Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 16% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around the applicant's motivations for pursuing medicine, understanding of osteopathic medicine, experiences in healthcare and leadership roles, challenges faced, study habits, and future career aspirations. Some interviews were in the MMI format, with questions related to ethical scenarios, personal strengths and weaknesses, and specific details from the applicant's application. Respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the MMI format, which focuses on a wide range of topics beyond traditional interview questions.
If you were driving to work and you noticed a car accident on the side of the road, would you get out an help knowing that you could possibly get sued for any malpractice?
Most questions were about things I had written in my application. They wanted me to elaborate on certain details. Though they did ask me about my study habits and what works for me, what I do to de-stress, if I had applied to MD schools, why I want to be a DO, what I think of OMM, my exposure to diversity, my most meaningful patient encounter while shadowing/volunteering, my hobbies, why didn't I consider doing research instead of medicine, and they ended the interview by asking me if I wanted to tell them anything not mentioned in the interview itself. Basically know your application well, they don't try to trip you up, they just ask for more details on the things you have already written about.
If you were a doctor and your patient just tested HIV+ and had not told their spouse would you tell the spouse? (legally the answer is no in all circumstances, you can't touch HIV with a ten foot pole)
In my personal statement I talked about my own experience with leukemia...they were so awkward about it...I gave them a short run down and they had absolutely nothing to say about it.
What other schools are you applying to? Where else have you been accepted? Are you holding your spots at those places? I thought this was crap that they asked me this.
Why DO? This was awkward because I told them I was also applying to MD schools. I was trying to be smart about this, but also honest. It backfired a bit.
I am the child of a PCOM grad so they asked about what specialty my parent is in, whether he/she uses OMM, and why I want to follow in his/her footsteps.
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing physicians today and in the future? I talked about third-party payors, insurance reimbursements and increasing administrative hassles like prior-auths.
What would you bring to the student body at PCOM? I am a non-trad with a prior career so I focused on my maturity and experience working in teams with colleagues.
I had a very unique medical experience when I was a young child in a foreign country. I used this as a foundation to answer the inevitable question: Why medicine and why osteopathic?
I took MCAT twice with two month in-between, and increased my score by about 6 points (30+). They asked me how I managed to go from an average MCAT score to 80th percentile score in just a matter of two months. I believe the answer to this question made them think, "This is the type of student we want." and ultimately the acceptance.
Please tell us the qualities in which you excel and the qualities in which you need improvement. Funny thing is I couldn't think of any qualities that need improved...the interviewer had to help me out.
These are the ones they seem to ask everyone (except I did not get the expected "What is osteopathy" question): Where do you see yourself in 15 years? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? Why DO? How do you relieve stress? What factors do you weigh in choosing a medical school?
Tell me about yourself? This includes the answer to the sub-questions "Why medicine/osteopathy/Why P.C.O.M.?" (The other questions are kind of a blur after 7 interviews at this point...)
What do you see yourself doing in 20 years? I see that you like to ice skate and go hiking, what else do you do to relieve stress? (I answered the question before this point...this was asked a 2nd time)
That's really all they asked me. It seemed like they had already made up their minds before they met. They were pretty lousy interviewers especially Kominsky
You had +B in genetics after second time?
What is the most important thing to consider when you choose medical school?
What is your primary language?
What is Osteo Med mean to you?
Any other schools?
What schools did you apply to? What would you do if you didn't get into any? What would you do if you got into all of them? What would be your deciding factors?
Do you think that you will be able to manage your time between school and your wife? (Weren't really that interested in the answer. They just wanted to tell me to make sure that I make time for my wife, specifically one day a week. They were very supportive.)
I think that was it. They just talked a lot, in fact I could not complete one sentence without being cut off. I had to start cutting them off!! but I knew they were just goofing so I took no offense. I was out in 20 min. while other students were in there for as long as 60 min.
What do you understand of osteopathic medicine and what is your understanding of osteopathic manipulative medicine? (know this stuff pretty well for the one Dr)
Why do you feel as though your GPA is different from your MCAT scores? (My GPA is a 3.0 and sci/math of like 2.7 while I got 8,9,10 on phys, bio, verbal of the MCAT)
After becoming a licensed doctor, do you know what you need to know to practice? [Basically, this could be rephrased as: Do you know everything after graduating?'
What was your illness? I'm mentioning this question because it really affected my academics. He didn't really want to know the answer to the question. He just wanted to make sure that I thought about what implication a rigorous medical school curriculum, may or may not have. They were very clear that I did NOT have to answer and it WOULD NOT affect ANYTHING
What happened in Calculus? Your non-science GPA is much higher than your science GPA. Do you feel that your GPA reflects what you understood in those classes?
If a person called in to 911 and said they were trapped in a vehicle submerged in water how would you help them? (I work as a 911 dispatcher so this question wasn't off the wall for me.)
I see you made a 24 on your MCAT...what happened? (As I mentioned, my October scores were a good bit higher and it helped a lot to mention the new ones).
What do you know about the osteopathic profession/philosophy?
What other schools have you applied to? Any other interviews/acceptances yet? Any allopathic schools?
What are you study habits?
Did you retake the August MCAT? (my april score wasn't that great)
Why not? ( I didn't take the august exam. I opted to take again next april after taking Kaplan if I didn't get in this year)
What was the last book you read (This was an easy question for me because I read a lot, but I know some of the other students were asked the same question, and the interviewer wanted at least two titles).
How did you enjoy your undegraduate experience?
Do you think graduate school prepared you for the rigors of medical school?
Where else have you applied?
Have you considered going into research? Where do you see yourself in 1o years? Can you accomplish all those things with a DO? And then a few questions specifically about parts of my application (experiences and stuff I had mentioned in my essay).
Why D.O.? Why only D.O.? (Since I applied only to D.O. medical schools)
(Note for the bottom section on travel - My flight was delayed twice, then canceled, rescheduled, then delayed again due to de-icing problems, so I ended up spending more than 12 hours trying to get to PCOM and hence missed the morning breakfast. I am just glad I made it in time to be the last one to be interviewed at precisely 11:30 AM.)
1.) Have you been to PCOM before? 2.)Why do you want to be a doctor? 3.)Why a DO and not an MD? 4.) How did you study for the MCATs? 5.) How many times did you take the MCAT? 6.)How has your undergraduate institution prepared you for medical school? 7.) How many schools did you apply to? 8.) Why only PCOM and why do you want to come here? 9.) What quality do you think is the most important for a physician to have? 10.) Is there another quality that you also think is important? 11.) Who is your role model?
Knwo about your past. I have lived in foreign country and they have lot of questions about that. They really read your AACOMAS application and make sure they know everything about you before you interview.
Other than those two questions, one of my interviewers pretty much spent the entire time talking. I hardly did any. I hope it doesn't destroy my chances. I didn't get that impression. He mostly spent time selling the school.
1) Tell about your experiences at your undergrad, and How they prepared you for Medical School
2) Why Osteopathy? <<Dont Say: Hollistic or 'Cracking' Backs
3) What do you do for your spare time? (Be ready to talk about it DONT SAY: I dont have spare time, or Video Games)
4) When did you know you wanted to be a physician?
It was really more conversational than it was a list of questions, some questions included flat out why do you want to be a doctor, who is your role model, where do you see yourself in 15 years, what do you do for fun, what would make you choose PCOM over other schools....
What other schools have you applied to or received interviews from? If you were accepted to both an allopathic and osteopathic school, which would you choose and why? (try to be honest with this last question)
What got you interested in osteopathy? (DO NOT SAY IN RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTION THAT YOU LIKE HOLLISTIC MEDICINE. THAT ALONE IS NOT UNIQUE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE)
Why did you choose your undergraduate institution? Most interesting class in undergrad (science or not) and how did it prepare you for being a doctor? What other profession would you choose if not medical?
5)What schools did you apply to; what will be your deciding factor in selecting your school.
6)Do you have any questions for us. (Make sure you are prepared to ask like 3 or 4 very well thought out questions, this can really help you and the interviewers have a better discussion)
Also, don't sweat the MCAT. My score was real low and they didn't even ask one question about it. Be prepared just incase, but once you're there, it means that they are looking past all of those weaknesses that you see in yourself.
Tell us about your medical related experiences?
What schools did you apply to? Did you apply to NJ-SOM. They are competitive with NJ-SOM, so if you want PCOM, make sure you let them know they are your first choice and why.
What do you look for in medical schools? What would you do if you didn't get into medical school this year? What are you doing in your year off before medical school?
Why the drop in my GPA during my junior year? (I'm a naval reservist, after September 11th, I was recalled back to active duty during my junior year. I was working 18hour-day shifts. My grades suffered the consequences)
although the interview was conversational for the most part (i was able to direct the questions asked of myself), but be ready to defend any flaws in your application - i was asked about the one B- in one of my classes (3.97 gpa b/c of it)
Tell me about your ECs. Tell me about "insert undergrad school". Where else did you apply? What have you been doing on your year off? Why did you take a year off?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal traits, and scenarios related to patient care. The interview questions covered aspects like handling patient diagnoses from online research, discussing characteristics of ideal and undesirable physicians, and utilizing a magical pen for healthcare, among others. Some responses indicated a focus on personal experiences, decision-making processes, and future goals, reflecting a holistic approach to assessing applicants' suitability for medical school.
What do you think would be an important question to ask an applicant and why? Then answer it yourself.
"Talk about some of the characteristics you'd hope to see in a successful osteopathic physician? and talk about some of the negative characteristics of a bad osteopathic physician"
They asked me how I felt from an ethical standpoint about the "octo-mom" in California (whether fertility practices should be reigned in and should we even do fertility treatments on women with six children who are on public assistance).
Tell us about the undergrad you went to. I don't know why they wanted to know this because my undergrad was oriented towards programs like education, business, accounting, etc. I told them that I got the short end of the stick at my undergrad as a pre-med student and it was interesting to see their response to my answer.
When I answered the stress question, one of the things I said was that I like to cook and they asked if I see any parallels between cooking and practicing medicine.
PCOM often seems to include current-events questions in the interview or at least one very analytical question of your application if your a foreign/non-trad. For example, the economics major or the foreign candidates.
Your numbers are pretty good. Will you withdraw if you get an MD acceptance? (Didnt even ask if I was applying MD, which I am of course, but just assumed that I was)
Why would you work at a job where the object is to shoot someone with a projectile (paintball)? -- I think this was along the lines of promoting gun violence but it was a legit and unloaded question.
What is a doctor? We were talking about my current job as a teacher, and he said that doctor means teacher and that he thought my background would be helpful in the future.
My two interviewers didn't know each other. So it was like them interviewing each other. I interjected a few jokes here and there, but the questions that they asked me were the standards.
How did you get such a good MCAT score? (I got a 33, and at the time, I didn't think it was that great, but at the same time, I knew it wasn't going to hold me back anywhere)
Well, one of my interviewers was rather HYPER. He started asking me crazy questions such as, ''If you saw an endangered animal eating an endangered plant, which would you save?'' and ''define the universe and give 3 examples.'' After a nervous laugh, he was like no i'm just kidding.
How do you explain your academic performance in the community college? (I spent many years exploring many majors with many withdraws. I been focused on how I been doing since I came back to school(Mostly 'A's and '+B's), I totally though that was not a big issue. But it was.
''Tell us about your missions trip to Mississippi'', or ''You are involved in so many activities and are devoted to your schoolwork; what do you do for fun?''
How will you deal with the negativity you may receive because you chose to become an osteopathic physicine instead of the traditional allopathic physician?physician.
Did you ever practice in this career, or just obtain training in it? (This tipped me off that they had not read my app at all, since it talks extensively about the five years I have spent practicing this career.)
I felt it interesting they spent a lot of time asking me about the individuals who wrote letters on my behalf. My experiences with them and how long we have known each other
I was asked about my past experiences in what the interviewer referred to as "caring" positions and what I learned from them and how it applied to medicine. I didn't get anything out of the ordinary. I was asked if I applied last year though..I guess b/c I'm 2 years out of school.
Most D.O. schools require a reference letter from an osteopathic physician. I did not have one. I was asked to share my first experience with a D.O. Luckily I had talked to one in my hometown.
My GPA from undergrad is pretty high, so they asked me how I managed to keep such a high GPA and still make time for shadowing and the other activities I was involved in on campus.
Interviewer asks, "I'm going to the dominican republic in two weeks. What should I do about the threat of malaria (medications to take)?" I used to do research on malaria, so I guess the question wasn't that wierd, but I still wasn't expecting technical questions.
Explain where you got your email address name from. ( I wasn't asked this question but alot of other people that interviewed with me that day said they were asked this question)
There's no really eye-opening questions. Everything is either specific to your application or is an standard interviewing question. Actually, wait, I was asked about the importance of the MCAT in the admissions process which was a little out of the ordinary.
1)Why did you choose to attend your undergraduate school? and what has it done for you? 2) What do you think is the most common injury in gymnastics (I was a gymnast)?
A hypothetical situation about a mechanical heart used to touch on a few ethical issues... Should a patient recieve the heart considering price, expected life span of patient, and quality of life, etc?
Students said most difficult question asked at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed various topics such as choosing between medical schools, explaining osteopathic medicine without buzzwords, handling ethical dilemmas, and overcoming academic challenges. The interviews may have been in MMI format, with some responses mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while common themes included questions about motivations for pursuing osteopathic medicine, challenges in healthcare, and personal qualities essential for physicians.
Say you got 10 acceptances from medical schools, how do you decide between them all?
If you were a doctor and your patient just tested HIV+ and had not told their spouse would you tell the spouse? (legally the answer is no in all circumstances, you can't touch HIV with a ten foot pole)
In every transition there are specific hurdles for every person, what hurdles have you overcome in the past and what do you think that hurdle will be for medical school?
For me, it was 'why DO?' mostly because I had already told them I was applying to both MD and DO schools. Every other person at the interview was also applying to both MD and DO, so I don't think I'm unusual to have this approach.
None really, it was hard to talk to them as they all had their laptops out, I felt weird talking without eye contact on practically all the questions...
I didn't think any question was difficult, but I heard some peers come out and say they were asked how they would explain DNA to a third-grader and I think had I gotten that question it would've given me pause.
The qualities need improving question. This question was difficult for me to answer because I didn't want to come off as a total loser and I also didn't want to come off as a perfectionist. When I stalled and the interviewer suggested an answer, I simply ran with his suggestion because it sounded pretty "safe" at the time.
Standard SDN-like questions, but PCOM seems to include 1 or 2 different ones. My hardest question was: It seems like you were really involved a lot, doing A, B, C, D, E, F...,...G...H...how did you manage all of that? You said what things that you did to relieve stress (2x by this point of the interview), but doing all of those things successfully is...very abnormal! (this was hard b/c I just manage to do it all no matter how long or how much effort it takes! sleeping or not!)
Explain the change academically from sophmore year to junior year?
Did you apply to both DO and MD schools? (I felt weird answering this question, because I did apply to both like most people, it's just a funny feeling you get after you tell them you did and you wonder how they interpret it.)
you didn't have many liberal arts classes(being a biochem mojor). Do you think having education in liberal arts courses are important to being a physician?
If you could be standing in front of our admissions board (all 30 doctors or something like that) what would you say that would cinvince them of accepting you?
No questions were really difficult. They do want to see that you have thought about what you are doing with your life and really ask several follow-up questions in that vein.
The osteopathy/hockey question. There was no way I could have seen that coming, but as long as you know why you want to be a DO, you should be able to come up with something good. Somehow, I impressed them.
how badly do want this? after i would try to respond, the interviewer repeatedly kept cutting me off and saying 'but HOW badly?' it seemed like he only wanted one answer which was frustrating
What schools you applied to? What schools did you interview at? Where have been accepted? I did not consider it difficult to answer, but I felt uncomfortable that they were asking me this question.
I felt prepared for all the questions. I hate the,"Is there anything more we should know about you" question though. Do you see any problems currently in the medical field.
If you were offered admissions here, would you come? (I was surprised and a bit thrown off by this, as there are a handful of schools that I would like to attend).
What happened with my MCAT. I scored 21 and they are trying to ask me for an excuse. I wanted to say "I didn't answer enough questions correctly," and that's it.
Tell me about your problem solving skills (for about 5 minutes I rambled on about my interpersonal problem solving skills and the DO finally stopped my and said to explain more on an academic level....opps).
If you were a third grade teacher, how would you explain the function of DNA? (Although this question was on SDN, I did not prepare for the question because I figured I wouldn't be asked it since I am not a teacher...so I gave my best on the spot answer)
How I think I performed on the MCATS. I hate that question. I dont think anyone feels like they got a 45 when they walk out of that exam... So I just said I prepared extensively and was confident my grade would reflect that.
Tell us about your research/Master's thesis. (It was difficult to explain to someone without any prerequisite understanding of cancer etiology and treatment--I think I stuttered a lot, trying to keep it simple......)
Specific questions about grades. How come you repeated this class and have still not done so much better than the first time.
Ans: I took graduate level class last semester in the same subject and did extremely well
What do you think about women in medicine? My interviewer kind of threw this in at the end. And that question "talk about yourself" - I never know what to say.
The way I answered the first question led into discussions on health ethics and what I would do if I had I terminally ill patient who wanted to be euthanized and who I could offer no hope of recovery to?
What is the most difficult thing that I forsee affecting the medical profession. (this question blindsided me because when they started asking, I was anticipating a different one)
When they asked me to explain my MCAT scores to them. They were lower than they would have liked them to be. They couldn't understand how my grades were so good but my MCAT scores were low.
If there is one thing you could change about myself what would it be? I responded with my hair. I wish I could grow hair as I am going bald. One more thing was that I wish I had a photographic memory.
Many allopathic schools have a holistic approach, and most MDs provide "hands on" care to their patients, so what's special about osteopathy?
How has your undergraduate education prepared you for a career in medicine? I knew they wouold ask me that, but when I went into the interview, I blanked out.
2 - How many times have you taken the MCAT? (I voided twice, so only one score shows, but I decided to be honest - then they grilled me) and Why the delay between college and applying to med. school?
How do you think the current health insurance situation is affecting medicine? How many Americans are without health insurance? --40% in case you were wondering. One of my interviewers was ridiculously hard on everyone!
1)Question about MCATs...why my verbal was so low and my physical was high the first time round, and vice versa second time around 2) What do you know about how OMM is used in practice?
"Given that today is election day, what issues do you feel are important concerning healthcare and your career as a physician?"... this was tough for me not knowing alot about politics. I admitted i was not very informed about all the issues, but gave an intelligent answer about problems with healthcare then fortunately the interviewer just talked about the issues for quite some time with me.
Nothing was too difficult, I was pretty prepared, but just be sure to read up on HMOs: What is your understanding of the health management problem and how would you solve it?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for interviews by reviewing their application materials, practicing with mock interviews, reading interview feedback on SDN, researching the school's website, and learning about osteopathic medicine. Many also sought advice from current students, read books on osteopathic medicine, and reflected on their personal motivations for pursuing a career in healthcare.
By reading over my entire application a few times, then writing answers to several commonly asked questions. I also did two practice interview runs, one with my family and one with my masters program counselor.
Reviewed my AACOMAS application. Read everything I could about the school to incllude the catalog. Read several books on Osteopathic Medicine history and philosophy.
Read SDN interview feedback and PCOM threads, read every single page on their website, reviewed my app and statements and spent the night before relaxing in a hot tub and doing yoga.
Primary app, secondary app, sdn, introspection about my life...I see that people don't mention this on here but I think it's really important that you understand yourself as a person FIRST before worrying about explaining why osteopathic and why PCOM. Other than that, I read up on PCOM's website, and talked to few friends who go to PCOM.
Visited PCOM open house x2, shadowed PCOM students for 2 days of her classes (including OMM) and asked MANY random questions, CIB profile, SDN threads, SDN interview fback x 1 year, 5 prior interviews, drove around the area to look for apts, etc
Answering questions to myself. If you can answer "Why DO? Why PCOM?" to yourself comfortably, you'll be fine. Confidence is the most important thing.
sdn, writing letters to every DO in the Atlanta phone book and asking about the career (it was as slow summer). Two admissions board members ended up responding and talked to me about the school.
SDN interview feedback (the questions from this year's feedback have been right on), interview prep books, reviewing primary/secondary, reviewing PCOM's website
(1) Studied every portion of the "Prospective Students" section of the PCOM website.
(2) Read through my AACOM application, especially the essay.
(3) Read through my PCOM application essay.
(4) Prepared questions to ask the interviewers.
(5) Student Doctor Network (SDN).
SDN, extensively asked current students about the school and made plenty of contacts, worked hard for great letters of recommendations particularly from PCOM alum
The best preparation was the other interviews I went on. I'm not much for the mock interviews. I did get insight by reading this website. I skimmed my personal statement and other materials too.
Read over my AACOMAS statement and read up on osteopathic philosophy. Make sure becoming a D.O. is NOT simply a fall back option for you if you don't get into medical school.
Prepared to explain why I'm interested in medicine, particularly osteopathic. Researched what PCOM has to offer, both in student body and education resources.
Talked to DO students at PCOM, looked at Studentdoctor.net, read up on what was happening in healthcare, visited PCOMs website for the nitty gritty on the osteopathic philosophy
SDN, SDN, SDN...Read "The DOs" by Norman Gevitz (didn't help me in particular but if you want to understand osteopathic medicine, read it!), PCOM website
Studentdoctor.net, medical students and biomedical sciences program students' feedback from the school, school website (pcom.edu), aacom.org, and osteohome.com.
I read all of the history of osteopathic medicine from a book and made sure I knew that and about the applications of things like OMM, etc...I also used this website, a medical school manual, read about ethical issues online, and reviewed my AACOMAS and PCOM App.
Look at this site, PCOM.edu, aacom.org, Theres also a great site about osteopathic medicine and its history in case you need more info: www.osteohome.edu
Honestly, I did nothing. I didn't want to stress myself out with reviewing material about the history of osteopathic medicine and thinking of possible questions they would ask me. I just relied on my gut instincts and answered the questions truthfully.
I read Gevitz's book, took virtual tour of school (THEY ARE REALLY BIG ON PEOPLE GOING TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE INTERVIEW), read interviewfeedback.com, read up on HMOs, read my file, prayed, and watched a couple of movies to relax...
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the student body, faculty, and staff at the schools they visited. The positive atmosphere, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive environment, where current students actively engaged with prospective applicants, were highlighted as major positive aspects of their experiences. Many applicants appreciated the conversational interview style, the campus facilities and resources, and the sense of community and camaraderie among the students.
Student ambassadors were really nice, honest, and happy (rare for a med student)
The interviewers were very laid back and it was more of a conversation. The tour and breakfast with current students were both positive; that is not related to admission's decision in any way.
Students that we saw on campus during our student-led tours were supportive. They would cheer for us or clap as we walked by. Before even setting foot in the door for my interview, I felt encouraged and supported by the student body. I can't impress upon the student applicant enough how great that feels.
The tour! We had three student tour guides who were all incredibly friendly, full of anecdotes, and honest about the school. Also, the woman in the bookstore, Dotty, is an absolute darling. Go see her after your interview. She's very knowledgeable about student and campus life, and very supportive and encouraging.
Everything about this school is amazing. Their classes are well organized and all video recorded, the library is open 24/7 with card access, housing is close by, parking is easy and affordable, students are actually happy and very friendly. Several students saw the group of interview students sitting in the lobby and came over to wish us luck and calm us down, others said hi in the halls.
The small size of the interview room and table. It made it feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. The fact that all the questions were heavily prefaced with context, so you understood what they were trying to ascertain with the question. That the questions seemed insightful, not arbitrary or like they were trying to "trap" you. The medical student in the interview provided a certain sense of comfort and humanity in the process. I appreciated how much the admissions staff tried to put us at ease.
Loved EVERYTHING! ADCOM is so laid back and personable. Students pop in the office to say hey and wish you good luck. Ms. Debbie at the security front desk is AWESOME!
My interviewers were AWESOME! They were hilarious and we joked around alot, even as I left the room they were still laughing- it was an all around good time.
- Students were nice...admissions staff was nice, STAN/NOELLE (Spelling?) were interesting...Lecture halls had tons of plasma TV's/screens which was really nice.
The school's history and location in Philadelphia, quality of rotation sites, reputation in comparison to the other 4 med schools in Philly, the athletic facility, the robotic patients (Noelle and Stan I think?) and the beautiful view of the Philly skyline from the hockey deck on the roof of the rec center.
School has been around forever so their curricula is very strong, great facilities, awesome list of clinical rotation sites, access to resources for board preps, being able to compete on its own with 4 other med schools in the city, and of course, it's in Philly..the city of brotherly love
-Seeing other candidates who were dissing osteopathy and clearly focusing on allopathic ask a MSI student "So, have you taken your boards yet?" lol! -Seeing other candidates who were accepted to other programs who were still interviewing -Seeing PCOM students who were accepted at other programs who preferred PCOM even though the most logical choice (UNECOM or NSUCOM) would be cheaper/easier -Urban... rotations will have more #patients/rotation and diversity in ppl/cases -They READ and remembered my file! -Price is reasonable -System-based with some case-studies -Reputation -Many students end up taking USMLEs or don't even have to b/c PCOM is so well known in the area -Cafe has reasonable options -mp3 lectures with student notes for Y1 & Y2 (mixed reviews of)
They actually READ my file! I have never been in an interview where they read my file cover to cover. Usually if they get my name right I'm impressed. It seems like they actually took the time to evaluate me, which is what a school should do.
Pretty much everything! I don't mind their for-profit status nor the debate about lack of Title VI loans. The students were so friendly and passionate about their endeavors. The faculty and staff are seriously committed to making RVUCOM an amazing place to learn medicine.
friendliness of staff, other people interviewing seemed qualified and they truly wanted to be there, whereas other DO schools I have interviewed at I got the feeling people just applied because they think they would have more of a chance of getting accepted (versus an MD school). current students genuinely wanted to be there and chose that school even though they had other options.
I thought the students truly loved their school and I could see that in the tour guides and the other students walking around. Strong diversity. Enthusiastic and passionate faculty.
The faculty, the small class size, the high-tech facilities, STAN, geographical location. GA-PCOM is everything that I am looking for in a medical school.
I actually liked the school a lot more than what I thought I would. Small class size, very friendly faculty, great students -- even the financial aid lady was funny. She checks this site, so put this in bold.
very well organized admissions program they told us that they would have a decision in 3 weeks.
Also the breakfast was in a private room with a student and faculty member.
everything! the facilities were amazing, and just made me so much more excited. The tour was awesome, I got to go into the anatomy lab and up next to the students disecting the cadaver; the two (boy and girl) were second years that were giving us the tour and they were awesome, they were enthusiastic, super nice, and very informative and proud of their school and their experiences. Also, i probably met about 15 first years they were all so interested in finding out about me and answering any of my questions which was awesome.
The school seems solid all-around. The PCOM name brings credibility, and the professors I met seem extremely good. I would love to go to school here. I would have total confidence in the level of education they provide.
First and second year students were friendly, many stopped into the admissions office to talk to us and answer questions. The Philadelphia 76ers basketball team practices on the school's campus.
The school campus is absolutely awesome. Very high tech. Its just an old ware house turned completely around. Its one story, but very big. The labs have 6 plasma flat screens hanging from the ceiling along with floor to ceiling projectors... the professors can therefore work at their table and have the camera on what they're doing so you can see it from your seat. The rest of the school is completely wireless, they have the new STAN system working, and the school is just very modern looking and colorful inside.
Before our interview, a couple of medical students came up to us and basically told us a bit about school and some hints for an interview. Students overall seem to be really happy and enthusiastic.
there was swarm of students that stopped by the waiting area and greeted us, the interviewees. They made the whole process less stressful and provided deeper insights in the school.
Everyone was happy from security guards to students. Everyone wanted to tell you how happy they were there. They have excellent simulators as well as other facilities which will make learning both fun and interesting. I was also hugely impressed with the school's view on team work rather than competition.
the 'fishbow' was a little strange, but there were students that came by and talked to us. The Financial Aid lady was great- dont know what some of you were talking about, but she is Great- funny and honest. The school looks great and the new tech was really impressive
I was 2 hours late for my interview due to a flight cancellation and 15 hour flight delay and all three of the interviewers stayed late and waited till I got to PCOM.
The school is in a good location in Philly, and the Ms. Debbie (I think that's her name) at the front desk was VERY enthusiastic--even for a Monday morning. She was amazing!!
The faculty are very qualified and clearly care about getting to know students and wanting them to do well. I was also pleasantly surprised by the racial diversity of the PCOM Atlanta. They advertise a commitment to diversity and they certainly follow it.
Where do I start. Everything from breakfast in the cafeteria, which was delicious, to the tour at the end was great. The facilities are great, location is great, the staff and faculty are GREAT, and I could not be happier with the school.
the caring faculty, enthusiastic students, nice, colorful facilities, the fact that they've already established all rotation sites before even building the school, entire campus is wireless, professors have an open door policy, many, many cadavers (both in the classroom and storage area) to allow students to dissect and get the medical education they deserve, its proximity (~10 mins) to two big malls, very supportive environment.
The interviewers were very kind and professional, The tour guide was fantastic, the facilities are state-of-the art, they have excellent resources to help students find clinical clerkships, the students there seemed very happy and close
All of the students seem to love PCOM and are very enthusiastic about the school. Students are very involved in activities and seem very down to earth and not competitive. The campus is very nice with state-of-the-art facilities.
The overall atmosphere.. the current students were thrilled to be there and SO helpful when taking you around to lecture rooms (and I'm not even referring to the tour)
The facilities are very nice. The second floor of the libary was just re-done and looks great and spacious. The athletic facilities and the gym were nice too, with new equipment. The students were very outgoing and seemed to really love thier school. They emphasized that most people join clubs and are very involved in the school.
The fascilities, the OMM and anatomy labs are great! nice library. pretty much everything the school has to offer so far. Very nice! Oh, did I mention they have the nation's leaders when it comes to OMM doctors?! I kid you not. The area is also beautiful. Also, no mandatory attendance policy and all classes are taped and accessible online!
The breafast before the interviews started was so nice. I couldn't eat a crumb but the conversation was reassuring to all the nervous interviewees and I appreciated that.
How much the current students enjoyed being there. The first year students had an anatomy exam the next day and a couple of them sat with us in the fish bowl for close to an hour answering questions during their lunch break. Very nice and very unexpected.
The students and faculty were all extremely pleasant. Everyone was there to help and not to make you feel nervous about the interview. They gave the assurance that you had made it "that far" (getting an interview). Heck, the college president even stopped by the office on his way into the building, introduced himself, told us about his family, and wished us the best.
Everyone (faculty and students) was very warm and welcoming - and very available and eager to answer questions. Facilities (especially the anatomy and OMM labs) were brand new and very high-tech. Whole campus is wireless. Library has most books online - all textbooks are required to be online.
The school has great potential. The anatomy lab and OMM lab are excellent. They have one of the best professors in OMM. The faculty seems to be very helpful to the students and the students being the only class there have a great say in the development of the school.
the technology of the school. wireless throughout and in parking lot. access many online medical text and journals. laid back atmosphere conducive to learning. the OMM lab... Wow!
How enthusiastic the interviewers were and how much they wanted me to attend their school.... They tried to convince me the entire time that their school would be the best place to go.
The culture and environment. It is a supportive environment and everyone is extremely friendly. Several students stopped by while we were waiting to be interviewed to answer questions. The President of the School even came in to speak with us during our wait!
The students really seemed to enjoy their school. They seemed to be having a good time through it all. Also, although the class is very big--they seemed to be close.
School is brand new and very high tech - plamsa screens in OMM lab and anatomy lab. Faculty seemed enthusiatic. The school seems to have already laid some ground work for rotations.
The facilities and the location of the school were second to none. The opportunities to find life outside school are endless in Philly. The clerkships offered are numerous and include rural and inner-city settings.
The school is in a great location. When walking into the building everyone was so great. The receptionist was the most happy person you will ever meet who kept telling me I was going to do great, a definite relaxer. Students came in and talked to us while we waited and answered any questions that we had. An overall sense of enthusiasm and camaraderie.
The facilities are brand new and are amazing. They have a HUGE OMM lab and anatomy lab. Gwinett County is a great place to live and work. Great schools as well.
All of the students at PCOM are enthusiastic and more than willing to show you around or answer any questions that you might have. The facilities are great! And, Chris Webber was practicing in the gym while we were there.
The facilities are brand new, the students were helpful and willing to answer any questions we had (I even got some email addresses) and they seemed very tight knit (probably because there class was realitively small). I loved the area, it was quiet enough to get some serious studying done, but close enough to ATL to enjoy city life. Also, the townhouses looked really expensive, but students told us they found affordable rent pretty close to the school.
School felt like a campus. A lot of DO schools are just one building in the middle of nowhere. This school had many buildings and in Philly. I think that is why most students pick PCOM as number one.
Everyone there was SO enthusiastic and all of the students seemed genuinely happy to be there. There also seems to be a lot of camraderie between the classes.
The location. I've been to Philadelphia a few times before but I never realized how much I loved it. The school is on the outskirts of Philly but not too far. The students were really nice too - they dropped by to answer our questions and the interviewers themselves were very friendly. The interview seemed like a conversation than a grilling session. The school also has great rotations, a fantastic match list, and great osteopathic residency opportunities
I was impressed that the students do rotations with MS from Temple, UPenn, and Drexel. The location is awesome since you are able to take advantage of the city, but do not have to pay the high rent to live in it.
Im a Biomed this year at PCOM, so I know how great the facilities are, and how amazing the teachers are also. So for me, I was just impressed by how well the interviewers knew my file and my accomplishments and seemed to be interested in getting to know me.
The friendliness of the students--they all came in on their way to classes to say hello and good luck. The unpretentious nature of the dean and the interviewers--no trick questions or bad attitudes.
Everything! The facilities are top-notch, the students, staff, and faculty are extremely friendly and welcoming, the lecture that I sat in on was well delivered, and I just loved the overall aura of the campus.
The school had a solid campus with multiple buildings, facilities and a garage. Saw two large lecture halls with state of the art AV systems, reminding me a little of elite private northeast colleges. Cafeteria is also better than I expected and the food is not as bad as I feared. PCOM also gave me the impression that they cared not only about their students academic well-being but also social and physical well-being, establishing a decent workout and exercise area with plenty of basketball courts. Reminds me of the good old days in college. Finally, there is a bus stop right outside of PCOM's front entrance, allowing a quick trip into the city.
The new school will have state of the art technology and the faculty/administration seem very enthousiastic and friendly. Atlanta location is a big plus.
Everyone is so warm and friendly at PCOM. The lady at the front desk is so kind. She kept going on and on about how handsome all the men looked and how beautiful all the girls were that were there for their interviews. I was afraid I would be pretty nervous for the interview, but as soon as we got back to the waiting room after breakfast I did not even get a chance to sit down because I was the first one called in, so there was no time to get nervous.
I was very impressed with how they really got to know me. My last interview, it seemed like my interviewers didn't really care and they just wanted to get things over with, but here they really seemed to care!
Students could not say enough about the school!! I've been there twice, once to tour at a conference, once to interview, and each time I found at least 5 to 6 people to talk to and all loved the place. They said students were helpful towards each other, lectures were come or go, profs were great.
The PCOM students were very friendly and positive about their experience at PCOM. I interviewed with the director of admissions and a D.O. physician, and the interview was more like a conversation. I felt relaxed and comfortable. The school is perfect for me, and I could really see myself as a student there which is important to me. The anatomy labs are state of the art, and the mock-clinic where they bring in patient actors really impressed me, as did the robotic S.T.A.N.
How HAPPY everyone is! Most students are young and they were so friendly when we were waiting for our interviews. The facilities and gym are nice...the gross anatomy lab looks out over downtown Philly! Our tour guide said they're trying to get lectures in MP3 format, too.
Electronic standardized patient, opportunities to go to south america durign summer of first year, problem based aspect to lecture based learing. I want to have a lecture based curriculum but I think that PBL is a useful learing school so teh incorperation of the two was fantastic. Preceptor program to shadow physicians,the number of people that I new that went ot the school. Interviewers didn't look down upon the discussion of ethical and somewhat contraversial issues. Opportunities to interact with medical studenta at the other 5 medical schools in philly.
How friendly everyone was (and this was an hour before a major exam)
Also my fellow interviewees were pretty cool, no one was cut throat or anything, we were all nervous, but still willing to talk
The campus is beautiful and the students all seem very friendly and happy to be there. Students came in during our waiting period and answered any questions we had and tried to put us at ease.
The anatomy lab!!!! It was probably the first that I had seen that overlooks a skyline as opposed to the windowless labs I saw at other schools. The facillities are in general are phenomenal!!!
The campus is completely modernized and furnished with the lastest technology. The environment in general was just so warm and welcoming. As I walked into Evans Hall, the first person I came into contact with told me I looked good in my suit...:) Then the lady at the desk greeted me before I could even open my mouth. The students there are very friendly and kept stopping in to talk to us about the school. On top of all of that, the school is small which I like since I went to a small undergrad school.
The facilities are phenomenal. The design and location make it a perfect atmosphere for learning. Not to mention the anatomy lab is on the 6th floor overlooking the city skyline (much better than the typical windowless labs).
Nothing really. I did not like the school. I am going to NYCOM instead. Currently waiting for the MD school responses, but either way, NYCOM is my top choice for DO.
Everyone was really laid back, the stress level is only that high because I was the last person to be interviewed, but the interviewers did not grill me at all.
The only positive thing was that my hotel was close enough to the school so that I could walk to the interview. Oh yeah, nice gymnasium, when it's open.
EVERYONE was absolutely awesome! The immediate feeling you get when you walk on campus and see people interacting is a family atmosphere that is low-stress and non-competitive. It was great!
The facilities, staff and students. Many students stopped by to ask our group if we had any questions. Two other students decided to come w/our student guide on the tour.
EVERYTHING..I love this school. The facilities are new, clean, and wonderful..the OMM lab is the best I have ever seen. The students look happy and everyone you speak to is friendly-the admissions staff is calm, humorous, and so friendly
My interview was AWESOME! I had the director of admissions, Deb and she was so nice. She made all of us feel welcome. In talking with the students from the otehr groups, you should definately try to get her for your interview.
It is a great atmosphere, there is AWESOME technology, the school is very updated and modern, the atmosphere is very outgoing and great. I even got to see Allen Iverson, because the 76ers practice at the school's gym.
The school is great! Students are very helpful and supportive. All the staff members were very welcoming and made me feel like I really belonged there. The cafe has great food and ALL the facilites are renovated. Despite the large class size there are enough facilites to accomodate everyone! PCOM offers many opportunities to get involved in exciting research areas, like Alzheimer's disease, etc. There is a nice balance between the competition and cooperation among PCOM students. PCOM is located strategically, with almost everything available around a 5-10 mile radius.
Everything! PCOM is really awesome! I loved the curriculum- it's systems-based with a myriad of learning methods. PCOM-affiliated rotation sites are strong. The faculty is incredibly helpful with an open door policy. The students are really nice and appear happy to be there. The staff were really friendly. The facilities are wonderful. The cafeteria is clean and bright. The food is pretty good as well. The gym was really impressive.
Students were very laid-back even though they were studying for an exam. Very friendly staff and the facilities are pretty modern. It was great that everything was in such close proximity of each other. Cafeteria food was great.
I had been to the school before so I was already familiar with the campus. The facilities are really nice and relatively new. The friendliness of the students and the faculty. Also, the plethora of information that was given to the prospective students about the school and its program. I did not need to ask questions because they were all answered.
EVERYTHING!! The day before, my father and I walked quickly around the school, and I think we saw the *back* of the school (didn't really know where we were going), so I was kind of nervous that the school looked deserted (being a Sunday and all). However, when I arrived the next morning for my interview, the campus was so full of life! The facilities really are amazing-- you should see the anatomy lab! Who's ever heard of an anatomy lab on the sixth floor, containing an entire wall of windows that overlook the skyline of Philly???? I sat in on a class with the first years, and the teaching was amazing-- totally engaging; even though it was a lecture hall with 200+ students, people were raising their hands, asking questions! Also, Deb Erdner (assistant director of admissions) is so incredibly kind and caring; I cannot tell you how much she put me at ease. Also, it was amazing that a second year student sat with us interviewees for the ENTIRE time we were waiting, making sure we weren't nervous! Everyone *is* so nice there; it truly is not a cliche.
i sat in on the OMM lab the day before, teacher was great, someone who seems to make things interesting. the students were all very happy. The OMM teacher took us to breakfast in the morning, talked about the program and answered our questions. He really eased us into the day.
Absolutely everything was amazing at this school, I was so impressed with facilities, admissions people, students, just everything. Even the president of the school came in to greet us and all the interviewers were so nice and made us all feel very welcome.
students were enthusiastic about their program eventhough they were in the middle of finals. Evans hall is a great place to study, take classes, socialize, etc. The cafeteria's food is awesome. The recreation facilities are great. The campus is small, but clean, and safe. I was very impressed with the friendliness of everyone from the faculty, security, students, fellow interviewees and ancillary staff. The tour guide (student government person)was very informative and answered all our questions.
94% board pass rate, nice facilities, good research possibilities, pleasant faculty. I've been to PCOM before and loved it - my interview experience was not that great though.
Everything. The students are really happy there. We had two students come in while we were waiting and answer all our questions. It really demonstrated the supportive environment in the school. The faculty was really nice. The curriculum seemed challenging but in the same time it looked like students really enjoy the experience. The school is small which has a certain attraction in it, and its in a nice part of philly.
As we waited for our interviews students voluntarily came into to talk to us. Most were first years but some were not. They all seemed very enthusiastic about the school and anyone who'd go out of there way to make others feel comfortable seems like people from a supportive enironment.
The school overall impressed me. Everyone I met was SUPER nice and very helpful. The facilities were good and it was easy to find your way around campus. Pretty nice area of Philly.
I have a close connection with PCOM, so I already know a lot about the school. However, hearing these things again from the administration, faculty, and students just impressed me all the more. Their clinical training is fabulous, no matter if you want to do primary care or a specialty.
all of the students were excited to be at the school...while your waiting to interview they'll stop in and talk to you...it was a test day and everyone still seemed happy after finishing thier tests. also the facilities are great.
the facilites are absolutely amazing, the best i have seen of any school, MD or DO. Excellent sports facility, including weight room, gym, etc, and even the cafetaria was pretty impressive, out of all the schools i have been to
Everyone was so nice throughout the entire day in a really genuine way. Even the interviewers made a point to put you totally at ease-everyone came out of the interview with a big smile. The facilities are AMAZing!
everyone at the school seemed really laid back, they didn't just seem like over stressed med students-- i got the impression they still had lives outside of studying, and its a really diverse place, the facilities are really nice
The facilities--WOW! Everything is immaculate. The anatomy lab is bright and well-ventilated and has a beautiful view of the Philly skyline. The new student activity center is gorgeous; the 76ers practice there. The faculty, staff, and students have to be just about the friendliest people on the planet. All day, students were constantly coming up to the interviewees wishing us good luck and asking if we had any questions. One actually took about 45 minutes out of his class time to talk to us about PCOM. While the student body is relatively large, it feels like a big family and the students seem supportive of one another. The curriculum is totally integrated, meaning that everything you learn has a broader context. There is A LOT of research going on. The 6 core hospital they're affiliated with have a total of over 1,000 combined beds. They just bought a new robotic patient simulator, which very few med schools--MD or DO--have. You see patients as early as your first trimester. The scribe service is reputed to be very good. The lecture halls are big and can get crowded, but are chock full of hi-tech gadgets--very impressive. To top it all off, even the food in the cafeteria is great! Over half of PCOM grads now specialize, and many go on to do very high-profile residencies. There are a ton of student organizations; I saw signs advertising the upcoming student SKI TRIP sponsored by the ski/snowboard club.
Everything about the day was positive!! Students kept coming in and talking with all of us, I got to sit in on an OMT lab, the facilities are AWESOME (got to see the 76ers practing), breakfast was good and very informative,
How nice everyone was.....just about every aspect of the school...students all seemed very happy. Opps to rotate through some of the best hospitals in the country and work in underserved areas.
Despite it being finals week, all the students were extremely nice, friendly, and laid back. The facilities are awesome too! Quick turn around for an answer from the school too!!
The.....the....campus is pretty nice. The Sixers use the gym to practice, but don't start fishing yet. You can't get in when they are in there, and apparently, unless you are a single hot chick, don't bother going anywhere near it when they are there.
Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about long wait times, disorganization, lack of enthusiasm from interviewers and tour guides, uninformative interview days, large class sizes, limited campus facilities, unpreparedness or rudeness of interviewers, lack of financial aid information, unimpressive presentation of the school, and concerns about location or surrounding area. Suggestions included improving organization, reducing wait times, providing more informative and engaging presentations, enhancing campus facilities, training interviewers to be more welcoming, and offering more financial aid information.
The interview schedule was not set up great. 1 hour tour followed by interviews but only two people at a time so some people had to wait 2+ hours just sitting there before their interview.
PCOM had to revamp is curriculum because students were doing poorly on boards as well as failing Physiology...OMM is currently in the basketball gym. class size is also massive for even a DO school (270)
The area surrounding campus was not very pretty or exciting. I was concerned my wife & I would not be happy at the school for 2+ years, but to end on a positive note, the staff are all very warm & welcoming and make-up for any lack of color outside of campus.
One of my interviewers kept cutting off my answers before I could get to my point to move on to the next question. Also, lunch featured meat, cheese, and junk food. Something vegetarian/vegan friendly besides potato chips would have been appreciated.
Since I had an afternoon interview (12pm), we were given a tour, lunch and informational meetings before our actual interview. It was hard to focus on all of the information on the tour because I was only thinking about my interview.
Nothing, really! The only thing was, having had a tour during the open house by an GREAT tour guide--our tour guide seemed a little unsure and at a loss for things to say during the tour. But, she made up for it by being honest in all her answers and not trying to seem like a recruiter or like she was trying to put a positive spin on everything.
During the breakfast we had with the OMM expert physician, he acted like we had another thing coming if we thought we knew what osteophatic medicine is. I'm sure he is well-informed about osteophatic medicine; however, he came off as somewhat abrasive.
I wish the admissions committee did more to sell the school. I ended up choosing another school over this one. Also-- the OMM faculty member that had breakfast with us kept telling us that we did not know what osteopathic medicine was(he said that at least 3 times)..... uhhhhh ok???
The amount of time you have to wait in the admissions office. However the other applicants were awesome to talk to and the guy at the desk joined in conversation too!
There wasn't much of a presentation to the morning... it was more sitting around and just us asking questions. In comparison to other schools who had more of a formal schedule to their mornings with powerpoint presentations and stuff it didn't seem like they were going the extra mile to impress visitors (although I didn't need impressing because it was already my top choice).
very large class. worst interview day i have been to. I received no information or the curriculum, financial aid , and other advantages of going to PCOM
-Not a big fan of their lecture halls...should be updated -Still using Nucleus...looking forward to more technology integrated into curriculum/lecture halls. -Trying to find a quiet place to study off campus may be difficult? -Admin doesn't seem as focused on maintaining the program or performance on the boards? -One of the faculty members (Dr Fogel) retired (albeit suddenly?) to teach WAY down south
No longer have their own hospital...sad! one person there for an interview stated "i'll just give my bills to daddy" and several others seemed to be on the same page
I had high expectations because posters on the pre-osteo forum seem to think it's a good school, but their didn't really seem to be anything amazing about it. The students and faculty told me on multiple occations that it was the best DO school and their grads are immune from any DO bias. They ripped on allopathic schools alot and talked about how they had a better reputation than the city's allopathic schools. One student told me how he gets a better education than Penn students, which made me want to roll my eyes. The school wasn't that bad, but everyone I met was pumping it up and selling it like they were brainwashed and insecure about thier mediocre school. For all their bragging and putdowns, they don't have their own teaching hospital!
The format was extremely unorganized. My interviewers were particularly cold, unfriendly, and seemed to have it out for me from the start. One interviewer even used a profane term during the interview.
The financial aid presentation was not even remotely helpful. They did not seem to want to give any information regarding an estimated budget or cost of living.
I felt a little underwhelmed. I could see all the things about the school as noted above, but I knew all of that going in from speaking with friends at PCOM. I guess I was looking for something to jump out and grab me and that just didn't happen.
I was generally not impressed. It just seemed like one of those new schools that shot up in the last few years that give DO schools a bad name. I don't think anyone would go here if they had a choice. The school is just a big, ugly, one-story warehouse so there really is no campus to speak of. The students were nice, but they didn't seem enthusiastic or happy. The few I talked to also didn't seem very smart honestly. The school couldn't tell us much about the rotating sites for 3rd and 4th year. Sounds like they don't have much lined up and their students will be on their own to set up rotations. Yuck.
I will go here if I don't get in anywhere else, but I hope I don't have to.
Not much info on the actual education itself. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, and its probably my fault for not asking. But its PCOM, so I'm sure they do a great job.
Bad luck that interview day coincided with exams for first year students. Wasn't able to observe any lectures. Spent at least 3 hours sitting in the ''fish bowl'' (waiting area) doing basically nothing while waiting to be interviewed and take a tour.
The lack of knowledge about financial aid.. the financial aid lady was very vague and really offered no information without the interviwees having to ask. Other than that, i really loved the school.
even though majority of the interviewee thought the interview was pretty not stressful, I ''felt'' like I was being attacked with demand for poor community college performance. But you know, I do have pretty wild academic history! LOL Hence, if you have any Ws or Ds or what not, be prepared to explain well.
You sit in the ''fishbowl'' area and have to wait for everyone in your group to interview. I think we seriously sat there for 3 hours. Not kidding. Just make sure to talk with everyone in your group or else you'll just be sitting there.
Interviewers were not amiable (left from the interview with a negative impression of the faculty), lack of a campus --everything is in one building which is a warehouse, no windows, multicolored walls
During the interview my interviewers just sat with their heads down writing notes. There was no conversation and it was hard to judge how they felt about me, but I got an acceptance two weeks later so they must have liked me!
The smaller recreation area. Don't get me wrong, the building itself if quite large, but as far as machines and free weights, I think it could get crowded pretty quickly. Everything else about PCOM was great!
The school is a converted warehouse, it just gave a bad first impression, but it does make up for it on the inside! No scholarships available as of yet. Because they are so new, no board rates nor major clinical involvement in first two years.
The fact that everyone was told it was going to be a conversational interview and it was nothing like a conversation at all! It was question, on question, and the faces of the interviewers were cold and stern. I couldn't tell if I should talk more or less.
The only negative thing with respect to my visit was that I was interviewed last (even though I was not scheduled last) and the student giving the tour started it before I was done interviewing. So, I ran to catch-up and missed over half of the tour. What I did see was extremely nice.
The day wasn't planned out at all... No breakfast even though the email said that there would be one. Nothing to do while waiting except talk to a current student... Wished there was more of a 'campus' feel to it...
One of my interviewers was quite negative and hostile regarding my aspirations to do research as well as clinical medicine. I sat in on a lecture which was very difficult to follow because the room was huge, crowded with students, and noisy. The anatomy lab had a strong odor to it that I could smell down the hall as we approached it.
No negative impressions. I would just say prepare yourself that you may not be interviewed at your assigned time. When it comes to interviews, obviously some will be longer/shorter than others. I was just prepared to go in around my assigned time. However, I went in about 45 minutes before that time, other about 45 minutes after their time. Be prepared that they may change the interview schedule. It really isn't a negative impression, just some information you may find helpful.
Nothing really. I was suppose to interview at 10 am and the interviews ran late. I finally interviewed at 11 ish. I overheard there are parking issues at time.
After arriving, we were offered a very light breakfast and then shown to the lobby of the admissions office, which was to be our home for the next 5 hours or so. Finally, everyone finished interviewing and then we waited another half hour for a student to show up for a tour. Bottom line = 5.5 hours spent on campus - 25 min. interview - 15 minute tour = lots of wasted time. No presentations,no financial aid info, no lunch with students - it was like we were being ignored. Finally, to cap the day the admissions officer told us that while a decision on our status would be made immediately, we could expect a letter in 4-6 weeks, completely contradicting the interviewer who had just told us to expect a letter within two weeks. The administration just did not do a good job of selling the school or of making me feel valued as a potential student.
Class size. I didn't think it would be such an issue, but when you compare a large Osteopathy school with a medium sized or even large Allopathy school the one on one face time with instructors is much better at an Allopathy school.
PCOM provides you with breakfast and that was the worst...not the food but the time. I would say that comparing PCOM with schools who provide lunch, the lunch is much more relaxed.
The interview process seemed very disorganized at times. After breakfast, there was a lot of down time as individuals interviewed. The admissions staff did not offer the chance for us to go and sit in on lectures.
The interview was AWFUL! Even if i get into the school i don't want to go! My mcat/gpa are ABOVE the school's average yet the interviewer told me that my academic profile is not strong and instead of going to the peace corps as backup i should just improve my grades. He was quite negative and discouraging!
I wasn't thrilled with the wait. My interview was scheduled for 11:30 which was the last time slot, but they ran late and I didn't go in until almost 12. But, I kept calm by socializing with the other interviewers.
Traveling to the school was expensive for a 20 min. interview. Also, it seems that the admissions staff are all new to the state so they didn't know that much. In fact, when I had my interview, the tour guide wasn't the one in charge of admissions, she was a sub.
the wait for the interview was tough, as there were no classes, I didn't realize it untill afterwards, but it felt as if the interview was much longer than in actually was.
I have visited PCOM on three different occasions and always left with the same impression: it just isn't the school for me. To begin, their admissions department is obviously in transition because most of the staff lack basic information about the school and possess little understanding of what sets PCOM apart from other institutions. Overall, they are unfriendly and seem to have a chip on their shoulders. I was not impressed by their director of admissions. She stated that she really wanted to cancel our interviews that day because she had so much going on in her life, but decided not to for some reason. Very unprofessional. In addition, our tourguides seemed more interested in conveying how cool they were instead of providing a quality and comprehensive tour of their school. They didn't take us to the library, anatomy lab, or many of the other buildings on campus. They were first year students and didn't know how to get to half of the places on campus and seemed to think that their ability to get lost was somehow funny. They seemed more interested in telling us how often their class goes out to bars together and how the 76ers practice in their school's gym. Finally, PCOM makes interviewers pay $5 for parking in their lot on interview day. If they really wanted to make a positive impression on prospects, they should consider providing a voucher for parking. I traveled from across the country to come to PCOM for the interview. The least they could do was provide a lousy parking pass.
Since there are so many MS1, (during my interview, I was told that there are 270-something MS1) the average number of students per cadaver is 5 or 6. One student explained that unless you want to cut, it isn’t a problem. But, in my opinion, I want to make the most of my education and cutting is as important as any other skill learned during medical school. Also, I was disappointed that PCOM has not integrated STAN (look it up on the website) into the program yet.
The long wait between breakfast and the actual interview (~2.5hrs), the lack of funding for the DO/PhD route, and the clinical rotations available for 3rd/4th year students needs improvement. But they were honest about it.....
No info on the school, area, financial aid, interviews ran very late, so I had to miss the tour, students were on spring break so no one was around to talk to or visit a class.
The odor in the anatomy lab was a bit pungent, though the student tour guide said one gets used to it after a while. Maybe the filter system is not all that state of the art. I did not get to meet any faculty members, partly due to the fact that I could not attend the breakfast.
Well...it's a brand new school- so no current students to hit with questions, no definate teaching hospitals established. no tour of the school- facility is under construction.
They really do need to find some way for you to spend your time between interviews- there's a lot of waiting around. It was ok though, because the people in my group were cool. To be fair- there were no classes going on that day since the 1st years had a day off and the 2nd years had exams.
The admissions office seemed unable to handle the large number of interviewees present. Interviews ran short and were felt by many to be relatively non-probing and uninteresting.
My interviewers were brief and didn't seem prepared. When I asked questions about the school, they left them largely unanswered.
The tour was led by two students, who immediately claimed that they loved PCOM so much they couldn't think of anything they would want different...
This is a new campus with no past history. But the main school has a great reputation in the field of medicine and i will be ready to count that they will bring the same to the new campus
Not too organized. There were four of us, and after breakfast we just sat there while each of us was interviewed individually. The other three were cool, so it was all good.
No financial aid presentation, no presentation of anything at all - just a brief interview and student tour. MSII student told us he lied, saying he wanted to go into primary care, just because he thought thats what the ADCOM wanted to hear. Also was told they'd let me know of their decision in "a few weeks" whereas KCOM informed me within 5 days.
The tour guides didn't seem to have experience giving tours together before and read off a sheet of paper as to where to take us etc. But tons of students came into the admissions office all morning long to talk to us and that was so helpful. You really get the best feel for a school in talking to students I think.
The amount of time students had to wait between breakfast and interviewing negatively impressed me. I was lucky to be one of the first candidates to interview. But, the other students were just sitting for hours and getting more nervous by the minute. After my interview, I had 2 hours of free time before the student tour began at noon. They said we were free to sit in on first and second year classes, but we didn't see any open seats and also didn't want to interrupt the class by trying to find an open seat.
Class size is HUGE and cost is high but I think that its well worth it for the quality of eduacation that you get and the amazing networking system that yo will build being that it is one of the first DO schools.
The waiting is a little tough especially when you're one of the last interviews. I think I started to get more "nervous" as the time slowly ticked away.
I was told to, and arrived for 815, my interview was scheduled for 1130. I met up with a friend who attends PCOM. I went back to the admissions office at 1015, and I was called for an interview at 1020. Threw me off guard and I almost missed it too!
The day was just breakfast, interviews and a tour. No one other than one doctor and tons of students talked to us, I wish we had more of a teachers perspective.
must pay to park in parking garage(even if you are a student), sat around for hours between breakfast and actual interview in the "fish bowl"
The majority of the day was spent just sitting around and waiting for interviews. I was the first to be interviewed, so from 9:45-12:00 I just sat around talking to other interviewees, unfortunately the interview was during Spring Break so we couldn't attend any lectures. It would've been helpful to get more information about financial aid and other stuff.
Everything about the place. The wait was too long, the students were not too friendly, and they just don't seem like serious medical students. The faculty were very unprofessional and quite frankly, looked very mean and acted like they were something bigger than what they are- just people.
The size of the class (I didnt realize that all 250 students have class together ALL day). I felt like wallpaper all day because my interview was near the end and they switched the person who they orginally announced would be my interviewer.
It had that high school/fraternity atmosphere going on. I looked up the stats for students going here and the MCAT scores and GPA were pretty low. ALso, the pass rate on boards is below what I consider to be acceptable.
the interviewers were very cold. As others posted, I did not feel that the interviewers cared about getting to know me. It was just ask the standard questions and then get out.
The interviewers were not friendly in the least bit. When it was my turn to ask questions I asked "what percentage of 4th years get into their 1st choice for residency." The Director of Admissions looked at me and just replied "that is a really bad question." I take that to mean that she either did not know the answer or did not want to answer. Regardless, there is no such thing as a bad question. There was no need for her to be rude. Also, we were told that the members on the panel had spent a great deal of time reviewing our apps before the interview. Maybe they forgot to do that with mine cause they were asking me basic questions that were clearly answered in my secondary.
I was one of the last ppl to go and we had to wait around for like 2 hrs.!! THen when I got to the interview, I felt like they were rushing me. Theyonly asked about test scores and grades and research and I felt they didn't try to get to know me as a person.
The student giving the tour short changed us. I had toured the campus before and we saw only 1/4 of what PCOM had to offer. This didn't hurt me because I knew what else they had. Be aware of this because they really have a lot of great facilities.
The board pass rate seemed a little low as compared to the other schools that I visited- I believe it was 92%. The area could be improved upon a little bit, but it's a wonderful school.
Just waiting in a room while the other students were being interviewed. They really did not have anything for us to do while we waited. But a few students came in and spoke to us about the school, so that helped. Also, I felt that the interviewers asked questions so quickly that I was unable to say as much as I would have liked.
Of course, what everyone else complains about-- the wait till interview time.
Also, the cafeteria is really nice, but it's so small, and I was disappointed that there was no salad bar. I'm vegetarian, and I hope they have more that the waffles and big honkin' meat I saw there!!
Unsafe location, uptight fellow applicants, students making negative comments about the college president, large class size, clearly expressed preference for Penn State students, tour guides seemed clueless and unhappy, one student told me he chose PCOM because of the near 60-40 female-male student body ratio - is this why you pick a medical school?????
We did a lot of sitting around waiting for the rest of the group to interview (there were 12 of us). Our tour was given by a student that was asked to do it at the last minute (not that organized). The interview is supposed to be open file, but they didn't really know anything about me - they asked me questions that were answered in my essays.
I know that a lot of people think the area is bad. I have lived in Philadelphia for the past three years, and there is NO "safe" place in the city. If you are afraid of diversity, then PCOM is probably not the place for you. What many people don't notice is that there are really nice, "safer" suburbs on the other side of City Ave.
I would have liked the interview to be a little longer, I don't feel like 20 minutes is enough to really get to know someone. The tuition is pretty rotten but what's another couple of thousand in debt?
everyone else seemed to really love the guy (i think he was a dean of some sort, or the head of OMM) that ate breakfast with us and gave us an introduction, but i thought he was a pompous asshole
The length of time we spent waiting around. Our time should have been spent speaking to students, or admissions officers while we waited. Also the financial aid lady so obviously did not care to be with us for the short few seconds she stopped by.
The students just didn't seem to like it there. Most students who saw us in the room waiting didn't even stop to say anything, in fact; only one stopped to say anything at all. It was very disappointing! If you are attending the school (YOU CHOSE TO GO TO), you should be screaming it from the rafters, not looking at the interviewees like undercover NARCs in gen pop at OZ!
Applicants commonly wished they had known about potential wait times between interviews, the conversational nature of the interviews, and the need to bring snacks or reading material for downtime. They also highlighted the importance of being relaxed, prepared for ethical scenarios, and familiar with the location and traffic conditions.
That I might be waiting a while to interview so bring a snack!
I wish I had known that it was going to be so rushed, so I could have rehearsed some shorter responses. It was stressful on the spot to turn my approx. 2-3 min answer to a 30 second one.
You can ask to be interviewed first if you have travel plans scheduled. And there's free bike parking in the parking garage--I chained my bike to a bench on campus and got a warning from security.
That they don't try trick you during the interview. I was fairly nervous before entering the interview and I didn't even eat properly at the provided lunch.
I wish SDN said that there would be scenario/ethical questions at PCOM but they said the interviews were really laid back and conversational. Nope, hostile presentations of high intesity scenerios was what I got.
The tour guides kept encouraging us to ask questions about the school, I didn't ask many questions because I figured I would ask them in my interview to show my interest, however, my interviewers did not provide an opportunity to do so. The interview ended without them asking if I had any questions. I wish I had asked more questions to the tour guides and other admissions people who came to speak with all of the interviewees.
Everyone on here says it is stress free and really conversational- it really was!! For me at least, a few other students didn't feel that way but mine did.
-That I would have a personal issue demand my attention 5 min after I had my interview...joys of owning a property =( -The rest was expected. I'd been there before 4x for open house and shadowing, heard about the "paperclip" in interviews from the past, etc
PCOM is in an ugly suburb. I guess since it has a Phili address that it is technically in Philadelphia. You would never know it because the school is so far outside of the real city. It must be on the city border.
That the school is WAY outside of Atlanta in a pretty boring, redneck area with nothing but a few strip malls around it. It's a good 45 minute drive from Atlanta.
The class size. That really surprised me. I thought it would be bigger. By this time, I already had my acceptance to KCUMB. But they got some competition after that interview. In the end, it was a very difficult decision.
Nothing really surprised me. Pretty standard medical school. Everything was top-notch and brand-new. Nothing I saw would have kept me from applying if I had known beforehand, if that's what this question is asking.
That there would be no guide to take us to class. Maybe I missed that information because I was late for the breakfast, but it would have been nice while I was waiting to know where to go.
Using SDN, and since it was my 2nd interview, there wasn't too much that I wasn't prepared for. I did discover that interviews can be fun...(sometimes!)
To bring small change for my parents parking. They paid the machine with a $10 bill (the cost was only a dollar or so) and received the change in all quarters. A little annoying, but the machines could have just been low on cash that day or something..
They're dining services consist solely of a visiting catering (i.e. when they pack up and go, there's no food to be found; only available a couple hours/day).
They call the school P.C.O.M. not P-com. Apparently they want to emphasize osteopathic medicine and they dont' like to call it P-com (which my pre-med advisor called it).
The building is the red brick one on your left... There's one sign for it, and yes that is it...Don't think that there is more of the building after the sign... Just turn in... It saves you time from looking for the building... =)
I wish I had been prepared to defend my aspirations to do research and clinical medicine. I did not expect to encounter such a hostile and negative attitude toward research at this school.
The class size.. although they profess that there is no competition. However, it may give students a chance to meet and mingle with new people almost everyday (I guess)
That although the class size is huge, the students seem very close and friendly with each other. It seems to be a noncompetitve environment--which seems pretty amazing considering it is medical school. This is all very good in my opinion.
That my file had not reached the campus due to a snowstorm at the Philadelphia Campus. They were very accomodating and made sure that I was still able to go through with my interview (this is why is was closed file for me).
While the facility is rather nice inside, the "campus" is really just a parking lot and a building - there's no where to sit outside at all. Feel like taking a walk between classes? - forget it.
Traffic in Atlanta is really, REALLY BAD.
PCOM-GA's mission is to train docs to serve in the south, and they are serious about it. When people found out I was from a northern state, they looked at me like I was from another planet. Be prepared to defend why you want to move to/practice in the south.
That I would be so discouraged by the interviewer and that he would basically made it look like it was a waste of time that I was applying. They wanted to know what other schools i had gotten interviews from and seemed surprized when I told them I had gotten any.
that it is very easy to get a bus/train to the airport afterwards, no one at the school could tell me how to use public transportation, but luckily the doorman at the hotel next door gave me sound advice.
How hard it is to navigate around downtown if you are not from Philadelphia. I stayed at a hotel there and really had a hard time finding my way to PCOM.
I wish I had known that only breakfast was included (not lunch). Breakfast was held in the cafeteria, and the applicants had a wide range of breakfast foods to munch on. Also, there was a 15 minute break between each interview (Luckily we only had 6 people interviewing). Also, many of the students that interviewed already knew current students from undergrad (can be seen as a positive or a negative).
Im a biomed, so I pretty much knew everything to expect. You didnt have to attend the breakfast they provide for you, but Im glad I went. I think it looks bad to show up right before your interview.
I wish I had known how early the interview let out, so I would not have spent 8 hours in the airport. My interview day was over at about 10a.m. However, I do like how they didn't waste anytime describing issues I'd only be interested in once accepted, like the other schools I've interviewed with.
Beware of the Philadelphia traffic, and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the school on the morning of your interview. It's so much better to be early than it is to be late.
I knew this from this site and the CD-ROM but everyone does refer to the school as P C O M, and not P-COM. Also, the cab ride from the Amtrak 30th St Sta costs about $11 only if there's NO traffic; really, it's more like $15-20.
That all of the prospective students would be in a room together throughout the 3 hr interview process. There were 12 of us being interviewed and there were two groups of interviewers. We were picked from the group one by one. This was strange because you saw the other students as they came out of the interview... some happy some sad.
I knew about the extended waiting time while other interviews occurred. I recommend bringing some material to read however the were conversations ongoing between interviewees and current students so time flew.
that i should have been more prepared...reading everything about the school and feedback from other students, I was relaxed....but, when i sat down, they started pulling me apart!
I didn't know about the scribe service. It works thus: no more than 2 days after a lecture, the scribe's notes are placed in your very own note mailbox in the basement of Evans Hall.
That I really didn't have to do all the research about osteopathic medicine and OMM and the school, because they really didn't ask me about any of that.
Students were in the middle of finals because it was the end of their first trimester. Because of this, the tour was cut short... we couldn't visit the lecture halls or the anatomy lab.
Applicants generally found the interview experience at PCOM to be positive and relaxed, with a conversational tone. They appreciated the friendly staff, the informative sessions, and the opportunity to interact with students. Suggestions included having more organized interview days, providing more information about financial aid, and ensuring enough seating for waiting applicants.
Interview felt very rushed, 3 interviewers and had a very obvious list of questions. They tried to be more conversational but it didn't work well as it was just question after question with no time for real discussion.
faculty were pleasant but to the point. the admissions coordinator who started the welcome sessions was bubbly yet very unprofessional. the interview day was surprisingly short!
The interview day here was honestly a great experience. I never felt anxious except at the start of the interview and that went away immediately. The people (students, staff, DOs) were extremely nice, and the day wasn't overly long, although I wish there was a formal presentation at some point and also a chance to ask questions to the financial aid staff.
Bring copies of your personal statement to hand out. If you are confident that your personal statement will stand-out, then offer to leave it with your interviewers. Also, ask for their business cards so you can follow up with them. This has become commonplace, so it won't make or break their opinion of you. It is more of a courtesy that shows you have done your research and know that this is kind of an unspoken "must" for interviews.
don't pronounce the school Peeee-COM prounounce each letter seperately PEE-SEE-O-EM. Apparently the old heads get upset when you make it sound like all the other osteopathic schools.
I think the process was very clear cut and simple. Having had an afternoon interview, I think that might have been slightly advantageous to the morning interviews who did not have the chance to go on the tour FIRST. Going on the tour before the interview was nice because it gave you a chance to loosen up, ask questions and get excited (rather than nervous!) about the interview.
Best interview atmosphere yet! I thought the open filed interview would be much more difficult, but it was nice that they take the time to really do their research on you!
PCOM is a great school. I thought the school had a commuter vibe to it though, philly seems great though, not sure how I feel about the loss of their hospital
Just go in and be yourself- smile, and just have a nice conversation. I had no odd questions- mostly all just off of my application. I never got any health care/ why do you want to be a doctor questions.
Day starts at 8am- meet for breakfast with staff/a student. Then interviews go from 9am- 11:30/12. My interview was at 9am, but I didn't go in until 9:20. There was 3 interviewers, they're going paperless so they typed notes onto a laptop. Afterwards I had free time to kill until 12 when the campus tour was given. I sat in on OMSII classes for a couple of hours, then took a tour which lasted until about 1:15.
I ended up getting accepted, which I am extremely grateful for because I have a low GPA and interviewed late in the cycle. I actually got a "delayed decision" letter first (ouch!) but then the acceptance followed a few weeks later. During those few weeks I did some more shadowing and had another D.O. letter of rec forwarded in, and I think going that extra mile might have tipped it in my favor because I've since learned that almost everyone else with those letters ended up on the waitlist. Phew.
a lot of people think PCOM is the "best D.O. school" bc it's in phili and has been around forever, but this couldn't be the furthest thing from the truth.
I got accepted. Very thankful for my acceptance because I interviewed late and only very, very few of us got accepted...most others got waitlisted or rejected. APPLY EARLY!!!
They like to hear P.C.O.M. (each individual letter) as opposed to PCOM (pee-com) and if they ask you "what is osteopathy" try not to use the word "holistic".
One of the medical interviewers couldnt attend...I hope everything was okay for them. I was VERY concerned post-interview if I convinced n=1 enough! -At the Hilton (no free wifi =(), you literally park RIGHT next to PCOM. I was < 50 feet from the driveway =) and ditched my bags before my interview. I grabbed a light breakfast (free) when they open @ 6:30-6:45. The restaurant got busy when I was there and some ppl couldnt find a seat ~7am. They have a coat room when they take you back into "the fishbowl". -Chat it up while your waiting and de-stress...who cares if it takes 2 hours of killing time to get accepted to medical school?
I was not sure about this school, but visiting really opened my eyes to what a great place it is! The curriculum seems great and there seems to be a greater sense of pride at PCOM than other osteopathic schools I have interviewed at. If out of state, stay at the Hilton as the Crowne Plaza is 3/4 mile, which isn't that bad, but walking in bad weather and a suit, I would have rather stay at the Hilton which is right by the campus.
I enjoyed the company of my fellow interviewees.
They were incredibly qualified and likable. The interview process was framed as "non-stressful" by the admissions staff and I felt it wasn't for show. They did their homework on us before we arrived, it was apparent.
Overall, I was very impressed with PCOM. The students and faculty create a family atmosphere. Unlike atleast one school in the area, PCOM does cadaver dissection, not prosection. The technology is fantastic.
got there at 8ish and sat around and talked to other interviewees. talked to buffie about random things including financial aid. some students stopped by to talk. interviewed. watched an IV lab. student tour of the facilities during which learned everything imaginable about attending school there. left around noon
It was a waste of time. They did not want to know who I was. They only wanted to criticize my application. I'm better off not attending medical school there.
I thought I had a nice interview. The questions were direct and I felt I answered them well. I thought the school is very proud of itself and rightfully so. I got a good feeling on campus and truly felt like the rumours about the school being a ''family'' were true.
Well, I showed up about an hour early for my interview. There were about 9 other interviewees in the fishbowl when I arrived. A discussion was held on financial aid information and then we just chatted until it was time for us to interview. The students, faculty and other candidates were all extremely nice. The only stress of the interview was how nervous I was to do well. Then we took a tour and had a nice lunch. Thats it!!! Nice school, nice people. I've heard it was located in the suburbs but it gave me the impression of a compact busy little city.....not suburban. But, I am from a very small town in the south.
My experience at the interview was great. Food and drinks were provided in the interview area. I was nervous at first because of the high stakes of the day and didnt talk much until the interview. After the 15 minutes of chatting with a D.O. and a PhD, I was much more comfortable and the day was a lot less stressful. We finished all four interviews in an hour then went and sat in on a PCS class where they were discussing some interesting topics! (genital exams) We toured the facilities, talked with a student and then wrapped up.
Great day. They two other gentlemen there for the interview were great. The PCS class we sat in on was a wonderful experience. I was very excited while I watched the students learn what I will be learning soon. The interviewers were very funny. I know they will have the theme to Underdog stuck in their heads for a while. I enjoyed the facilities. Just a wonderful experience overall. Great school.
Overall my experience was postive, I would accept an a seat in the 2008 class in a heartbeat. Personally I am not happy with my responses though, I could have been more concise.
I interviewed in February, and chose this school over about a dozen other acceptances across the country. I am now in my first year. PCOM truly shines and Philadelphia is a major medical hub with outstanding hospitals. We share clerkships with local MD schools, including UPenn, Drexel, Temple and Jefferson. I made the right decision by choosing PCOM. The interview was stressful, although it was stressful not because the admissions team was intimidating, but because I wanted to be accepted. My best advice is to relax, know why you want to go through the rigors of becoming a doctor, know who you are, and BE NICE! As a current student, I have never heard one of the students complain about their choice. Also, when interviewing, be prepared to possibly wait for quite some time in the ''fishbowl.'' That wait can be an hour or two, and the stress levels may rise. My best advice with this is to speak with other interviewees while you wait. It makes the time go faster, and by the time you are called, you will be in more of a ''conversational'' mode, as opposed to facilitating a rapid (or drawn out) fire-and-answer session. My best interviews where conversational in nature. Most schools just want to find out who you are, and if you have the drive to work harder than you ever had in your life. Undergrad and graduate school were a walk in the park compared to what you'll have to do with studies, personal growth and committment to your patients.
This was my first interview so I was extremely nervous. This is probably the best interview I WILL EVER HAVE! Why? they really go out of their way to calm you down. My interview didn't last more than 5 minutes. There were 4 other people in my group..their interview lasted for half an hour each. I was the last one to be interviewed. As soon as I walked in, they told me I was an impressive candidate and asked whether I had any questions or not. I didn't get any questions from them. I asked them for a recommendation of a good anatomy book to look over to prep me for gross anatomy, and the interviewer (neuroscience prof)made me follow him to his office and gave me 3 books for free..as a gift!!!! This only happens in movies...It was very surreal. I felt like they really wanted me there. Financial aid lady is hilarious. well good luck to everyone and if you have any other question..feel free to PM me: Madhoshi.
we had breakfast with an enthusiastic OMM faculty member who pretty much covered most questions that we had. This was followed by waiting about for a couple of hours in the admissions office with the other candidates. It went by pretty quickly since everyone was friendly.
The interview itself was laid back and friendly, however I was visibly stressed...really for no reason. I was asked a couple of tough questions about health care but I guess that that is fair game. The other interviewees said that they hadn't gotten any tough questions. My advice, trite but true, is really to just be yourself.
first off, I wore a nice black suit and short black heals. I wanted to note that because I had no idea what to wear and had to ask a bunch of different people. I was personally very nervous, but they interviewers were great and very nice. Really the school is the whole package, the students are a family and the faculty want you to survive and be successful :) it is a place that I look forward to attending. I answered the questions to the best of my ability, and I had tons of questions for them which I believe they liked.
Great interview. The interviewers were very professional, and seem to really know what they're doing when it comes to educating medical students.
The campus is excellent. Everything is shiny and new. Everyone seems happy to be there. Atlanta is a great city.
The day began at around 8 AM and we were given complimentary breakfast with a second year and third year student. After this we all sat in the ''fish bowl'' waiting area for our interviews. This dragged on forever. The actual interview was laid back and conversational and was not intimidating nor were there any strange questions. At noon we were given a tour of the building in which classes are held and the neighboring building that houses the basketball court where the sixers practice and a small workout facility in the basement. Afterwards we were released by 1230 PM.
The interviewers weren't very friendly. They stared blankly or with looks of disapproval during my entire interview. Maybe they were trying to be intimidating or something. It left me with a negative impression of the place.
I had a great experience... I loved the school much more than I even thought possible. I can't imagine liking any other school better... now I just have to figure out how to fund it!!
I had been on SDN and read about other people's interviews and mine wasn't bad but I didn't feel like it went super well either. They didn't give me a feeling either way of how the interview went. Do you research, be ready for anything they throw at you, but really above all be yourself! Good luck.
It could not have been better. The staff truly gave the feeling that they wanted to get to know me better. The interviewer knew my file but knew there was more to ME than what was on paper and she took the time to find out what would me a good physician.
I was pleasantly surprised by PCOM (P-C-O-M, not P-COM as the dean emphasized). I was especially struck by how nice everyone was (maybe I visited on a ''good'' day). I certainly enjoyed my visit. The interview day was rather short, ending before 1 p.m.
I actually had a lot of fun at this interview. Everyone was cheerful and helpful, and it was especially interesting talking to my one interviewer, who was a PCOM grad and had the armed forces scholarship, so he was able to give me insight into the university as a military person.
We started by gathering in what they call the fishbowl and the director of admission came in and welcomed us while going over the itinerary. We were then met by the professor of OMM and he took us up stairs where breakfast was accompanied by an informal conference. Then we returned to the fishbowl for afew hours as our names were called one by one. The time passed quickly though because it was exam day and quite afew of the students stopped in and spoke with us. Every one was very freindly even with the telltale bags under their eyes. The tour followed the interviews which only further impressed me with PCOM.
Aisha in admissions did the best job at relaxing everyone. She answered Qs and really got everyone to loosen up before the interviews started. Then the interviews were relaxed. Following tat was the tour...very nice facilities.
One of the professor makes you come up to the front of the class and sing (usually student - interviwers too if you were standing in the back of the classroom).
The interview went well. Be prepared to answer where you applied (MD and DO), accepted, and information about grades/MCAT scores. You can't tell if you are doing well during the interview but as long as you are yourself and don't get nervous you will do fine.
My interview was scheduled at 11 so I showed up around 10am. There is a breakfast (fruit and juice) at 8:15 but it's optional. I got called back for my interview 30 min early but it ended up lasting an hour. After that I got a chance to sit in an OMM lecture, then went on a tour at 12. They really did just want to learn more about me and if I would be a good fit for the school. I love this school right now and would be more than happy to attend.
Arrived at the campus, four of us were scheduled to interview only two showed up (actually another girl came at 10 go figure). We had breakfast with the finacial aid coordinator who is hilarious by the way. A second year student came to talk to us about the curriculum. The admissions coordinator then spoke with us since one of our interviewers called out sick. The other guy interviewed while I talked to some first year students. They answered all of my questions with delight. After my interview we went on a tour. The campus is very nice, state of the art. Then we sat in for an OMM lecture which was very cool by the way.
Breakfast was alright...i was nervous because this school is my top choice. Then we went and sat in the admissions office to be called back for an interview, i was the second to last person so i had to wait AWHILE.
Overall, I liked the school and the people. I got accepted so I may end up there! I had a good group of fellow interviewees to talk, which helped relax me. Talk to your group and I'm sure that'll help you too.
The students were really good about approaching me and answering questions.
At first I was extremely stressed about not making my interview but the staff and the interviewers had reassured me that they would wait as long as it takes for my plane to get in and not to worry. That shows above and beyond care, making me love the school that much more.
There were only 3 interviewees and it was really laid back. We all sat in the room next to the conference room that they held the interviews. They had food and drinks laid out but beware the financial aid lady.. she talks a mile a minute about nothing. Just smile and nod. The tour was about 15 minutes and I was done at 11 am.
It went well, and was just a basic conversation. I really enjoyed my interviewers, and received acceptance within a couple of days! I also learned the 76ers practice there, and the school takes pride in that! I liked the campus and the people! It was a very relaxed interview, so don't stress!!!
The day began with breakfast in a room of the admissions office with a student. Immediately after breakfast, interviews began. Those of us waiting to be interviewed sat in a group in another part of the admissions office. Interviews were two interviewers on one interviewee and lasted 30 minutes (I found the interview unintimidating- the interviewers clearly just wanted to get to know me as a person and answer my questions about the school, which they did openly and honestly). With about 6 candidates, it took 3 hours (those of waiting were given the freedon to roam around the building as long as we came back on time for the interview). During the interview period, those of us waiting were given a too casual and unhelpful explanation of financial aid by the financial aid woman. After interviews were finished, we were given a casual tour by a student and set free.
Admissions decisions (a yes for me) were mailed out within 2 weeks.
Be ready to talk about yourself (experiences listed on AACOMAS) as well as osteopathy. The ostepathy/hockey question for me was strange, and also one guy that went in right after me was asked to relate osteopathy with being a Subway sandwich artist because of his work experience there. As long as you prepare yourself, you'll do great. Visiting absolutely solidified the fact that PCOM is the perfect fit for me.
It was very relaxed, conversational. Not really any confrontational questions. The mostly asked questions to get to klnow me better. I didn't get the standard, why do you want to come to PCOM? question which surprised me. All my interviewers were really nice which almost make it feel like it wasn't an interview.
The whole day seemed like an interview. The five interviewees and a faculty member who later was also an interviewer met and had a very light breakfast. (Eat before you go) The faculty member was extremely nice and asked questions and talked about himself some until about 10:00am. Then the interviews began. All of the canidates sat in the Financial Aid/Admissions office while each was called in for the 30 min. interview. The five of us got along great and chatted about each others experiences. I think this really lightend the mood and made my interview go really well. During the interviews a few students and faculty members stopped in to say hello and answer questions. Everyone was so nice. The day ended around 1:30 pm after a tour around the campus/building.
overall it was a very positive experience. i truly do see myself attending PCOM if offered admission. the adcom people were really nice and seemed like they just simply wanted to get to know you better. there is no doubt that i will get an outstanding medical education there. the city of philly itself is awesome. easily two thumbs up.
it was my best interview so far. the interviewers were very courteous to me, the students were very helpful in answering questions, and more than anything, i felt like i could really study there and enjoy my life at the same time
Honestly-a waste of a day. The best part was that on my way out of town, I was able to grab a cheesesteak sandwich. I've already gotten into other MD and DO schools, so I just wanted to see PCOM, which other SDN'ers described as ''exclusive''. I'll let you be the judge of that when you have conversations with their students. Then there was the ''fishbowl'' experience. After breakfast with the dean of students (one of the bright spots), we all sat in a big room for about 3 hours while everyone interviewed. I think the entire time, about 3 medical students stopped by to let us know how great PCOM is. There were no activities during this time, and the chairs are all around the perimeter of a fairly large room, so you nearly need to yell to speak to other students. If I do end up going DO, I'm headed up to UNECOM, they're only 2K more per year, they are a heck of a lot friendlier, and the location is one to drool over. Speaking of drooling, that cheesesteak sure was good.
They have nation's top leaders in OMM and Osteopathic Medicine, lots and lots of resources for being a new school, beautiful neighborhood, modern and colorful facilities, very welcoming environment, and receptive to students' concerns
The interview day was relaxed and everyone was friendly. The day begins with breakfast with a professor and a few students. I was nervous so I didn't really want to eat anything. But the students are great for answering all your questions. Then you go right to the interviews. I was first and when my interview was over we just sat in the ''fishbowl'' for 3 hours until everyone was finished interviewing. Students would stop in and say hi and answer any questions we had. Then there is a tour and the whole day is over by 1pm. I got my acceptance letter two weeks after my interview and I can't wait to begin school at PCOM in the fall!
Excellent! The overall interview and tour solidified my decision for this school. As all the feedbacks have mentioned before, this is an extremely low-stress interview. Advice that I was given that really helped: Remember that if you are granted an interview invite, you are already qualified to attend their school. Therefore, there is no need to be stressed. Just come in and enjoy your day at PCOM. The interviewers were sooo nice and did not try to attack me in any way. On a side note, I received my acceptance letter a short time later. Good luck!!
Very good facility and the professors were friendly with the students. They almost sounded like I would like LMU-DCOM once they knew I had applied there. It was almost a sales pitch.
We arrived at the school at 8:15 AM and went to the canteen area (where food is catered in for about 2 hours everyday). Talked with the financial aid lady, and two professors (one was an interviewer). There was no real informational presentation but we were allowed to ask the staff questions during breakfast. Interviews were two staff on one student. They were very laid back and the interviewers constantly promoted the school. They seem to already know if they are going to accept you. I really didn't have many questions, and those I did have, I had to interupt the interviewers to answer them. A student was in the ''fish bowl'' to answer questions while interviews were in progress. After about half of the potential students interviewed, we went on a tour of the school. The students seemed to enjoy the school. The tour was given by a student and the financial aid lady, but the student seemed to know a lot more about the school than financial aid. After the tour, those who had already interviewed were free to leave while the others stayed to interview.
very positive, the whole day just solidified my decision that PCOM is my top choice. The students were very eager to answer any questions we had and the whole interview itself was not confrontational at all.
I also got a call about rescheduling, however I was flying in so not much I could do about it. I got there, sat for a while, had my interview and tour and left. The strange part was the fact that I didn't really talk at all. I felt like I had to bring up important things. Overall I really liked the Dr's who interviewed me and the facilities are great. The advantage of a new school is that there are a lot of ways you can get involved and start something new.
We had breakfast with a faculty member and student. Interviews started around 930 and lasted anywhere from 10-30 minutes. It was very casual and relaxing under the circumstances. They made me feel at ease, and that I belonged there. It was a very easy interview. I would not stress about an interview since they are very down to earth.
I got to the campus at around 8:00AM and went to sign in at Evans Hall. Most people were just beginning to walk in at this point and we were all taken to breakfast. After breakfast we sat in the admissions office and waited to be interviews one-by-one. Students stopped by to talk to us about their experiences. Everyone was very friendly including the interviewers.
On my way to the interview, I was called and told there was a 'miscommunication' between the PA and GA campuses and the email we were sent was 'incorrect.' They wanted to move my interview from 1:30pm to 12pm--impossible b/c I was already in route & was too far away. Then they tried to RESCHEDULE it! I declined that 'offer' and said I would get there when I could. There was nothing to eat/snack on as promised in the email. I signed in at 1230; was called to interview at 1240 and had to wait 20 mins on my other interview (there are two per interview) to finish leisurely chatting with a student. I finally entered the interview room around 1pm (let me remind you that they wanted me to interview at 12; what happened??). The interview went ok. After, we had a campus tour and were free to go. However, on the 'interview day schedule' we were given, an welcome/info session, and a financial aid session were listed but....that never happened.
if you arrive early i.e. before your interview, plan to sit in the fish bowl ignored. Maybe it was because it was saturday but we got no info on financial aid, curriculum, housing, etc. and it was on the agenda they gave us! they interviewers were a couple of goofballs, nice DOs but can come off a bit rude if you don't know they're just messing with you. We all got a biochem question in ATP which schocked the hell out of us! They pretty much got their minds set on whether they want you there or not and I was told at the end that they wanted me there and was accepted! the school is great and has so much potential, being that it's gonna be the same as going to PCOM-philadelphia, but it is too young as of now. But that is me, I've already been accepted to a few other places, but if that weren't the case I would have been very happy attending PCOM-GA.
We got there a little before 8, had breakfast as a group of about 12 students, met admissions people (some were totally grouchy..yikes), were introduced to the interviewers, sat and waited our turn to be called in. There were two interviews going on simultaneously and we all knew the order we would go. During the time others are interviewing, we could walk around, sit-in on a class, or just chat with fellow students. It was great just talking and getting the jitters out. PCOM students were friendly and stopped in. The tour was ok but the guides were busy saying hi to friends who passed by and had private jokes that made no sense to anyone else. I was not impressed by the tour and how classes and activities were described in a third grade vocabulary. Eh, I was a bit put off by that.
I went in almost hoping that I didn't like it because I was already accepted to UMDNJ-SOM, and as a NJ resident it is extremely affordable -- but I couldn't help but LOVE PCOM
Two people in the room, administrator and a faculty member. Open-file, so they knew a good deal of information about me. I expected to be asked more about osteopathy / OMM, but they were more interested in my clinical experiences and courses I had taken.
Met at 8:15am and went to breakfast with one of the manipulation faculty members. Started the interview process at 9am. While waiting for your interview you could go to first or second year classes and wonder around. A tour of the campus ended the day.
I really like the school and almost wish it wasn't my first interview since it's my first choice. We all had breakfast together and then sat in a fishbowl where first and second years stared at us and some came in to tell us to be less nervous. Then we had time to watch lectures and we got a tour of campus.
I had only applied to M.D. schools before D.O. schools and only applied to one D.O. - PCOM. The more I researched PCOM and the theory behind osteopathic medicine, I found myself in favor of its techniques and regretting not applying to others. When PCOM interviewed me, I was excited and thoroughly pleased by everything I saw and heard on the day of the interview. Everyone was a community, even with those being interviewed. It as as if we were welcomed into the PCOM spirit.
I felt excellent about the interview; I was told my file showed nothing but positive things and hard work and dedication. So, I could not wait for the decision. I was disappointed when wait-listed, but then considered how late I had applied (hence a March interview).
But, on March 18, 2006 I received my ACCEPTANCE LETTER! So, PCOM - here I come in August 2006.
The day started out with a light breakfast in the cafeteria with a financial aid officer. We all introduced ourselves and she invited us to ask questions. Then we went back to the waiting area and they told us what order we would be interviewed in. As we waited for others to finish, many students, faculty members, and administrators came by to talk to us and answer questions. The interview itself was laid back and I felt very at-ease. The interviewers said they appreciated that I was forthcoming in my answers and did not give "generic" responses. There was a lot of down time as we waited for others to finish interiewing, but the other candidates were a very interesting group who I enjoyed getting to know a bit.
The day began with an inviting greeting by the Student Affairs director. After intial intros., the interviewers and two student ambassadors sat for continental breakfast and addressed any ?'s that we might have had. During this time, the smiling faces addressed the particular highlights of the school. Afterwards, around 11 am, the first interview took place. Intermittently throughout the day, several students popped in to the "fish bowl" as they liked to refer to it and spoke of their experiences thus far. Besides that, the interview was very friendly and the day ended early for some and later for others depending on when you interviewed and toured the campus.
The interviewers were all very nice, but made me feel guilty about being accepted at other schools. They made me feel like in telling the truth, I was harming my chances of being admitted at PCOM.
This was my first interview for a medical school and it was a awesome experience. I was very nervous while waiting to be called in, however once I entered the room I was at ease. The interviewers were great and they just wanted to get to know me as a person.
Two interviewers. Four potential students waiting in lobby for name to be called. Conversational. Purpose is to measure desire, motivation and mental capacity for DO.
good... not stressful... The interviewers said that I had a good application... I thought it was ok... 3.8 gpa and 24mcat... They said that I probably will get into the school during the interview and 2 weeks later, there was a letter.
Very relaxing. The interviewers did not ask a lot of questions. It was more of a discussion of my credentials. They were very enthused, engaging, what more could you ask for in an intervies
I was profoundly disappointed. I was really excited to be invited to interview. The college looks great on paper but the reality didn't live up to my expectations or hopes. I left with the impression that I wouldn't be offered a spot in the class and even if I was, I doubt I would choose this school.
Get there, have breakfast with interview group and admissions faculty person. Wait in the "fish bowl" till your assigned interview time (dont worry. you will be so busy talking with the other students that you will be caught off-guard when they call you back) After my interview, had a tour and that was it...finished by 12:45pm
It honestly did not feel like an interview at all. It was more of a conversation in which the interviewers were trying to get a sense of your personality. Be yourself, that's the best advice I can give.
I went to the interview liking PCOM. I left loving PCOM. It seems to be a great place to learn medicine. I think it would be supportive all around--from students, faculty, admissions people, etc.
The interview was very laid back and relaxed. The interviewers knew my application inside and out and were able to ask questions that were relevant and showed they were interested in me as an applicant. The interview was very conversational, and I felt that they spent a good deal of time trying to sell me on the school- they are enthusiastic about their program and want to see it grow! I was glad to hear that many of the current students had a diverse background, with respect to what they had done prior to beginning med school.
Overall, I loved the school, the area, and the students seemed pretty easy-going and cooperative. Though its still very new, the curriculum has had some time to evolve from its original form. Just relax...It was one of the most easy going interviews I've ever been to.
Alhough I was impressed with PCOM-GA on paper and offered a seat at the school, the interview helped me realize that it isn't the school for me. I have no doubt that many students will have a completely different and very positive experience.
We had breakfast with a member of the faculty (an OMM instructor). After which, we sat in a room together, a student talked to us, the president came by and talked to us until it was time for our interview. The interview was very laid back and the same basic questions were asked. At the end, we were given a tour and then allowed to leave.
This school started out as my first choice Osteopathy school. I don't think it has fallen my personal rankings, but there were many unseen disadvantages to this school. Class size; emphasis on social interaction with other students (yes the instructors nearly tell you you have to interact with your class); small facilities for such a large class; and sheer cost all detract from this college in my new view. On the plus side the students seemed to be friendly, down to earth, good people. The facilities that they have are top of the line. (Make sure they show you STAN on your tour if you haven't seen "him.") The "doctors from day 1" policy is great and I have seen many other schools mimicking it. The area is terrific.
Yes, you finally got asked away from the awkward "fishbowl" which is the PCOM waiting room. It can be a very relaxing interview experience if you know your file and you know yourself. It starting by talking about nothing for about five minutes then they commenced with questions, initially asking me about my references. I had three very good letters that were from PCOM alums. If you are really interested in a school I believe this is the best way to help your chances outside of grades and MCATs. They also asked some generic questions like what do you like to do for fun, which I always feel foolish answering. Life is fun. I live. Anything can be fun. Eventually I was able to discuss a DUI, which I unfortunately received during undergrad. It was a great learning experience though and taught me a million different life lessons that I was able to discuss and use to my advantage during the interview. Ultimately, if you are in a similar situation, being truthful and not making excuses for yourself is the best way to conduct yourself. They two interviewers were pleased with my responses and let me go with a very good feeling which was reassured 9 days later.
It was a weird experience overall. The staff seemed "discombobulated". There was no option for interviewees who were not interviewing to do anything else other than sit in silence.
Overall, the interview was not too hard (although I have to wait until I hear from them in four and a half weeks). The questions were straightforward.
First we had a breakfast, then we had interviews (9am-12). In this time there was not much to do. I had a chance to sit in on a class for a few minutes. i went in at a break so i was able to sit and listen to what the students were talking about. this wasnt really part of the day, but i asked the admission counselor what classroom the students were in and she said it was okay to sit in. i highly recommend doing this, even if no one else does (which happened to me). Then we had a tour.
The staff/students were very nice. Interview sucked. I cried. I have never felt so stupid in my entire life. The interviewer was also a teacher there, if I have to deal with teachers like that I rather not go to the school! I have never ever heard of an interviewer telling the interviewee to go improve ur academic record. It's like then why did u give me an interview if u didn't like my grades!
It was good. I ran into a friend that goes there now so that was great and helped me to relax. The interviewers were so nice and actually complimented me on a few things and said they were impressed with me. Man, that was a boost of confidence. Also, they really do love the school...they definitley attract a certain personality of student. A little about me if it helps..I know people don't usually give stats but here is mine. I graduated 2003 with a cum GPA of 3.50, I was a psychology major. I wasn't originally premed so I had to take some courses after graduation. I do have a D in Orgo 1 on my record but retook it and got an A, so don't stress too much if your are in that situation too. I got a 27 on the MCAT. I only took it once. Physical 8, verbal 10, bio 9, writing N (If I recall correctly). PCOM was my first choice. I only applied to a few schools and got accepted at UNECOM, waitlisted at CCOM and accepted into PCOM so that's where I'm heading. PCOM postmarked my acceptance letter the day of my interview which was great b/c then I didn't have to put a deposit in to UNECOM while waiting to hear back. They definitely knew that I was going if I get in...probably b/c I told them that when they asked. he he ...Good luck with your interview.
The interview experience was calm. It was my first interview and I was the first to go. Even though there were three interviewers, it was a laid back environment. The admissions counselor continually informs you that this is their opportunity to meet you and not attack you. I really look forward to hearing back from this school. This and UMDNJ are my top choices.
Well the day started off bright and early 8am. Dr. Nichols and a 2nd year took us (11 other people being interviewed) to have breakfast. We all sat down and ate. Dr. Nichols talked about osteopathic medicine and the 2nd year told us the ends & outs of surviving the 1st year. After that we all went down to the "fishbowl" and waited for our interview. Unlike most other posts..our interviews went by quick. PCOM had three sets of interview committees. All interviews were done around 11. After a few of us finished interviewing, we went to a 2nd year lecture. GREAT! Can't Wait!
Then a little tour..and the day is over!
You go to breakfast in the morning with the other interviewees. I ate with the student guide and one of the doctors who interviewed us. Then I have to wait around for a few hours because my interview wasn't until 11:30. After I met with my cousin and he showed me around the school. The interview is very laid back, but make sure you know the osteopathic philosphy inside and out, my interviewer was very interested in this.
There was a breakfast with a faculty member and other interviewees. Then you wait until its your turn to interview. When all interviews were complete,at around 12, a tour of the school was given.
The interview was great. VERY relaxed, yet thorough. I met with a D.O. and a PhD (both on staff). They questioned me about my application, grades, MCAT, etc. I will note the importance of updating your file. The MCAT scores they saw were lower than the ones I received in October. If I had not had my file updated, I doubt I would've been accepted.
It began with a tour of the facilities, with a 2nd year student. Next we had lunch and then the interviews started. There were two of us there, and the other guy went first. He was in for about an hour. Then it was my turn. We talked about me for about thirty minutes. Then we talked about DOs, residencies and how to pay for school for about thirty minutes.
The day began with breakfast in the school's cafeteria. I was lead to the cafeteria by an obviously angry admissions staffer. The interview group had lunch with an obnoxious student (who ripped on every other medical school I applied to) and a professor from the school who was more interested in chatting with the obnoxious student about how cool the first year class was when compared to other classes at PCOM. Following breakfast, we returned to the admissions office for the interview. We were ignored by the admissions staff, but a few students did drop by to say hello. Following the interview, we were lead on a tour by a group of first year students who apparently lifted their personalities from drunken "Real World" characters.
The interview itself was pretty laid back and calm, although I was a nervous wreck being the first one called in for the interview. I think I stumbled over my words when trying to explain my understanding of the osteopathic philosophy... make sure you know it inside and out, why you want to go into the profession and such. I left the interview feeling horrible about my chances. However, I got the acceptance letter 4 days later! Don't give up hope too easily!
I stayed at the Hampton Inn and they provided a shuttle to PCOM so I didn't have to stress about driving. I arrived about 10 minutes till 8am. We had breakfast (a muffin-if you are a big breakfast person like me maybe you should eat first) with the financial aid advisor and the student affairs director. Then we went on the tour (very high tech). We then waited to be interviewed. The other DO that was supposed to interview me was stuck in traffic so one of the PhD's sat in for him. She was really nice so I didn't mind. The interview was laid back (I think I made it a little more stressful because I was nervous and this was my first interview). My advice is get there early, be friendly to students and other interviewees and just be yourself.
Well I was second to last to go, so the DO and PHD both left and I just had one person Ms Fox who is vice president of admissions. It made it really relaxed since it was one person. I hate panel interviews! We started talking about how my mom hates to fly and is married to a delta pilot and from there we just talked the whole time. She asked me about two questions. The only thing that worries me is that she didn't ask me why PCOM? I thought that is like the most important. Who knows.
I LOVE PCOM! It is definitely my first choice after seeing the enthusiasm of the students and faculty in addition to their facilities, which are great. The laid-back style of the interview also made the day and experience at PCOM more positive.
It was positive overall. I went into this interview with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. PCOM has moved up to the top of my list - actually it is now tied with my other #1 choice. The interviewers were friendly and asked the typical interview questions (why DO? How did you find out about osteopathic medicine?). The students were friendly.
It was an excellent experience. Everyone from faculty to students to administration were very friendly and helpful. The facility is outstanding and the campus is just outside atlanta so you aren't in the city traffic everyday but you are close enough to go to the city whenever you want/need to. The cirriculum will mirror PCOM-philly so no worries there, and the other interviewee's were really cool as well.
Overall, I had a great experience. The interview was really easy and I think the interviewers really took their time to get to know me. I never felt intimidated by the interviewers (although the other applicants would disagree). I also liked that the students all seem ecstatic and proud to be a part of PCOM. Good luck!
The interview itself is totally non-stressful. It's simply a conversation with your interviewers. I was asked nothing on ethics, healthcare, or controversial issues--questions were strictly about my application and me. I was impressed by PCOM, especially by its people and facilities. I will seriously consider matriculating if I am accepted (they said the wait time for a decision is less than a month).
It was a great experience. It was very low key, and not stressful at all. Honestly, it was pretty much a 'glorified conversation.' I left feeling really confident and positive about my chances of being accepted. So fingers are crossed...
Very positive experience. Don't know why I was worried. The time lag between breakfast and the interview is nice if you need time to prepare, but can also make you nervous....bring something to read!
Make sure you have prepared a few questions to ask the interviewers. It looks bad at the end if you don't ask anything.
It was a very laid back experience. The day was nice and relaxed, with many students coming by to talk to us. Breakfast was good, too! I love PCOM and I'll be crossing my fingers so hard for the next few weeks.
The interview itself is very relaxed, very informal; almost more conversational than Q and A. But, the day itself was disorganized (you sit in the waiting room for a LONG time with NOTHING to do--see above comments too). I would need to go back when students were around to get a real feel of PCOM. The interview/visit left me feeling confused on how I feel.
In general, my interview experience was a success. I certainly liked what I saw. I like the location of the school, being situated in Bala-Cynwyd, a predominantly residential and office building area. Even though I ended up being interviewed with one of the toughest interviewer (I found out after the interview) I was not put off by her initial sterness. I recommend PCOM.
Waited in lobby waiting room for a few minutes, went to hear presentation from dean in his office about the school's faculty, facility, technology, possible teaching hospital sites, curriculum, admissions process, etc. It lasted maybe 45 minutes to an hour. Then the two other applicants that were there with me went for there interviews, one at a time (so I of course was left sweating it out by myself in the waiting area). Each interview took between 30-40 minutes. After the interview you are free to leave. The first interviewee left around 10! I was interviewed by a D.O. and a faculty member- we were all seated together at a table. I felt more comfortable at this interview than at any of my previous ones. I felt like I was having a pleasant conversation with my interviewers, not like I was been grilled with question after question. Overall, I didn't do a lot of talking, actually! They even complimented my achievements. The interview went really well- I felt silly for getting so nervous.
The day starts off with breakfast, followed by the interviews. The waiting is not that bad - if your interview pool is talkative. If you want to catch up on some reading, bring it along to pass the time. After all the interviews are complete, there is a student led tour of the campus. I felt I had a great interview - this school is now my first choice.
Overall- really laid back interview with no surprises- especially if you've read SDN. Everyone there is super helpful from the faculty to even the support staff. The breakfast was a really nice way to start the day. We had to sit around- a lot- but we probably would have sat in on classes if they had been in session. The tour guide was awesome and I saw parts of campus that I hadn't even seen as a biomed.
On another note- if you really want to go here but don't make it in- do the Biomed program. I highly recommend it and it will be worth your time.
Very easy interview. Once you get the interview here, your worries should be over. I got my acceptance letter yesterday and I sent my deposit today. I am quitting my job in finance and will be starting in august.
Just go over the web site, sdn questions (which you are already doing) and try to ask questions at the end that are unique to your interests. I asked the interviewers how can I become involved with Sigma Xi if accepted? It is a research fraternity and it showed that I actually cared about going to their school.
PCOM-ATL's interview experience was good. After going to the interview I decided that this school is my number one choice of where I want to attend osteopathic medical school.
Breakfast was provided and led by a faculty member who was great and talked alot about the school. When we got back to the admissions office waiting room, there weren't enough chairs for all 16 or so of us to sit. Visiting classes being held for 1st and 2nd years was interesting and impressive. Interviews were lacking in discussion and interest, on both sides, partially dampened by my having a nasty cold and not having slept the night before.
Tour was fun and the STAN mannequin was fascinating.
I'm not holding my breath on an acceptance. But I think it's best for them and me, so I'm glad I went.
It was very positive and everyone, including the interviewers, were very friendly and inviting. The breakfast was really good too, you have a lot of choices. Overall there are no reasons to be nervous, just be yourself during your interview
nothing out of the ordinary or stressful. as long as you know why you are applying to do school (as opposed to md), youll be fine. tour was a bit lacking and not enough financial aid info or housing info, even after asking questions.
The interview was very casual and relaxed. The interviewers were so nice and seemed really interested in me and what I had to say rather than over analyzing exactly what I was saying.
This school is amazing. It was the only school I visited and the only one I applied to. I noticed most people do not tell you their stats on here, but I will so you have an idea. I am a biology major on a 3+4 plan and have a 3.3 GPA and a 3.4 Science GPA, I took the MCAT once and got a 27L (Do not sweat it if you bomb the writing sample, most schools do not even look at them.), I have a ton of extracurricular activites and volunteer service, and I had four letters of recommendation sent to the school. I found out I was accepted today (January 24th, 2005).
I interviewed with PCOM-Georgia branch. The interview seemed very low stress, which I've found to be not uncommon of the newer DO schools I've interviewed with. They even told us before the interview that they were not going to ask any outlandish questions, and they held true to that.
Overall, I am not sure how well it went but everyone was very nice and friendly. The atmopsphere at the school was great and highly conducive to studying successfully with several resources and a very friendly staff.
My interview was at Atlanta campus. As this being the first year and interviews being conducted at the amke shift office, the interview went on very fast. Our interview started at 8.00, followed by half an hour of presentation and than the personal interview.
It went on pretty fast. I was donr by 9.00. Three days later i got the letter in the mail "ACCEPTED".
This interview is very personal with very low stress. No screwy ethical questions
This interview was at the Georgia campus. It started out with the vice dean giving a short orientation (less than an hour), then all applicants (all 4 of us) sat in the waiting area until we were called in for the interview. They let us know ahead of time when each person was going to interview so we were allowed to leave and come back if we wanted to. The interview lasted about 35 minutes and it was very laid back and conversational. PCOM-Georgia has become my #1 choice and I really hope I get in! :)
PCOM-GA campus. I thought this was an amazing school in terms of what I am looking for from a school. I think it is going to be a great opportunity for many students, possibly myself. The school is certainly not for everyone.
I was truly impressed by everything form the the staff to the interview itself. They truly asked questions that really gave them an oppurtunity to findout what kind of person I was. PCOM-Atlanta went from my 2nd choice to my 1st choice right after the interview. I got my acceptance today and I am definitely going!!!!
The interview was great. It's supposed to be 2 people interviewing, but one of the interviewers was a no show so the Dean of Admissions just interviewed me one-on-one. She is fabulous and very easy to talk to. She is positive without sugarcoating your application or the admissions process. During the interview (and all day long--beginning with the faculty breakfast) you get the sense that PCOM makes a sincere effort to present the school in the best possible light and attract the students who will be a good fit for the program. I have not noticed such a genuine approach in any other school I have applied to so far and it made a very positive impression on me.
To break it down:
Breakfast 8:15 - 9:00 AM
Student Interviews 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Student Tour 12:00 PM
Overall, the experience was very positive. PCOM students are very upbeat. The admissions staff is very friendly, and the facult want to see you succeed. Spend as much time as you can talking with the PCOM students. Come with many questions prepared, because you have a lot of time between your interview and the student tour to talk to students. I learned so much, and left PCOM feeling very satisfied with my experience. I'm really hoping that I'm accepted to PCOM, because it is my top choice!
This was my first interview so I was a little more nervous. They make you sit in the admissions office and wait, which doesn't really help. Thankfully, students come in and talk to you. The other people in my interview group were pretty nice, and overall I had a good experience at PCOM. I just found out I got in, too.
I arrived around 8:15. the group of interviewees went to breakfast with one on the faculty members talked about the school opportunities etc asked questions. Sat in the fishbowl and waited for my interview. ALot of students came in and talked to us which gave me the opportunity to NOT get nervous while waiting. Interviewed with two doctors and another individual on admissions committee, I really enjoyed the experience I am going to have a hard decision between here and UMDNJ.
I wasn't exactly sure how to feel about my performance. I'm a Physician Assistant Student right now and the two physicians that interviewed me had a lot of questions about what a PA student does as far as an education and training. But, it all paid off because I received my acceptance letter this morning in the mail!
The day started at 8:15 with breakfast with one of the deans. He was very friendly and tried to reassure us about the interview. Then we basically had to sit in a room for 3 hours while waiting for all the interviews to be completed. During the wait a financial aid officer came to talk to us and was not very helpful. She just told us we'll basically be taking loans out. Also, about 6 current students came in to talk to us, answer any questions, and told us about their experience at PCOM. The interview was very short and not stressful at all. Once all the interviews were completed we went on a tour. The campus is beautiful, and they have very modern and hands-on facilities. If I get into PCOM, I will be going there!
the interview seemed so laid back and conversational. I had just been accepted to nova so I wasn't as nervous, but I did get wait-listed in just a week. kinda surprised i guess so just waiting now. I love the school and it is my first choice
Well waiting to be called for an interview was more tiring than anything else. You are welcome to sit in on a class but my interview was in the middle so I couldn't go early just in case the previous interview was quick and then I couldn't go latter because my interview ended up begin late. There isn't much information given about the school from faculty, the students do most of the talking.
The day started with an informal breakfast with the interviewees and a faculty member around 8:15am. Then we went back to the waiting room and sat around until it was our time to interview. I had two DOs as interviews and they were very friendly. Around noon, a student took us around the campus for a tour. I had the opportunity to view a radiology class and the students were singing karaoke! We were able to leave after the tour (~1:15pm).
The interview was mainly conversational and laid back. They asked questions taylored to my application about my undergraduate school (b/c they hadn't heard of it before), my intership experiences, my graduate studies, and how I got interested in osteopathy. They also asked basic questions about OMM and the differences btw. MD and DO.
Let's put it this way. I wasn't impressed, rather, I was extremely disappointed. I was accepted to NYCOM, UMDNJ-SOM, and Western U before I came here to PCOM. Out of the four, PCOM was the worst in terms of academic standards, the clinical facilities, and just the overall atmosphere of the school and the surrounding area. The interview day was unorganized and they made you wait for hours on doing absolutely nothing.
it was an amazing experience with a very friendly and curtious faculty and student body. I have been accepted and will be attending the PCOM class of 2008
Overall, this school is laid back and non-competitive. Heck, when we went to see the gym it was like my undergraduate school all over again, everybody pumping iron! PCOM gives you a lot of opportunities in alternative medicine and careers that you will not find anywhere else.
P.C.O.M. is a great school, and I imagine that my negative experience was unique. The stress level was so high because it was my first interview, because I was to go almost last, and because I hadnt the nerves to eat a proper breakfast. So...four hours later I was ready to faint.
We had breakfast with one of the vice-deans. He was extremly friendly and funny. He gave us pointers on what questions they might ask on the interview. It was a pleasure talking to him. The interview itself was very negative. The director of admission was rude and unfriendly and that curbed my enthusiasm. The doctor that was with her was extremly nice. The students who came to answer the questions were very friendly. The school itself is awesome.
day started off with breakfast with the vice dean who is a great guy and fun to talk to, then we waited for our interviews and while we did so a bunch of PCOM students dropped in and talked to us the entire time answering questions and what not, then we had interviews, then a tour
Waiting was terrible- I had one of the later interviews, but luckily student after student came in to talk to us. The tour was great, the facilities nice, but the interview itself was higher stress than SDN had led me to believe it would be.
Very negative. It was nice that students stopped in during the day to wish us luck. The interview experience, was, shall I say, lacking any intellectual stimulation.
Decent tour, but a bit odd. When I asked one of the tour guides why he chose PCOM he told me was that it was because they had a rugby team. That's like saying you chose a school based on the chiks! Lastly, they think that the fact that the 76rs practice there is such a draw for their school. I mean, this is med school, I care about the academics, clinicals, acceptance into residency, etc..I don't care if the 76ers practice there!
It was a great experience where everyone was friendly and laid-back. They want to get to know who YOU are as a person, they don't care about grades by the time you get an interview (you've already made that cut). It was just great!
The interview was great. There were two groups of interviewers. One was the financial aid director and a family practice physician and the other was the assistant financial aid director and a cardiologist. Both groups were very relaxed and asked similar questions. Some questions that others were asked that were not asked of me were 1)tell us about the history of osteopathic medicine and what you know about it 2)what body part did AT Still study (trick question, answer is none, he focused on the whole body).
It was a large group of 15-16 prospective students so we were put into 3 interview groups: all 3 groups included a staffer from Admissions and a faculty DO, and one group also had a student rep. Although the interviews had scheduled times, they ran late. As a result, the later interviewees felt rushed and 1 applicant, who was the last, wasn't done until 12:30, which meant that the tour started a 1/2 hour later than scheduled. The morning breakfast was a nice chance to meet the others and chat w/the younger Dr. Nicholas about the school, curriculum, etc. The clinical rotation system seems complicated with selection of slots and negotiating w/fellow students for time frames. A short Fin Aid presentation would have been useful (esp. given the tuition) but it seems the staffer just dropped off pamphlets in the waiting area (I missed her bc I was in my interview at the time). There is a 5-week SummerStart program for nontraditional students/students w/a limited sci background that covers med biochem & etc - it's free but you have to be in Philly in June. There's several housing complexes near the school so a car isn't really needed until 3rd year for traveling to the rural and more farflung rotations. There are a significant number of nontrad/older students.
The interview was laid back and not intimidating at all. My interviewers were interested in finding out about me, and what I like to do..not my opinion about hypothetical clinical situations as I have been asked at other schools. I appreciate how, although my MCAT scores were fine, I am not judged and labeled by my scores..the test was mentioned for a total of 2 min. and not stressed at all..the only question I was asked was in reference to my preparation.
I had a great time at PCOM. The 76ers practice there and we had a great day. PCOM is totally family orientated, they had a huge Christmas party and EVERYONE was terrific. We had breakfast with a DO - Dr.Nicholas, and he was so cool. He told us so much about PCOM, and really made us feel comfortable
PCOM really tries to make it low stress. It was my first interview and it was a great experience. All the students love the school and its probably the top DO school. PCOM is my #1 choice. I hope I get in!
Overall, the interview was not stressful. However, since I was one of the last ones to be interviewed, I felt that the interviewers were a bit rushed with me.
Breakfast 8am. Interview process started 9am. Lots of waiting for others to interview until 12. 12- tour of campus. Done at 1 pm. Go sit in on some classes while you are waiting. The students are willing to talk- and they are abundant.
My interview experience was made great by the PCOM staff and interviewers. It was my first interview at the time and I was a little nervous but they make you feel at ease right away by just trying to get to know you. I just got accepted a couple days ago and its my top choice as of now. My advice is that you know the school well, know they give you early clinical experience through community service, they have robotic simulator for doing physical diagnosis, know osteopathic history, why you want to be a DO, def. why PCOM. Also there is a big osteo history book in admissions waiting room, pick that up because they like they you looked at it while waiting. Just relax, BE YOURSELF, if you have made up BS answers they might see right through you. They want to just see if you can communicate well with them, answer easy questions and see a humane side of you that DO's ought to be. FINALLY, YOU MUST ASK SOME GOOD QUESTIONS TO CONCLUDE YOUR INTERVIEW. It shows your interest in going there, that you know some details about the school.(ask about their clubs/organizations, so many of them, ask about board passage rate, etc.
Good luck to everyone and I hope this helps
PCOM is my first choice, and my visit to the shcool really proved to me that I should not change my mind about going there! There is a genuin atmosphere among students and staff of helping each other. Its simply awesome!
I really loved PCOM! I consider it to be my top choice. The interview is really laid back and I didn't have any difficult questions at all! It's a really great school!
After all of the interviewees arrived, the assistant director of admissions took us to breakfast in the cafeteria. She gave us so much information that many of my questions were answered. Then we waited in the lobby of the admissions office while everyone was being interviewed. While waiting, a few of us sat in on a lecture. Then current students came into the waiting area and spoke to us about the school and answered a lot of questions. After everyone was interviewed, 3 students took us on a tour of the school. The day started at around 8am and ended at around 1pm.
It was really great! Do not get nervous; the interview was so laid back, and the people are so nice; I ended up feeling like I could just stop one of the students walking by and ask them any questions.
the interview day was a joke. we spent 3 hours just sitting around and waiting for people to cycle through their interviews. they gave no presentations or information about the school of things to do in the city (i am from out-of-state). the interview itself was very short, and felt like i had just run into them randomly on the street. they only asked the following 4 questions....
Frankly, the interview was a joke. The woman who asked most of the questions was very rude and disrespectful. The doctor was fine, but he certainly didn't jump in to stand up for me. They gave me a very negative impression of the school. The admissions staff were curt almost to the point of being rude, but not quite. The other applicants all seemed very uptight and competitive and unable to relax. We had a breakfast with one of the other admissions officers, and he promised that the interviews would not be stressful, but rather an opportunity "for us to get to know each other." I felt very deceived when my interview was anything but that. Overall, the school to me had a very fraternity/sorority type feel, in a negative way.
Day began around 8am with an admissions member taking us to breakfast. She answered questions and gave an overview about the school and its programs. The interview was very relaxed; it was conversational. I interviewed with the director of admissions and a physician
there was nothing particularly great or bad about the experience. people LOVE to talk about PCOM, and it can be a bit much. but that's just my opinion---others may have really appreciated the barrage of info.
PCOM has it all together. The school is more than 100 years old, which means that they have been there and done that. Their facilities are very modern. Plus, PCOM's student services, teaching methods, and course work are are all top notch. For example, they changed their anatmoy class length because students wanted it, and they added time to help student get ready for boards. So, the school really does care about student concerns. Furthermore, every staff member we talked to was so nice. The woman at the information desk gushed more than my mother about how awesome we all looked in our suites before the interviews. Dr. Nichols, an OMM speacialist, talked to us before the interviews. He told us about rotations and anything else we asked. He is very cool - and he teaches OMM to the 1st years. Finally, PCOM's students are extremely proud of their school. That says to me that PCOM is a great place because its customers, the students who live and work there, are very happy with PCOM.
Overall very impressed. The students were charismatic and enthusiastic. The curriculum is systems based which I like. The facilities are more than adequate.
If you have a tough interviewer, they're just trying to see if they can rattle you a little bit. I got the general impression from this school that they (especially the students) think they're better than all of the other schools.
THe interview experience went really well. The interviewers asked fairly simple questions, the student tour leader was well informed and honest with his answers, students were really happy about going to the school.
The interview was VERY laidback. It was conducted by Carol Fox and a professor. The interviews are usually conducted by an additional faculty member and Deborah Erdner (instead of Carol Fox, I was told), but she was not present that day. They were both so nice. Don't sweat it - I was nervous for no reason.
In the morning we met with a member of administration for breakfast and he told us some things about the school. There was a total of 5 of us interviewing that day. After all the interviews we had a tour guided by a 2nd year student.
PCOM truly has a lot to offer. the campus is very nice, situated in the suburbs of philly, and the admissions staff was extremely nice. it was my first interview and i'm glad i did it at this school because they don't ask you anything to make you feel uneasy. they just want to get to know the person you are. i would be happy to be a student here.
this was a really laid back interview... the only reason i gave it a stress level of 4 was because i was the last one to interview so i got more nervous just sitting there waiting....but everyone at the campus is nice.. the students are really helpful. they answer most of your questions before you get a chance to ask them. definately nothing to worry about the interview itself. it was just a casual conversation... they arleady read your file... they are just trying to get a feel for you... definately a pleasant experience. and the tour that followed was really good as well....it was given by students and they let you know some stuff about the school that hte others did not...
The interviewers gave very little feedback, they asked random questions, and they obviously had not read the applicant's file before the interview.I was expecting questions about my life and instead I was asked very general questions.
I was a little stressed during the interview because I felt like I was on trial; three interviewers sat at one end of this long table, while I sat at the other. They kind of grilled me about my grades...things got better though after I confessed that I loved watching Joe Millionaire. I left feeling like a tool, but I was accepted, so I guess you never know.
The day starts early, first you & the other applicants have breakfast for an hour or so. Interviews start at 9am and finish around 12. While you are not interviewing, you are waiting at a lounge. PCOM students stop by to talk about the school. During that time, a representative from Financial Aid gives a small presentation. The day ends with a tour around the school.
Overall, i was totally impressed with PCOM. I knew it was a good school, but having gone to the school, it has reinforced my desire to attend. Great curriculum, facilities, people seemed nice and happy to be there, terrific faculty (that Dr. Nicholas guy is quite a character), good clinical rotations, etc. I would without a doubt, hands down attend PCOM if i got accepted, and even withdraw my acceptance to allopathic med school. Just relax and be yourself, the interview was really laidback, and it was actually the most relaxed out of all the 10 DO school interviews i have been to - they just want to get to know you - if you made it to the interview, then they just want to see if you can effectively convey who you are as a person to them
Well, the day started off with a DO taking us to breakfast in the cafeteria. He was very nice and talkative and answered any questions we had. Then we had to sit around while other people interviewed. I was unfortunate to get the hard group of interviewers. The interview didn't seem to go to well at first, but I thought I pulled it together (but NO acceptance!) They asked question after question, i.e. What do you like to do for fun? my answer was photography. As soon as I started talking about it, the student who asked the question cut me off and said WHAT ELSE? then the female interviewer also said YEAH,WHAT ELSE? (I'm sorry, I thought Photography was a pretty cool hobbie to have, but guess not!!) Then I went on to say I like to read..What book has inspired you the most? I said "Brave New World"...Do you think we can live in a utopian society that is protrayed in the book? No, why not??? on and on and on....they were very nasty and rude throughout the interview!! However, the tour was adequate and the campus is lovely. The other group of interviewers seemed to be nice and friendly....just my luck! Well, good luck and hope they are in a good mood!
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs.
5. Why (blank school) for your B.S.
6. How do you know (blank - one of my recommmenders)
The whole day was very relaxing, although sitting around while everyone is interviewed got to be a drag by the end (2.5hrs total). Breakfast was nice and informative. One suggestion: relax and let the answers flow. I was a little to tense and my answers tended to be brief.
this interview wasn't that stressful, except there was a fair amount of time spent just waiting around. The admissions staff was really friendly, as were the two people that interviewed me. They were really really nice, although one of the interviewers had trouble making eye contact. a lot of students stuck their heads in while we were waiting to wish us good luck and answer any questions. PCOM seems like a really good place for med school-- high expectations, but sort of laid back and relaxed at the same time. its definitely one of my top choices. the interview itself is just like a conversation. you can sort of direct it anyway you want to. i felt like they did really want to get to know about me and my interets. just talk a lot, and they will sort of ask about the stuff you are saying.
There were ~10 of us being interviewed. First, we had breakfast with Dr. Evan Nicholas, an OMM specialist. Dr. Nicholas is a character and definitely put everyone at ease. We were then interviewed in the order originally scheduled. There were 2 sets of interviewers. Mine consisted of the director of admissions, a DO faculty member, and an MSIII. After my interview, I spent some time in the 2nd-year lecture hall listening to an allergist teach about asthma. When the interviews were complete, we were given a tour of the campus by an MSII who was very knowledgeable and spoke frankly to us about what he liked and disliked about PCOM. I had a blast. PCOM is positively amazing. I'd choose it over any other medical school, osteopathic or allopathic. Hands down.
I love PCOM!!!! I will be going there next year (if I get accepted)...it fits me and what I want in a med school. The whole day was very relaxed, the only reason I felt stress was because it was my first choice school!!
The day was pretty good... I was extremely nervous and stressed out, probably because it was my first interview and I was in the middle of midterms, but the people made me feel a little more relaxed. The interview process seemed to take forever.... I was the last one to go, which meant that I sat in the "fishbowl" from 9:30 until I interviewed at 11:30. Waiting for that long made me kind of antsy and even more nervous. Students came by to talk to us about the school and everyone was very friendly. I guess my nervousness didn't really matter because I got accepted.
Overall an enjoyable experience. Breakfast with the Dean was very nice and informative. As far as the interview goes, I didn't get asked about my motivation to become a DO or why I wanted to attend PCOM which was surprising.
In all, it was a great experience. I know I would like it here. Be prepared to explain bad MCAT's (didnt have that prob) and any poor grades (like I had to)!!!!
PCOM was my number one choice, followed closely by NOVA. I still hope I get in and will go, no doubt. However, I didn't feel welcome at PCOM as I was at all the other schools. Maybe bc they know they are good so they don't need to go all out to impress you. The admissions staffs seemed not to care about the interviewees at all. However, I can't complain about the facilities or the curriculum or the students. They all were great. So, I can't let the little things the admissions staffs did deter me from going to PCOM, IF I got accepted. This was my last interview bc I Got in at NOVA. So, it's either PCOM or NOVA. Good luck, everyone!!!!
The campus is great, the people are great and your fellow pre-med students are great too. I had a nice time interacting with everyone. Everyone seemed real happy to be there. I didnt get as much interaction with the med students as I had wanted to. But Overall, the experience was great.
The people at PCOM seem genuinely happy to help you with anything. About 10 of us "interviewees" had breakfast together and waited all morning in a small room. We were called out one at a time to interview and then had the tour. Overall it was pretty laid-back and not too intimidating.
Overall it was a great experience. The interview itself is not very stresfull. I was interviewd by the director of admissions and a faculty member who were very freindly. The asked questions designed to learn more about your personality. Actually the most stressful part is waiting for the interview.
Amazing experience overall, great school.
Questions in order:
1. How did you end up in Philadelphia from (insert state here)?
2. Why did you changr your major?
3. Why is spending more time with a patient a good thing?
4. What area of medicine are you interested in?
5. What is one quality that you feel a physician should possess?
6. What other schools did you apply to?
7. What factors would influence your decision in selecting which medical school to attend?
8. Anything else you would like us to know?
Again, great experience overall. They told us our interview order and who we would be seeing. They had people from Financial Aid and the Bursar Office come speak to us while we were waiting. Breakfast was good, cafeteria is more than adequate. PCOM students were always coming in to talk to us while we were waiting to be interviewed. All of my questions were answered and I felt at ease with the entire day.
This is in addition to the last interview posting. In case you are wondering, IT WAS NOT EXAM DAY when the interview occurred. In fact, they didn't have an exam for about a week and some change...
It wasn't very positive. I was interviewed by a third year whose freaking grandpa went to the place, and a lady from admissions. The admissions staff member loved my interview skills, and the third year was very curt, seemed bored, and was probably only there for the free lunch he got afterwards.
I was turned off from the moment I got there. No one was really friendly. The admissions staff were like "Sit down, you'll be seen in a minute." They played a tape over and over about osteopathic medicine. All good, but the tape skipped and was from 1995!
The breakfast was nasty, and even the chefs looked upset. Carol Fox came and sat with us, but seemed to be there because it's a routine thing she does, and not like she really cared about who we were and what we had to say.
The students seemed uptight all day long. ALL DAY LONG!
The tour was decent, but the tour guide seemed distracted. The gym is beautiful, but you are better off at the Y when basketball season starts.
The MSI class size is huge (250), so if you want friends, make them before you get there. It's like high school in there.
My interview was as above, but I could have had a six pack of V-8!
After the interview and tour, we were left to ourselves. They said, "Well, you can leave now if you want." I decided to stay and look around, but after five minutes, my gut said "WE ARE OUTTA HERE NOW!"
I have never looked back, and I am GLAD I didn't get in. I found a better school that appreciates me a lot more.
If you like it rough, and cold, and in Philly. be my guest!
I personally would say BUYER BEWARE to any accepted PCOM student. Go there on a Tuesday (not exam day) and make sure you want to spend 4 years on the outskirts of Philly!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested improvements such as streamlining the interview day schedule for fairness, initiating icebreakers or presentations at the beginning, issuing decisions via email instead of snail mail, and enhancing communication throughout the admissions process. Some also appreciated the welcoming staff and suggested better organization and information presentation during the interview day.
Clean up the interview day schedule a little bit so it's smoother and equal for all applicants.
the admissions counselor was very unprofessional, he blatantly told us over and over again that we would all be accepted on the spot. after each student introduction, he also told each student how they would be present on campus. He was bubbly and well intentioned but it came off poorly, especially if one was rejected
it also took 7 months for PCOM to review my application, without ever even sending a completion status
All decisions are delivered via mail only. Apparently past classes said that they preferred a more formal method of notification? However, I think they should email and send out the letters, or at least give accepted students a phone call ahead of the letter.
The entire day was very pleasant! However, I would have much preferred to have the interviews first, and then lunch and the tour. Most interviewers agreed that it was hard to pay attention to all of the information given on the tour when we are thinking about our interviews.