Hey everyone! Long time lurker, first-time poster. I have always appreciated the feedback I have seen on here, and I am finally at the point where I have the option to choose between these 3 schools (something I hadn't expected given me being a nontrad reapplicant). Each program has something positive going for it, so I am just trying to see if there is anything I am overlooking or overthinking as I ultimately make my final decision. Going in with an open mind, but interested in: Peds, PM&R, IM subspecialties, GS, and Derm (research background here but I know how competitive it is no matter where I go).
ACOM
-my first acceptance (accepted early in the cycle) for a solid 4-5 months it was my only acceptance, so I kinda just got into the mindset of attending the school
-felt like I really clicked with their staff, enjoyed their facilities (SIM Lab looked great), and the overall grounds/buildings of the school look nice
-students looked happy (was able to speak to a few students and they all seemed happy with their choice to attend ACOM) their match list seems pretty solid and I see some residency programs that I would not mind ending up at
-have noticed a good chunk of incoming students attended my undergrad institution so might be able to bond over that common interest? a few friends in cities 3 hours away
-Dothan has everything you need but nothing more. I feel comfortable there (deposit on an apt already) but I do recall my first impression being "Wow, can I live here?"
-from S FL so it is still pretty far (~10 hrs) but driveable come move in time, not crazy about the 60% attendance rule but it could be worse, out of the 3 it is the least known, tuition is coming out to 52K
LECOM-B
-location plays a big role here, 3 hours away from home and my support system (can make a quick weekend trip easily), have a friend at their dental school and friends over in Tampa and Orlando. Sarasota is familiar to me and definitely the city I am most used to
-really impressed with their match list, the traditional lecture style has never suited me so the PBL emphasis seems like it might be my thing, strong presence in FL and coming back to practice in S FL is my ultimate goal, GME seems to be more established than ACOM
-the difference in tuition is quite large, however, that difference in tuition means 3rd and 4th year are ultimately up to me on finding rotation sites, not ideal but seems like it has worked out for LECOM students
-class isn't required, but there is that dress code (honestly for 2 years I would work and go to class right after in professional attire so I am used to this)
-Mr. Shively is great, but I have heard things about the program's staff. Due to a certain global pandemic, I never got the chance to be on campus and meet staff members and students so there is that
DMU
-I mean it is DMU, the reputation is there. Students seem as prepared as they can be and the match list is great, facilities are top-notch (they're moving out West soon) their staff was really nice, research opportunities seem best out of the 3?
-Des Moines is a bigger city, but oddly enough seemed pretty quiet on a Friday night, having lived in FL all my life, I have never experienced other than a handful of days in the high 30s a true winter let alone snow, logistically speaking just more difficult to move there (can't travel to see what apartment I will be living at) but there is a major airport so not bad for the fam to come visit
-while they do not have a lot of students matching in FL, I think that is just due to the student body. Students and fellow interviewees were nice just not the type of community I am used to, the curriculum seems good, moving to a block schedule now, but you could tell some current students were kinda annoyed with how the staff handled the changing in the curriculum,
-offered me a 50K scholarship (20K, 10K, 10K, 10K) so that is a big kicker for me, 50K is 50K and feels like something I have to absolutely consider
Ultimately, it seems like it is coming down to LECOM and DMU. I know for most, the decision is DMU in a heartbeat, but with my support system a short drive away plus the unknown of a true snowy winter. I appreciate any input from everyone! Users like @DrStephenStrange @Goro @AnatomyGrey12 @PapaGuava have always provided some great and realistic advice so I am hoping I can gain some clarity from all this.
PM me if anything, thanks!
ACOM
-my first acceptance (accepted early in the cycle) for a solid 4-5 months it was my only acceptance, so I kinda just got into the mindset of attending the school
-felt like I really clicked with their staff, enjoyed their facilities (SIM Lab looked great), and the overall grounds/buildings of the school look nice
-students looked happy (was able to speak to a few students and they all seemed happy with their choice to attend ACOM) their match list seems pretty solid and I see some residency programs that I would not mind ending up at
-have noticed a good chunk of incoming students attended my undergrad institution so might be able to bond over that common interest? a few friends in cities 3 hours away
-Dothan has everything you need but nothing more. I feel comfortable there (deposit on an apt already) but I do recall my first impression being "Wow, can I live here?"
-from S FL so it is still pretty far (~10 hrs) but driveable come move in time, not crazy about the 60% attendance rule but it could be worse, out of the 3 it is the least known, tuition is coming out to 52K
LECOM-B
-location plays a big role here, 3 hours away from home and my support system (can make a quick weekend trip easily), have a friend at their dental school and friends over in Tampa and Orlando. Sarasota is familiar to me and definitely the city I am most used to
-really impressed with their match list, the traditional lecture style has never suited me so the PBL emphasis seems like it might be my thing, strong presence in FL and coming back to practice in S FL is my ultimate goal, GME seems to be more established than ACOM
-the difference in tuition is quite large, however, that difference in tuition means 3rd and 4th year are ultimately up to me on finding rotation sites, not ideal but seems like it has worked out for LECOM students
-class isn't required, but there is that dress code (honestly for 2 years I would work and go to class right after in professional attire so I am used to this)
-Mr. Shively is great, but I have heard things about the program's staff. Due to a certain global pandemic, I never got the chance to be on campus and meet staff members and students so there is that
DMU
-I mean it is DMU, the reputation is there. Students seem as prepared as they can be and the match list is great, facilities are top-notch (they're moving out West soon) their staff was really nice, research opportunities seem best out of the 3?
-Des Moines is a bigger city, but oddly enough seemed pretty quiet on a Friday night, having lived in FL all my life, I have never experienced other than a handful of days in the high 30s a true winter let alone snow, logistically speaking just more difficult to move there (can't travel to see what apartment I will be living at) but there is a major airport so not bad for the fam to come visit
-while they do not have a lot of students matching in FL, I think that is just due to the student body. Students and fellow interviewees were nice just not the type of community I am used to, the curriculum seems good, moving to a block schedule now, but you could tell some current students were kinda annoyed with how the staff handled the changing in the curriculum,
-offered me a 50K scholarship (20K, 10K, 10K, 10K) so that is a big kicker for me, 50K is 50K and feels like something I have to absolutely consider
Ultimately, it seems like it is coming down to LECOM and DMU. I know for most, the decision is DMU in a heartbeat, but with my support system a short drive away plus the unknown of a true snowy winter. I appreciate any input from everyone! Users like @DrStephenStrange @Goro @AnatomyGrey12 @PapaGuava have always provided some great and realistic advice so I am hoping I can gain some clarity from all this.
PM me if anything, thanks!
