A "little" about MCO:
MCO is truly an excellent school. Some of the things that stick out as excellent points for attending the school are:
1) Family like atmosphere. When I first interviewed at MCO, I was hesitant as an out of state applicant. I had a few preconceived notions about the "quality" of the education I might receive at MCO. However during my interview time, all of what I experienced and saw flew in the face of these preconceptions. I held back from saying it was my number one choice. This was in part due to me not wanting to move from Cali to Ohio. But as time progressed after the interview, with many nights dreaming about that day, I began to find that MCO was truly a jem in the rough. The warm atmosphere that I experienced had not been duplicated at any of the other TEN SCHOOLS that I had subsequently interviewed at. If only I could have taken time back then and told them that they were my first choice I probably would have not been put on the waitlist so quickly to wait (January Interview) till April for notice of acceptance. Also, it wasn't until I sent in a letter of intent that I received the acceptance in April. Back to the Family Like Atmosphere. I get along with ALL of my classmates. And I think the rest of my friends can vouch for this as well. The classmates are very open, and all of the faculties doors as well. I have yet to find a time when a faculty member has not stopped in their tracks to help you understand a concept, or to sit down and help you study. Truly remarkable. I press you to find anything similar at other institutions.
2) Jem in the rough. The curriculum is truly outstanding. There curriculum has been "integrated" with clinical applications for approximately 12 years now, with a PBL curriculum for ~8years, which means that MCO has experience in teaching styles for these areas. This translates as a general seemless transition from basic science knowledge to learning how to apply it to Human Disease Examples. MCO is known for its Cancer institute, Cardiovascular/Renal research and has novel applications within the neuroscience community as well. During your first block you start training in the clinical skills center with you interviewing skills withing the first month of school. This training can be furthered honed by a multitude of opportunities at the student run health care clinic that allows for a great degree of after-school practice of these skills.
3) $$$. If you are an out of state applicant, you can qualify for in-state tuition after the first year. Definitely awesome. The money provided for living costs are more than enough to maintain yourself financially in a spacious one bedroom apartment. This will mean a lot if you like your privacy.
These are just some of the major things about MCO that are off the top of my head. I guess you could say I'm pretty satisfied with my choice. First and foremost, MCO is a teaching school. Wherein the faculties' primary responsibilities are to the students' education and not to their research. This means a lot. Many other schools do not have this priority, and you will find their TA's teaching you instead of the actual faculty. It makes a big difference.
Well I think that's enough for now, Best Regards,
-Salty
