I just received an invite to interview at Bastyr for their ND program. I'm still in the process of submitting my application to NCNM and SCNM (due by Feb 1). Is anyone here in the same boat as I am? Are there any alumni who can give me advice on what to expect for the interview? I'd appreciate ANY advice, not just pertaining to the actual interview itself, but the logistics surrounding it - how many days to stay in Seattle (I feel like I need to explore housing options there), where to stay, what more can I do there to maximize the trip (e.g. meet with admins to talk about financial aid, housing, etc.)

For my undergrad, I was able to live at home for all four years, thus avoiding dorming, looking for roommates, flying back and forth, and all the "little things," like opening a bank account at an appropriate banking branch...etc! Thanks for the input that anyone might have!

Hi there, SuperApple (and any other prospective naturopathic students).

My name is Anna and I am a current student at Bastyr University. First off, congrats on being invited to interview! I'd be happy to give you some tips for interviewing etc. The interview is generally with 2-3 members of the Bastyr community (Admissions Advisors, Alumni, Administrators etc.) Many of the questions pertain to information you provided in your essays as well as questions about your time management skills, academic background and why you are interested in the school. Also, you will be given a chance to ask any questions you may have.

I would recommend at least a couple of days in Seattle. The Admissions office probably sent you a list of hotels to stay at. I can't remember them off the top of my head but they are all reasonably priced and convenientlylocated. It is really nice to be able to explore the area, sit in on classes, go on campus tours and talk with current students. As for looking at housing options, I would recommend asking different students what neighborhoods they live in. You can also visit bastyr.edu/housing to look at different options.

As for the other details, you are entering an amazingly supportive and helpful community! Once you make the decision of where you are going, don't hesitate to ask your peers what banks they use, where the farmer's markets are, how the bus system works etc!

Hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

In Health,
Anna

Thank you for the response Anna! Your tips were very helpful. I scheduled my interview for mid-February, and I'll be staying for a few days in Seattle in order to explore the campus and surrounding area.

How has your experience at Bastyr been so far? Do you have any extra time to work, or is the curriculum very time-consuming as is? My ND is a Bastyr alumni and completed the dual program to get her master's as well - do you have experience with, or have you heard anything about that program? I speak with her frequently, and she has warned me about how intensive her 5 years at Bastyr were. I'm a little scared, because although I completed my prerequisites (mostly A's), I wasn't a science major as an undergrad. However, I believe a significant amount of other Bastyr students may come from diverse backgrounds as well.

Hey superapple,

Are you at Bastyr or another ND school now? Just wondering how things are going and what you think of the school, and naturopathic medicine in general. I'm trying to decide if I want to go into that or a different healthcare field. Any other ND students or alumni responses are welcome too.

Ever considered MD instead ??
You can be like Deepak Chopra or Dr. Weil

Cheers

__________________
UHSA-DOC
UHSA, School of Medicine, Alumni
ECFMG Certified, Family Physician
My Moto: "Studying Medicine is living 8 years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't"

Yes, I've considered MD too.

I just wouldn't get training in natural medicine. And I would get a whole lot of training in conventional medicine that I might not use.
Plus, I've heard residency, especially internship, is horrible.

My sister is currently a Bastyr student too... I think she is still on her break and when she goes back, she will be taking pharmacology... not too sure which year/semester she is in.

But if you want, I can give you her informtion and you may contact her.

Hi Compassion MD- I'd love to talk to your sister. That would be great if you could give me her contact information. Bastyr is one of the specific schools I'm looking at too.

Do you and her talk much about the similarities and differences of your education? I'd assume from your name that you're an MD student (or doctor). Did you ever consider some kind of complementary/alternative medicine, and did she ever consider conventional?

I rather that you guys email me your contact information ASAP and I will give it to her because I am not sure if she is still on break.

Similarities and differences.. of coruse. We talk all the time. I never consider going to ND medical school before becuase I feel like its more of a "preventive medicine" IMHO. I am more of an 'action', last resort medicine type of person. However, after I get my MD, I will try to get an acupuncture license for sure. =D I do know a little Chi Gung [Energy Therapies] and sometimes I use it on myself.

I don't check on this forum often so please email me your contract information and I will forward it to my sister. Hopefully, she is still on break and can help you guys out.