Hello everyone! I have been fortunate enough to receive 4 acceptances (waiting to hear back from a 5th DO school post-interview) and it is nearing the deadline for me to submit my deposit. I am having a tough time choosing amongst the schools. I have already pretty much decided against VCOM-LA and NYIT-COM Jonesboro due to location and being more interested in the other 3 options. I am trying to decide between ATSU-KCOM, BCOM, and UIWSOM. I currently live in Texas and am married. I know this question may seem a no-brainer because KCOM is much more established than the other two schools and has a pretty solid rep. However, my husband works in a trade and Kirksville is so rural that there are not many job opportunities for him, so that is something I need to consider as well when making my decision. My goal ultimately is to work in primary care with rural/underserved populations. The only other specialty I might be interested in outside of primary care would be emergency medicine.
KCOM pros:
Great board pass scores and match rates, closer to family than the other schools (6 hours), have ultrasound as part of the curriculum, for 3rd and 4th year rotations I have the option to return to TX or go to IL where I am originally from, alumni connections, really loved the vibe I got from faculty and students during the interview day
KCOM cons:
very rural area (difficult to find job for my husband), curriculum is graded and class is ranked (more competitive environment?), I am not a huge fan of Missouri in general
UIWSOM pros:
I love their mission and focus on the community and underserved pops, easier for my husband to find a job, pass/fail curriculum, seems to have a really supportive environment, Texas residency more likely if I go to school in Texas
UIWSOM cons:
They haven't graduated a class yet and have not yet published COMLEX pass rates (even though I think they should have been available by now), curriculum has a lot of self-study and the exams are essay style, far from family
BCOM pros:
Love their mission and focus on working with the community and immigrant populations in the area, great location (husband and I loved it when we visited - great weather and opportunities to hike and be in nature to help with mental health), I have a friend from undergrad who goes here and may be able to provide me some advice as I go through, their 2020 matches looked strong, pass/fail, they have mentoring program working with local HS students (I'm a teacher and passionate about this)
BCOM cons:
Board scores have been pretty low in the past, although most recent class had a 94% first time pass rate, still a newer school that may be working out some kinks, far from my family as well
KCOM pros:
Great board pass scores and match rates, closer to family than the other schools (6 hours), have ultrasound as part of the curriculum, for 3rd and 4th year rotations I have the option to return to TX or go to IL where I am originally from, alumni connections, really loved the vibe I got from faculty and students during the interview day
KCOM cons:
very rural area (difficult to find job for my husband), curriculum is graded and class is ranked (more competitive environment?), I am not a huge fan of Missouri in general
UIWSOM pros:
I love their mission and focus on the community and underserved pops, easier for my husband to find a job, pass/fail curriculum, seems to have a really supportive environment, Texas residency more likely if I go to school in Texas
UIWSOM cons:
They haven't graduated a class yet and have not yet published COMLEX pass rates (even though I think they should have been available by now), curriculum has a lot of self-study and the exams are essay style, far from family
BCOM pros:
Love their mission and focus on working with the community and immigrant populations in the area, great location (husband and I loved it when we visited - great weather and opportunities to hike and be in nature to help with mental health), I have a friend from undergrad who goes here and may be able to provide me some advice as I go through, their 2020 matches looked strong, pass/fail, they have mentoring program working with local HS students (I'm a teacher and passionate about this)
BCOM cons:
Board scores have been pretty low in the past, although most recent class had a 94% first time pass rate, still a newer school that may be working out some kinks, far from my family as well
