Applicants generally found the interview experience to be relaxed and conversational, with interviewers showing interest in getting to know them personally. Some appreciated the campus facilities and friendly atmosphere, while others noted minor organizational issues and a lack of detailed information during the day. Overall, the interview style was low-stress with straightforward questions, making for a positive impression of the school.
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Very good school and kind faculty and students.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Great campus, great environment
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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.
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The admissions staff are friendly, wonderful people.
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Just relax and have fun - because they are just trying to get to know you better!
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Everyone was very nice.
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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.
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Really great first interview!
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Overall, I was extremely impressed by the school, especially the interviewers. I definitely hope to get good news from PCOM soon!
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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.
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PCOM is great. Hoping for good news.
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This interview is very individually focused, no hard-hitting health care questions or science problems here.
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PCOM seems like a great place to go for medical school. Current students have nothing but good things to say about it.
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Top choice school from day one. So glad I was accepted on October 9!
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Ehh, PCOM has a good reputation and produces good doctors...but, I just wasn't feeling it.
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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".
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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?
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It was like a conversation. Relax and be yourself
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If you get a chance, apply to the school! You will be impressed with the facility, the people, and how at ease the interview is. RVU is stellar!
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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.
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Overall it was a great experience, PCOM is a wonderful school. The students have a lot of pride and they were very friendly.
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Organize the interview day better!
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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.
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I <3 PCOM!!! One interviewer was really nice, the other was very stern and you couldn't read that person at all.
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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.
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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
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Typical interview experience. A little tougher than I expected, but not that bad.
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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.
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Very positive day. The interview was like a conversation.
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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.
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Fairly conventional with the basic questions you would expect.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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It was overall positive. The students were excited to be there, and felt that it was a 'family' experience.
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Overall great, relaxing and fun. I had a chance to stay over at first year's medical students' apartments, so it was really cool.
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Excellent!
I like the school more than I did before.
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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.
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Great school, great facilities, students seem very happy, great rotations, OPTI programs, probably one of the top osteopathic schools.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It was a good first interview experience.
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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.
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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).
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Was talking to someone that wanted to REALL know who I am
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Overall a good experience.
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Interviewers were extremely nice--it was just like having a conversation.
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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.
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Very positive! The interviewers were encouraging and told me what my odds for acceptance were at the end.
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Overall this was a very positive experience.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It was positive. They really want to know what YOU want to do with your life and don't want to hear the standard answers.
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It was great overall. The interviewers really grilled me on my file, and were truthful about everything. The keep it real.
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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!!!
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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.
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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.
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Great day, very glad to have been accepted for an interview.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Great experience overall!
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Interviewers were very pushy/abrasive...i left with a very negative impression of the school
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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.
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Relaxed...but know how to answer questions about low points in your file.
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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
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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!
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It was OK. I guess I was not impressed nor dissapointed. They did not convince me that this is a great school.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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I guess it was the traditional
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It was a a good experience laid back like everyone said. I sort of forgot I was on an interview. The people with me (other interviewees) were cool.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The interview was very relaxed and positive. They went out of their way to make it low stress and conversational.
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The interview was very relaxed. Lunch was okay and the staff members were really friendly.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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My interview experience was great. The interviewer knew my file inside and out and made me feel completely comfortable.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Everything is new, the students are really nice, and Atlanta's highway sucks.
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Went to breakfast, waited for 2 hours, interviewed, then toured.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Every good interview experience. I'm a reapplicant to this school and I think I did very well.
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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.
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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.
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I was nervous, but interviewers were nice and made me feel at ease--students also came in and talked to us
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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.
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Excellent school, friendly people, nonstressful interview and the faculty takes a genuine interest in the students needs and desires.
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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!
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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).
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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...
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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.
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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.
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Interviewers were very friendly and welcoming. There was hardly any stress.
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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.
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Absolutely awesome! I would love to go here. Hopefully it works out for me
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The interview was brief, laid back, and easy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Very pleasant, all the questions were clarifications of my experiences and my file
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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.
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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
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I had a really great time seeing the schematics for the new school, and talking to the admissions people. Everyone was great.
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Had breakfast, introduction, then interviews, we had to wait till everyone was done then we got a tour.
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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.
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It was perhaps one of the best interviews that I could have asked for. It was very relaxed.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Good experience overall. great school. everyone was very friendly.
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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.
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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
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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! :)
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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.
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Everyone was real friendly
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Great interview....I actually felt like they should have asked more or grilled me more. It seemed too too easy, so that could be good or bad.
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Very comfortable interview. Low stress, friendly.
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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!!!!
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It was much more painless than I had imagined.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Everything went smoothly, interview was laid back, interviewers were extremely nice
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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!
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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
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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.
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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).
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I experienced pure unfiltered postivity. If I get into this school, I'm definitely going.
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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.
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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.
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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
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My interview experience was awesome! I loved the school. I could really feel myself there. If I get in I will definitely be going.
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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.
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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.
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WOuld not go here unless they accepted me, gave me a full scholarship, and paid me a monthly stipend.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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
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VERY VERY TEXTBOOK INTERVIEW (other than the fact that it is a panel interview). Absolutely nothing tricky, and not much ethical talk either.
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So far so good
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Great, I would love to come to school at PCOM.
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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!
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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.
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It was a great experience. Everyone there is nice and the school helps the students to do well.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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The school is excellent, it really positively influenced my opinion of the school...i am really thinking about attending now
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PCOM is a friendly environment very conducive to learning. If I get accepted, it will definitely be a top choice.
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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.
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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.
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It was a great experience.i came in with little or no expectation of the school and after the interview its one of my top choices
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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....
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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.
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P.C.O.M. is a great school if you want hands on medical education. The students are non-competitive and help each other out. VERY friendly atmosphere.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Overall very impressed. The students were charismatic and enthusiastic. The curriculum is systems based which I like. The facilities are more than adequate.
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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.
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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.
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Overall, I got a feeling that pcom really prepares you both clinically and academically.
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Excellent
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Great experience!!
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Completely fabulous-the curriculum is great, the facilities amazing, and the people so genuine.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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My interview was laid back and they were just trying to get to know me. They seemed to have a positive attitude and were very encouraging.
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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)!!!!
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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!!!!
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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.
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Overall the experience was awesome. It definitely increased my desire to attend the school.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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!
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Nice school. Fairly relaxed interview, but waiting increases the stress level.