TOUROCOM - New York Discussion thread 2008-2009

[ejay1518]

Well this year they have over 3800 applicants for 135 seats for August 2009. For August 2007 they had about 2000 applicants for 125 seats. Every year more and more people are applying to TouroCOM and less and less people are using it as a safety or back up school because its becoming more and more legit/established. Maybe last year a lot of people gave up their seats because it was a newer school (than it is now) and just had it as a last resort.

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[ejay1518]

Or perhaps some of the people that are holding spots at TouroCOM are on waitlists at other schools and are asking the same questions about their other school's waitlist movement that we are asking here.

 

[MedX]

Happy 4th to all of us waitlisters! (I singled us out because, even though the "rockets are red glaring", I know what's in the back of our minds: moooovement of the list . . .) Have a good one.

 

[chup12682]

Happy 4th to all of us waitlisters! (I singled us out because, even though the "rockets are red glaring", I know what's in the back of our minds: moooovement of the list . . .) Have a good one.

Thanks MedX! I appreciate the good wishes. And you're right about that little voice in our minds!

 

[MedX]

Here's hoping that some people get off the waitlist this week! BTW, has it really been over a month and a half since anyone was offered a spot in class 2013? Luck to us all . . .

 

[Gold 5]

Are my stats and experience competitive for Tourocom? 3800 applicants is a very high number. How competitive is the average applicant? I am applying for Class of 2014.

3.0 overall, 3.5 science, 29P MCAT
1 abstract published
500 hours of ER clinical experience
50 hours ER volunteer experience

I think you have a good shot, you should get past the initial screen as long as you are at or above 3.0

Good Luck

 

[xxgursharonxx]

Yeey for Obed messaging today boo for it just going down 2 for me... hope you guys are having better movement on the list.

 

[MedX]

Received email as well. No change. I am still the same number in top 10 and email still says to have deposit ready. Guess no one new has moved into the class . . .

 

[xxgursharonxx]

Have you guys made any other back up plans... ex. Caribbeans post baccalaureate programs and such?
Lecom PA accepts for the program in to August 1 with guarantee interview if you maintain a certain GPA or so I have heard.
I really hope we all get calls eventually but the fear we wont be is kicking in plus... if there is no guarantee for class of 2010 I am more than a bit confused as what to do

 

[waitwhat]

For the current students:

Are all the books on the first year list required? Are they worth buying or is it like some undergrad classes where you crack the book maybe once the whole quarter/semester?

Thanks in advance.

Also, good luck to those still on the waitlist.

 

[savestheday1210]

When did Obed email a list of books? I didn't get one yet. I only saw from Harlem DO a list of books they used last year and the few people selling books on the facebook group for 2013.

 

[waitwhat]

I just got it today from Jerry Cammarata. Seems like a pretty hefty/expensive list.

Here's the link.

www.webmedbooks.com/tcoom

 

[savestheday1210]

Did you email him asking for the list or was it a mass email to the class of 2013. I'm just worried I'm not on the listserv

 

[waitwhat]

Oh, it was a mass e-mail.

 

[Gold 5]

For the current students:

Are all the books on the first year list required? Are they worth buying or is it like some undergrad classes where you crack the book maybe once the whole quarter/semester?

Thanks in advance.

Also, good luck to those still on the waitlist.

Depends on the class, for most of them you do not have to buy the whole list. I will try to give a little more detail latter on when I have time to reply tonight

 

[MedX]

Trying to stay positive about joining the class of 2013 from the waitlist but . . . tick, tick, tick.

 

[Gold 5]

Depends on the class, for most of them you do not have to buy the whole list. I will try to give a little more detail latter on when I have time to reply tonight

Sorry for the delay. I would hold off on buying all your books at once since some classes do need them and others require other books. I would list each class, but the teachers have changed a bit but this is the basic books I used last year.

Anat- new teacher so I am unsure but last year I gave up on Moore clinical anat and swithced to BRS(board review series), UMich online test questions. This improved my grades in class. For the lab practical, going really helps but if you hate lab, Auckland's anatomy DVD is great along with Rohen's color atlass of real cadavers. If you join one of the societies, they give you netters and I would also highly reccomend the netters flash cards or ipod version.

Biochem- I believe Dr Binstock is still teaching. If so do get Liponcott's Illustrated biochem guide. We never used thompson (only there if you get confussed in the class notes). Her tests are primarily from her notes but they can be disorganized. PS she loves pop quizes to encourage attendance so expect a few a month.

Physio- If Dr Frankfurt is teaching, the test questions come out of her ppt's but they can be a bit confussing. So plan on reading either Boron's, Costanzo or at least the BRS physio. Learn only the formulas she gives in her notes.

Histo- New teacher so ??? The text book Ross is very good but it was a bit to detailed. I went to BRS or USMLE roadmap for histo. Ross has good slides for the lab practical and the Univ of Iowa (web) has good slides also.

Neuro- Dr Lenihan is a good teacher and again the tests come primarily out of his notes. Memorize them and you should do well . He states he will ask questions from the book by Barr but it is only a few and not worth the effort in my opinion. I didn't like barr and went for a book with less words and more pictures. Do get Nolte for the atlas. He likes to use the pictures from their on tests.

PMPH- New teacher so ???. I used class notes here and did ok. The books suck in my humble opinion.

OMM- Class notes worked well for us last year but there may be a bit of a shuffle this year. Dr Morris left and I am not sure how that will effect things. DO NOT BUY the green tome "Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine ". It costs 121 and I never used the damm thing. I would reccomend buying only the "Clinical Application of Counterstrain"and "Outline of Osteopathic Manipulative Procedures. Millennium Edition " for lab. The only other book I ever opened up for clarification was Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. As I said most class exams come from their ppt's.

 

[Gold 5]

I just got it today from Jerry Cammarata. Seems like a pretty hefty/expensive list.

Here's the link.

www.webmedbooks.com/tcoom

Forgot Physical diagnosis.

The class portion comes primarily out of class notes but I would still reccomend getting Bates (either the hard cover smaller softcover) becuse you will need it down the road for your clinical years as refference (I believe, perhaps a 3rd year can comment). Bates is weak on some of the tests for spine, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. That is where Hopenfield comes in.

In general do not buy books such as Cecils (guide to medicine) or Harrison's, they are available on the web via MD consult throught the library. The library also has an id for uptodate.com which is really handy.

Good Luck guys

 

[needalotofhelp]

Trying to stay positive about joining the class of 2013 from the waitlist but . . . tick, tick, tick.

i deferred my acceptance. at least one spot should be opening up!

 

[waitwhat]

Forgot Physical diagnosis.

The class portion comes primarily out of class notes but I would still reccomend getting Bates (either the hard cover smaller softcover) becuse you will need it down the road for your clinical years as refference (I believe, perhaps a 3rd year can comment). Bates is weak on some of the tests for spine, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. That is where Hopenfield comes in.

In general do not buy books such as Cecils (guide to medicine) or Harrison's, they are available on the web via MD consult throught the library. The library also has an id for uptodate.com which is really handy.

Good Luck guys

Thanks for the helpful insight.

When I first saw the "required" books, I was like sh*************t. I knew how to study a lot but damn. It's good someone filtered through all of them and tell us which ones are useful. Looks like I'll be getting all these as soon as I move into the city (~2 weeks).

 

[Gold 5]

Trying to stay positive about joining the class of 2013 from the waitlist but . . . tick, tick, tick.

Hey guys, what number are they up to now?
Gold

 

[MedX]

Don't know. I have been the same number (in the top 10) for almost 2 months! We'll see what happens since "needalotofhelp" just deffered. . .

 

[xxgursharonxx]

"Currently there are 89 students in your pool. This number has changed greatly from the start. We began with 141 students on the ‘High Wait’ list. Please let me know if you are not interested." Excerpt from Obed e-mail.

I am really getting nervous over this all... we have had 7 updates overall regarding ranking. This whole experience has me just wanting to know what options are going to be offered and to whom, the class has been filled for a good amount of time. I really just hope there will be movement before it is too late to matriculate.

 

[thethirdheat]

it's spelled Acland's dvd set. I have it, it's awesome.

 

[Acanuck00]

Bump

 

[CardioPlus]

As a warning to anyone interested in TouroCOM. Our attendance policy has changed to include mandatory attendance for 70% of lectures and 95% of labs. Punishable by disciplinary action and/or dismissal at the discretion of the Dean. They will keep track of you with fingerprint scanners.

wow... that's pretty intense haha

 

[MedX]

Gold 5 asked about numbers. I extracted the following excerpts from Obed's emails. The first excerpt was my initial contact about being on the High Waitlist. The last excerpt was the most recent. I admit to being a bit confused:

"The class is still not filled. At this current moment there are 120 students on the ‘High Waitlist'. This number can go down quickly. Last year, I had about 90 students on the ‘High Waitlist' and offered everyone on the list the opportunity, if they were still interested." (May 19, 2009) Note: My number is under 30.

"The class is still filled. Last year, I had about 90 students on the ‘High Waitlist' and offered everyone on the list the opportunity, if they were still interested. Currently, there are 92 students in your pool." (June 15, 2009) Note: My number is under 10 - no change from end of May.

"Hello, the class remains filled. Currently there are 89 students in your pool. This number has changed greatly from the start. We began with 141 students on the ‘High Wait' list." (July 06, 2009) Note: My number is under 10 - no change from end of May.

 

[Gold 5]

Gold 5 asked about numbers. I extracted the following excerpts from Obed's emails. The first excerpt was my initial contact about being on the High Waitlist. The last excerpt was the most recent. I admit to being a bit confused:

"The class is still not filled. At this current moment there are 120 students on the ‘High Waitlist’. This number can go down quickly. Last year, I had about 90 students on the ‘High Waitlist’ and offered everyone on the list the opportunity, if they were still interested." (May 19, 2009) Note: My number is under 30.

"The class is still filled. Last year, I had about 90 students on the ‘High Waitlist’ and offered everyone on the list the opportunity, if they were still interested. Currently, there are 92 students in your pool." (June 15, 2009) Note: My number is under 10 - no change from end of May.

"Hello, the class remains filled. Currently there are 89 students in your pool. This number has changed greatly from the start. We began with 141 students on the ‘High Wait’ list." (July 06, 2009) Note: My number is under 10 - no change from end of May.

I'm sorry to hear that list is moving so slow for you guys

 

[MedX]

List is moving!!! Luck to all!!!

 

[dtminhthu]

U got another update email? Im on the list and still havent seen anything?? How far did it move?

 

[MedX]

Not an email . . . a PHONE CALL!!! You may be next!!!!

 

[Krisss17]

Not an email . . . a PHONE CALL!!! You may be next!!!!

So I expect from our excitement, you are in? Well, you better change that pre-med to medical student! Congratulations!

 

[dtminhthu]

Congrats dude!

 

[mike10980]

Hi everyone,

Did anyone receive Dr. Cammaratta's e-mail a few days ago. It said that we need a criminal background check...does anyone know where to get this done from?

Thanks in advance!

 

[savestheday1210]

Saw that as well, I figured that Tourocom would do the check. But maybe we have to go on our own?

 

[waitwhat]

They use a certain company in New York. I think its $50 for NY-residents and $100 for everyone else. He included a link in the past e-mails, maybe it didn't get included in yours. In any event, here it is:

https://hart-investigations.com/tourocom

 

[Gold 5]

They use a certain company in New York. I think its $50 for NY-residents and $100 for everyone else. He included a link in the past e-mails, maybe it didn't get included in yours. In any event, here it is:

https://hart-investigations.com/tourocom

This only needs to get done by your third year (clinical). I would hold off on this as long as possible

 

[MedX]

Thanks to Krisss 17 and all! I did change my status from premed to MEDICAL STUDENT!!!

 

[waitwhat]

This only needs to get done by your third year (clinical). I would hold off on this as long as possible

Really? Mr. Cammarata sent an e-mail saying we had to have it done. I already went ahead and did it.

 

[thethirdheat]

yea, you have to get the background check done before you start school. cammaratta has sent out two e-mails saying that.

 

[Gold 5]

yea, you have to get the background check done before you start school. cammaratta has sent out two e-mails saying that.

I stand corrected, the class of 2012 to the best of my knowledge has not received any love notes on the subject. I guess they are trying to make sure everyone is going to pass them before letting you in.

Gold

 

[Acanuck00]

Bump

 

[abdohalimo43]

I'm curious about a few things about this school. It is my number 1 DO school on my list, so i really want to make sure of a few things before i get too excited haha. Is the Harlem area dangerous (for any MS's reading this)? Also i really hope im in the competitive range...i have a 3.3 gpa and a 30P on my MCAT...I'm still waiting for my transcripts to arrive. I really hope I make itttt

 

[Gold 5]

I'm curious about a few things about this school. It is my number 1 DO school on my list, so i really want to make sure of a few things before i get too excited haha. Is the Harlem area dangerous (for any MS's reading this)? Also i really hope im in the competitive range...i have a 3.3 gpa and a 30P on my MCAT...I'm still waiting for my transcripts to arrive. I really hope I make itttt

You should be very competitive for Touro. As for the school it is in Harlem in Manhattan, so it is like Manhattan. The school is located on a busy street (125th street) with subway stations within a few blocks of it. There are a few streets in the area that I would not go wandering around late at night but I know other students would disagree with me and say the area is fine. As for the actual safety record the only issues that students (both medical and pharm) have had are a few pick pockets mostly at the subway stations and 1 mugging after dark. This though is an issue that can happen anywhere in the city. I believe that they do provide escorts via security to the subway stations until midnight. The school stays unofficially open all the time during the semester. I would recommend that you come to the school and make your own impression of the neighborhood.

 

[abdohalimo43]

You should be very competitive for Touro. As for the school it is in Harlem in Manhattan, so it is like Manhattan. The school is located on a busy street (125th street) with subway stations within a few blocks of it. There are a few streets in the area that I would not go wandering around late at night but I know other students would disagree with me and say the area is fine. As for the actual safety record the only issues that students (both medical and pharm) have had are a few pick pockets mostly at the subway stations and 1 mugging after dark. This though is an issue that can happen anywhere in the city. I believe that they do provide escorts via security to the subway stations until midnight. The school stays unofficially open all the time during the semester. I would recommend that you come to the school and make your own impression of the neighborhood.

That doesn't sound too bad at all. I grew up in Boston so I can't imagine it being too different, but I have heard of several gangs that inhabit the Harlem area. Regardless, I don't think that should be a problem. I love the city atmosphere, and I've done research on the school and it seems amazing. My application hasn't been fully processed yet (LOR's haven't all be collected yet etc.). I'm not late in the application process am I?

 

[Gold 5]

That doesn't sound too bad at all. I grew up in Boston so I can't imagine it being too different, but I have heard of several gangs that inhabit the Harlem area. Regardless, I don't think that should be a problem. I love the city atmosphere, and I've done research on the school and it seems amazing. My application hasn't been fully processed yet (LOR's haven't all be collected yet etc.). I'm not late in the application process am I?

Late, no. I would have your primary application in by now. Secondaries won't start until sometime in August I believe. For your LOR's I recommended Interfolio so you can track who is lagging on sending their stuff in.

As for the gangs, I think they are more centered in the projects but I am not an expert on gangs.

 

[pancake man]

hey guys, I will be withdrawing my acceptance tomorrow so one more spot is gonna open up! Good luck to all of you waitlisters! Remember what Obed said, you will be a doctor someday!

 

[chup12682]

Hoping for that last shot in 2009...

 

[Gold 5]

Hoping for that last shot in 2009...

Good Luck Chup, we are rooting for ya.

 

[dtminhthu]

Did u get in Chup? I got the call yesterday. I'm in!!!

Anyways, does anyone know wat day students are mandated to show up to Touro? I know August 3rd starts orientation week. Are we required to be there the entire orientation week or can we show up towards the end of the week? I still dont know what I'll do with the housing situation

Does anyone know what day the final exam will be for first semester? All I know is last day of instruction is Dec 11th.