What is the address of the PASS South location?
120 SeaGrove Main St. Augustine, Fl 32080
Why St. Augustine for PASS Program South?
The old saying is, "location, location, location…" The main reason we chose St. Augustine, besides its rich culture and lifestyle, it gives the PASS Program the opportunity to extend it's services to students in the Southern part of the United States. We feel that the location is isolated enough for focus on their studies. And when a break is necessary, there are a plethora of things to see and do.
What do you expect the success rate to be from the program?
The success of a program is based on its pass rate on the board exams, not on how fancy the advertising may look. Our priority is getting each and every student to pass the exam! Dr Wolf will meet with each student periodically to check up on their progress, and to assist them in their approach to the test outside of their normal tutoring schedule.
Why is PASS Program so successful?
Most programs take the 2 years of basic science, or all 4 years of medical school, and cram the material into a 1 to 2 month review course. The problem with that approach is that on the USMLE, you are required to draw on your understanding of the basic sciences and connect the pieces of a vignette, in order to make a diagnosis or management decision. We feel the problem is in the word “REVIEW”, since most students never learned the material in the first place. Most students merely memorize enough material for an upcoming exam. They usually forget the information after the test, due to relying on short term memory.
Students then attend a “review course” to review material that they never understood. For some students this may work, but for the majority of students this method does not! Our program focuses on helping you understand the “Why” and "How" of a disease process or management decision. Since we help you with the“Why” and "How" of the body's physiology, you will no longer rely on short term memorization. You now begin to understand "HOW" to think things out for yourself and "WHY" we do what we do as Physicians. At times you may get upset about how the material was presented to you in Medical School. You will realize that the method we will introduce you to is far more accurate and efficient. It will make testing taking a much easier task, especially when the environment is fun, exciting and eye opening all at once. When I was in Medical School, I (Dr Wolf) too had come across some professors who never integrated the lectures about basic medical sciences with clinical applications. At the PASS Program South, the course as well as the tutoring, is conducted by former Pass Program students who have already achieved success and are looking forward to unselfishly sharing their experiences as well as the knowledge they themselves have acquired from attending the program in the past.
What are the hours of the class?
- The building will open at 7:00 am every morning
- Class starts at 8:00am and end by 2:30PM each day
- Lunch will be from 11-12:30 each day
- The building will be closed by 8:00PM Monday-Friday
- Saturday: hours are 8:00am to 5:00PM
- Closed Sundays
Will I have time to study and do my questions?
Dr Wolf and Dr. Francis have designed the schedule so that every student has ample time to study, practice questions, exercise and rest appropriate since class ends by 2:30PM every day. This gives each student more than adequate time to accomplish all of his/her obligations. So there should be no excuses, as to not having enough time to finish everything. Remember the key is in being organized!
How many tutors will be available for extra help?
A minimum of 5 tutors will be on hand at all times.
How many instructors teach the course?
Dr. Wolf is the main instructor, and he will be assisted by two teaching associates :Dr. Cordova and Dr. Chaves.
Can I stay longer than the four week course for tutoring?
Yes, however the program must know by the end of the third week of the course, because housing is limited. If housing is already full, you will be responsible for arranging housing for yourself. To still help you, we have arranged discounts with area motels/ hotels. Obviously, it is important, if you would like to stay in our housing, to make the appropriate arrangements with our office as soon as possible.
Can I sit through class twice if I need it?
Yes, the program offers a 4, 6 and an 8 week Guarantee review schedule.
Does the program offer a text book?
Each student will be given a copy of the power point lecture outline. This way each student can spend much of their time following along with the instructor.
Since the class starts on the first Monday of each month, can I start off cycle, or do I have to wait until the next month?
It is highly recommended that a student start a program on a designated start date. However, we will accept students off cycle only if room is available.
Are there study rooms available?
There are two computer rooms available as well as a large quiet study area. Also, keep in mind that right next door to the program is the public library.
Can I use my computer in the PASS building to do questions on the Internet?
The building has free wireless access for those who want to utilize it.
Am I allowed to record the class?
Only audio recording is permitted. No exceptions!
How many tutor sessions do I get a week?
You are promised two sessions per week during the course. Dr Wolf will meet with each student at least once and if possible twice, in addition to the standard tutoring schedule to check on each students progress. Extra tutoring is available for those that need the help if room is available. You can purchase extra 1 hour sessions for a fee of $ 75 each.
How will I know when my tutor sessions are scheduled?
On Sunday evening of that week, the tutoring schedule will be accessible on the web site.
Can I request changes to my tutoring schedule?
In the first 4 weeks, there are no request !!! If you stay beyond the 4 weeks you may request a specific tutor that you would like to work with more on a one -to-one basis. However, once the schedule is posted, NO CHANGES will be made for that week.
What if I am unable to make it to my tutoring session due to something out of my control?
Dr Wolf will look at the issue and make arrangements to reschedule the session.
If I extend my program for additional tutoring, how many sessions would I get per week?
Five sessions for the week
Are there any grocery stores near housing?
Yes, PUBLIX just opened a new branch about 1 mile from housing (on route 16)
Are there any classes on the weekend?
All class material will be covered during the week.
Are there any tutor sessions given during the weekend?
Tutoring will be available on weekdays and on weekends.
What is your refund policy?
No refunds once lecture starts on first day of class. If you have to leave early, a credit will be placed on your account for a future return.
- If cancellation is within 7 business days of the start date, a 25% penalty will apply. - Eight business days prior to the start date, a full refund will be reimbursed minus credit card charges.
- All credit card refunds will be charge a 5% processing fee - Cancellation of the class must be received in writing by the above time line.- Letter can be faxed to (904) 209-3144- If you can not make it to the lecture month you had paid for, a one time move may occurwithout penalty as long as you are eight business day from the start date or the above rules apply.
- If you move the date to a later start date and decide to cancel, you will receive a credit for a future return.
- Refunds are processed by the accounting office on the 20th of the following monthNO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FROM THE ABOVE REFUND POLICY
Do I need a car in St. Augustine?
It is recommended that you bring one, if possible. PASS South has hired an outside vendor for shuttle service to and from the housing to class. Also, the program has set up discounts with car rental agencies out of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Daytona Airport[s]. Many students also car pool together. We also will have a discounted shuttle service with a local vendor, if you need one from the airport.
Is there a shuttle bus that runs from the apartments to the PASS South building?
Yes, shuttle service will be available Monday - Friday for those that need it. The shuttle is FREE to all students. If you do need use of the shuttle, please indicate on your application for enrollment. Shuttle leaves student housing at 7:00 am and returns back to housing at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Do you have housing for students?
4BR/3B and 3BR/2B apartments are available. Check housing link for pricing.
Is there Internet in the apartments?
Each apartment has access to a wireless routers (secure).
Can I cook in the apartments?
Each unit is fully furnished with all the necessary cooking supplies.
When is check-in for the apartments?
Sunday, prior to the start of Monday’s class. Check-in will be from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.
When is check-out for the apartments?
The Saturday after the class ends, and all students must be checked out by 10am on Saturday. This gives the cleaning crews time to sanitize the apartments for the incoming students.
Do you offer housing for couples?
Only if both individuals are attending the PASS Program, can we accommodate couples. For liability purposes, guests are not permitted to stay with a student in housing.
Is alcohol permitted in housing?
Alcohol/parties/loud music are forbidden in PASS Program South housing. The integrity of the program will not allow unacceptable behavior to be tolerated, and any student found breaching the Rules of Conduct, will be dismissed immediately from the program without delay or a refund. Random walk through's by Dr Wolf and the COO or the Administrative assistant to check on the cleanliness of the apartments will occur without notice.
Will there be a place to work out, such as a gym?
The apartment complex has a huge work-out room that can easily accommodate 15-20 students at one time. There is also a yoga / exercise room available. Remember, the beach is close by for addition exercise activities.
Doctors, you are about to be empowered with the knowledge that will change your entire medical future and the patients you will touch.
Frequent Asked Questions
