we justify in some cases double the tuition. I have two acceptances and an interview with them in January. I am really excited about the interview... and worried. Please help.
😍

 

[DiverDoc]

After browsing the website this school looks like everything I've been looking for in a medical school. How do we justify in some cases double the tuition. I have two acceptances and an interview with them in January. I am really excited about the interview... and worried. Please help.
😍

I loved the school , and I am sure you will too. Due to a variety of factors I chose to attend KCUMB. But there is not a doubt in my mind that I would have been happy the first two years at WVSOM. However, I couldnt get past years 3 and 4 and the debt I wouldve been in.

 

[desijigga]

However, I couldnt get past years 3 and 4 and the debt I wouldve been in.

Hey diverdoc, might elaborating more on what you meant by years 3 and 4? Are you saying the rotation sites are not top notch, or the hospitals aren't?

I also will like to attend WV but the tuition is what I am most concerned about. I hope they grant scholarships or have some kind of debt forgiveness program.

 

[dr.kicia]

My status was updated on their website today as accepted. I was wondering if anyone could answer this question. If I decide to go there the massive deposit is obviously due dec 14. Are the health and proof of selective service forms due on the same date or are those just due before matriculation? Thanks

the forms are due before marticulation...and there is another deposit due in march (1K more)...but i spoke to Angie and you can put it on your credit card if that helps.

 

[DiverDoc]

Hey diverdoc, might elaborating more on what you meant by years 3 and 4? Are you saying the rotation sites are not top notch, or the hospitals aren't?

I also will like to attend WV but the tuition is what I am most concerned about. I hope they grant scholarships or have some kind of debt forgiveness program.

Just the fact that I will most likely want to come back and rotate in the midwest (family) and practice here. While WVSOM requires that you do 3rd year in their state (and Ohio), and 4th year if you wanna go outta state to rotate, you have to set it up yourself. 😕 My decision was ultimately based not on quality of either program, rather that my support system and oppertunities to rotate/practice in the midwest were greater at KCUMB.

 

[Ilovethemcat]

the forms are due before marticulation...

Thanks for the help!

 

[vector2]

I'm still waiting for AACOMAS to receive a transcript, and in the meantime I'm wondering what my chances are like this year at WVSOM as an instate student with a 3.1 (3.7 for the last four semesters) and a 30p (11v 10p 9b). I keep hearing that DO is getting more and more competitive and I'm wondering how badly my early college performance (in and out of school for a few years before I got my **** together) is going to affect my application.

Also, can someone tell me specifically how the 4th year rotations work for WVSOM students?

 

[superfan56]

I'm still waiting for AACOMAS to receive a transcript, and in the meantime I'm wondering what my chances are like this year at WVSOM as an instate student with a 3.1 (3.7 for the last four semesters) and a 30p (11v 10p 9b). I keep hearing that DO is getting more and more competitive and I'm wondering how badly my early college performance (in and out of school for a few years before I got my **** together) is going to affect my application.

Also, can someone tell me specifically how the 4th year rotations work for WVSOM students?

your chances are probably very good. they love instater's. I have a 3.1 and 3.68 post bacc GPA and a 7PS/11vr/10b breakdown and got an interview

 

[desijigga]

Interviewing on Friday, anyone going to be there???

 

[vector2]

your chances are probably very good. they love instater's. I have a 3.1 and 3.68 post bacc GPA and a 7PS/11vr/10b breakdown and got an interview

When is your interview?

 

[PleaseAcceptMe7]

I just had my interview today. I was soooooooooooooo laid back. I can honestly say I only had about 3 or 4 questions asked, which weren't even that specific. The whole day was basically an orientation into the school. It felt like an accepted students day for the 12 or so of us interviewing today. I really hope to get in. The people and facilities are seriously the best I've seen out of all the schools I've been to. The only downsides to this school are that its kinda've boring in the surrounding area and for out of staters, its REALLY expensive. Hopefully I'll get in. They said there was about a 3-week wait for the response. I'm gonna be checking everyday! If anyone has any questions about the interview, lemme know.

 

[waveds85]

hey, I'm a first year here, out of state (NJ) and its the best decision I've ever made.

 

[PleaseAcceptMe7]

hey waveds85, i'm from NJ too. I'm kinda've worried that I'll be really bored in the WV setting though. Also, how is transportation back home? Are there a lot of NJ residents going there? What undergrad school did you go to? I have a lot of questions, haha.

 

[desijigga]

I interviewed yesterday. The facilities are amazing, the town is also pretty nice. The anatomy lab was just like are you serious? it was spotless clean with NO SMELL...😱. Keeping my fingers
crossed...👍

I felt like my heart wasn't into the interview. I don't think I nailed it, after hearing that I was accepted at KCOM, I was just there to check WVSOM out.

ADVICE: DO NOT FLY INTO LEWISBURG... uhhh my plane got canceled Thursday and Friday. Both days I was driven by shuttle to other cities to catch flights. US airways is the worst airlines. I recommend flying into Roanoke and driving to WVSOM.

 

[Molly Mac]

I interviewed two weeks ago at WVSOM. My status has not yet been updated. Has anyone else who interviewed around that time found out whether or not they have been accepted?

 

[waveds85]

hey umm... just private message me with some questions about WVSOM and jersey...

 

[prestian]

Molly Mac -
I intervied on October 26th and still haven't heard. I called the admissions office on Friday just to see, because i figured since my status hasn't been updated one the website with "accepted" or "deferred" that I had been rejected. I was told that I am 4th in line to get reviewed on Tuesday so i guess they are just a little behind. It seems to me that they review in-states first. Hope that helps!

 

[Molly Mac]

Molly Mac -
I intervied on October 26th and still haven't heard. I called the admissions office on Friday just to see, because i figured since my status hasn't been updated one the website with "accepted" or "deferred" that I had been rejected. I was told that I am 4th in line to get reviewed on Tuesday so i guess they are just a little behind. It seems to me that they review in-states first. Hope that helps!

Thanks Prestian. That makes me feel better!! I will call and check where I stand on Monday.

How did you feel your interview went? Did you like the school? Best of luck.

 

[utahtigger]

Molly - Hey, I really hope WVSOM works out for you, I'm so bummed about VCOM and I'm kinda stymmied as to why you didn't get the invite! You ARE a fantastic candidate...remember that things happen for a reason - maybe you need to focus all of your positive energy towards WVSOM. I loved the school and the staff, but I'm afraid my spouse can't get a job (h.s. math teacher) since it's so rural.

Anyway, I sure hope you get good news soon! Be sure to email me (your fellow VCOM interviewee) when you know!

😀

 

[prestian]

Thanks Prestian. That makes me feel better!! I will call and check where I stand on Monday.

How did you feel your interview went? Did you like the school? Best of luck.

I think the interview went really well actually, the most relaxed out of all of the ones i've had so far. I really liked the school, the facilities were great and the students seemed really happy there. However, I am a little discouraged by the cost of tuition.

 

[Molly Mac]

I think the interview went really well actually, the most relaxed out of all of the ones i've had so far. I really liked the school, the facilities were great and the students seemed really happy there. However, I am a little discouraged by the cost of tuition.

Good for you Prestian. I feel the same way. I was really excited about the school until I really thought about the cost of tuition for four years!! Best of luck Prestian. Hopefully we will both be part of the class of 2012!!

 

[JohnUC33]

Check out the "Interviews" link at the top of the entire page.

My interview was extremely laid back and the questions were not stressful whatsoever. They pretty much ask everyone, why DO and why WVSOM. If you have some connection or familiarity with the state or school be sure to share that with them. I would not be one bit worried about your interview unless you know nothing about West Virginia, the school, or the osteopathic profession.

The most unusual question they asked me was "how many people do you think live in a small town?" It was not a difficult question at all but it was just less expected than anything else. I said <7000 which I probably should have said less than about 4k. The one interviewer said "oh thats fine... i ask becasue we have had a few people come in here and say something ridiculous like 200,000 or less". They highly stress primary care and rural healthcare so that type of information is important to them. Make sure you have good questions for them too.

The rest of the day is good as the admissions staff and the students are extremely nice and helpful. I interviewed in the afternoon as well so I can tell you, you go on a long tour of the campus, go to lunch with students, then come back and wait for your interview. If you want to sit in on a class I would contact them ahead of time to schedule a time before you need to be there at 1015. I stayed at the Briar Inn which is right off I64. It was cheap (~$64) and nice.[/QUOTE]


Oh, if you come to interview, stay at the General Lewis Inn. Regularly $100, but $50 if you tell them that you are interviewing at WVSOM.

 

[krob]

Well, I just sent in my deposit! Looks like I'm going to med school!! wvsom, here I come.

 

[businessman]

Well, I just sent in my deposit! Looks like I'm going to med school!! wvsom, here I come.

Congrats! That is awesome!

 

[g8trdrkmk]

Well, I just sent in my deposit! Looks like I'm going to med school!! wvsom, here I come.

Are you an OOS? I'm still trying to justify that large tuition when many med students recommend being wary of high tuitions. Not trying to be negative, on the contrary really hoping for an answer.

 

[krob]

Yes, I am OOS. As far as the tuition goes... after evaluating everything it turned out to be the best option for us. Keep in mind that tuition cost isn't the only factor for attending a certain school. In the case of West Virginia, living costs alone make up for a fair portion of the increased tuition. Just to give you an idea, I met one student while I was there who was renting a 3 bedroom house for just over $600 a month. The school itself was absolutely amazing, and I hope the large tuition doesn't scare too many people away. Hope that answered your question!

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

my status says decision deferred.. bummer..

 

[g8trdrkmk]

Yes, I am OOS. As far as the tuition goes... after evaluating everything it turned out to be the best option for us. Keep in mind that tuition cost isn't the only factor for attending a certain school. In the case of West Virginia, living costs alone make up for a fair portion of the increased tuition. Just to give you an idea, I met one student while I was there who was renting a 3 bedroom house for just over $600 a month. The school itself was absolutely amazing, and I hope the large tuition doesn't scare too many people away. Hope that answered your question![/quote


Thanks, that is a good point. My interview isn't until Jan. 9th. Everyone talks so highly of the campus, people and facilities. I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand.

Confession: If it's snowing, it will be my first.

 

[desijigga]

my status says decision deferred.. bummer..

Don't worry a lot of people I hear you got interviewed later on, initially had their application say it was deferred. I am pretty sure you will be invited for an interview, your stats are not that bad. Your MCAT score is pretty good, but that below 3.0 science gpa is whats hurting you right now.

May I ask why didn't you apply earlier in the cycle? It helped me, I believe to apply early in the cycle, and I am pretty sure others would say the same. You should take some post-bacc upper level science classes and just bring that science gpa above 3.0, it will do wonders for you. But don't give up yet, you did apply to a wide variety of schools and all you need is one. Good Luck

 

[Molly Mac]

Anyone who has been accepted to WVSOM, can you tell me what your application summary page said when you learned your had been accepted?

Mine says
Application status: Pending
Decision: Accept applicant.

Does that mean I have been accepted? I think it does but I am scared to get excited!! I will call Angie first thing tomorrow morning. I am so excited but am trying not to be!🙂

 

[CrispDO]

Anyone got a guess as to how many they have accepted at WVSOM so far? I was jut notified of an interview on January 25th and I am very excited. I was just wondering at the time of my interview is there any way to gauge how many spots will be left?

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

Don't worry a lot of people I hear you got interviewed later on, initially had their application say it was deferred. I am pretty sure you will be invited for an interview, your stats are not that bad. Your MCAT score is pretty good, but that below 3.0 science gpa is whats hurting you right now.

May I ask why didn't you apply earlier in the cycle? It helped me, I believe to apply early in the cycle, and I am pretty sure others would say the same. You should take some post-bacc upper level science classes and just bring that science gpa above 3.0, it will do wonders for you. But don't give up yet, you did apply to a wide variety of schools and all you need is one. Good Luck

desi.. honestly before I started this application process I had NO IDEA how long everything took, I am the first person in my family to go to college, let alone apply to medical school!.. I took MCAT July 13th so waited for my scores to get in before submitting AMCAS.. Scores came in Aug 20th, but I ended up submitting it a little later due to revising my personal statement (i was getting help from some DO students).. they didn't end up really helping so that was a waste of my time.. and I ended up submitting it Sept. 1st. For the secondaries, I dont know what happened.. I got my first ones Oct. 3rd and took a while doing them.. my main problem.. and I finally finally got them all out in the middle of this month 🙁.. one problem is I didn't come on SDN before recently even though Ive been registered for a long time.. yeah.. I would re-do some of these things if I could knowing what I know now..

Thanks for your confidence and note on MDapplicants.. I was pretty discouraged for a while because someone from here wrote me a nasty comment on the MDapplicants (I rejected that comment but I still know what it said!)😍

 

[mkendall]

desi.. honestly before I started this application process I had NO IDEA how long everything took, I am the first person in my family to go to college, let alone apply to medical school!.. I took MCAT July 13th so waited for my scores to get in before submitting AMCAS.. Scores came in Aug 20th, but I ended up submitting it a little later due to revising my personal statement (i was getting help from some DO students).. they didn't end up really helping so that was a waste of my time.. and I ended up submitting it Sept. 1st. For the secondaries, I dont know what happened.. I got my first ones Oct. 3rd and took a while doing them.. my main problem.. and I finally finally got them all out in the middle of this month 🙁.. one problem is I didn't come on SDN before recently even though Ive been registered for a long time.. yeah.. I would re-do some of these things if I could knowing what I know now..

Thanks for your confidence and note on MDapplicants.. I was pretty discouraged for a while because someone from here wrote me a nasty comment on the MDapplicants (I rejected that comment but I still know what it said!)😍

I just wanted to say, don't be discouraged! I was on the waitlist last year (because I applied WAY late in the cycle), and because no spots opened up, WVSOM accepted me for the class of 2012. You and I have the EXACT same MCAT except for the writing (I got an R, so still really close!) and if you have an upward trend in your GPA or even if you have a strong personal statement, you'll most likely get an interview, where you can really shine and express how much you want to go to the school/be a DO/and what a wonderful asset you'd be to WVSOM. So keep smiling. Like someone said before, if worse comes to worse, take a year off and do a post-bacc program. When I didn't get in for the class of 2011, I thought it was a huge tragedy, but turned out to be a much better deal (but I'm sure you'll be getting some good news soon). Good luck!

 

[vector2]

Does WVSOM have any requirements for grades after you're accepted, i.e. is getting a C a dealbreaker?

 

[businessman]

Anyone who has been accepted to WVSOM, can you tell me what your application summary page said when you learned your had been accepted?

Mine says
Application status: Pending
Decision: Accept applicant.

Does that mean I have been accepted? I think it does but I am scared to get excited!! I will call Angie first thing tomorrow morning. I am so excited but am trying not to be!🙂

That is what mine said when I found out I was accepted! Congrats!

 

[Molly Mac]

That is what mine said when I found out I was accepted! Congrats!

Thanks Businessman!!

 

[bigLing2012]

Ilove themcat,
can't believe you chose that as a name. must be a crazy. Anyway, I was accepted 10/15/07 (held up b/c DO letter got lost in mail but was straightened up when the DO I shadowed called them personally, former student @ WVSOM) and just sent in the deposit. WVSOM is awesome since they let you split the deposit. One portion due Dec 14 and the rest due March 15 I believe. Congratulations.