So I could really use some advice?

[cis4cookie]

I got accepted to both schools, ICO and the new school at Midwestern in Arizona. I am born and raised in Chicago so I know the area well. However, I have been living in Arizona for the past year and absolutely love it here compared to Chicago. After weighing the pro’s and con’s for both schools I am still having a hard time trying to decide. I know I will get a better clinical experience at ICO as it is more renowned. But, it will also cost anywhere between 50-90 grand more to attend ICO, including the cost of living. I prefer living in Arizona, but there are still too many unknowns with Midwestern, such as how the NBEO pass rates will be and how big of a patient base their clinic will have. Their clinic is still in the process of being built and won’t be done till I start, where as ICO usually has 80,000 patients a year. I am also not sure whether or not Midwestern offers residency programs but I was told that Arizona optometrist can’t technically be classified as specialist in particular sub fields. Oh, I also plan to practice in Arizona one day, but you never know plans can always change. I would appreciate any advice anybody has to give.

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[SarahNC]

in my opinion, midwestern shouldn't even be a consideration. what good is saving 50-90 grand, if when you graduate the school isn't accredited or you can't pass your boards, or see a total of 50 patients by graduation?

 

[hurricaneuro]

Go to ICO! You can visit Arizona for vacation when you are done!