I like this juxtaposition.
First you say that LECOM-B doesn't have good board scores.
Then you say that MSU and Lincoln are the best DO schools "by the numbers." What those numbers are, I am unsure. Do they use them in "the biz?"
And then you finish it up by saying that all statistics are lies.
Anyway, everyone knows the best medical school is the one you got into. Which, from the looks of your posting history is Lincoln. So I'm really not shocked.
Medical schools get away with a lot they shouldn't. Like not publishing any objective numbers to rate their performance as an applicant. As a result, you are best off picking a school based on: Price, Location, and "School-Feel" in that order.
For me at LECOM-B, the price is right (ha.). The area is beautiful (I'd like to stay here post-graduation). And the "school-feel" is meh (love the students, love the staff, dislike the administration).
Actually, I was basing that on the number of students that got the residency they wanted. Lincoln admitted they were second. They've done this a couple times. I don't think they did it last year though. That said, I'd bet that MSU took first honors every year.
As for board scores, I couldn't tell you what their average board scores are. I've not looked, nor do I care. I do, however, care a bit more about do their students get a residency that they like.
I will say that you listed three reasons that are fair in picking LECOM. And for that, I cannot judge you. Just don't pick them for some statistic that is trumped up.
For what it's worth, I picked Lincoln because I liked the school. If I had to pick a defining moment, it would be when I walked by a study room (the equivalent of a PBL room) and someone wrote on the board "You are welcome to join me." I've never seen that at LECOM or USF.
If I had to have a second reason, I'd say it is the BBQ club. The dean is apparently some crazy awesome BBQ chef, and he teaches students that want to learn in a 30 foot smoker. Oddly enough, that's just crazy enough to sell me on it.
Board scores and match rates? Eh. Interesting, but it's not what I based my decision on. I don't care how everyone else does. I only care how *I* do. Maybe I'm conceited, but I have a a feeling I'll do well. I know I'll do the work, and I know I can handle it. After all, this won't be my first rodeo. With a PharmD in the tank and a masters in medical science that amounts to most of the 1st year curriculum at USF Med, I feel that I can probably handle med school most any place. If I do the work, I'll be fine. And most of the stuff I will be learning for the second time.
As an addendum, I had to pick between Lincoln, another school, or to roll the dice on a waitlist spot at University of Kentucky. I opted for Lincoln, and after I got a school I was happy with, I quit filling out secondaries.
