ATSU-SOMA vs ACOM

[Arepa75]

Hi all! I'm super fortunate to have two acceptances but I need help deciding which school to choose before the deadline.

For background, I've lived in Florida most of my life but being close to home isn't a preference. Leaning toward FM, EM, peds, or possibly EM/Peds, so not too concerned about matching.

ATSU-SOMA

Pros:
-1+3 model
-H/P/F grading
-Diverse City, I'm especially interested in working with the Hispanic community long term
-Tucson CHC established site for years 2-4, students I've spoken to say they have a lot of help when establishing rotations in 3-4 year
-My interviewers seemed very supportive

Cons:
-Tuition 62k
-Rumors of unhappy students

ACOM

Pros:
-Tuition 57k
-Cheaper COL
-Good match list
-Good board scores

Cons:
-Letter grading
-Small southern town, being URM and having grown up in a small Florida town I want to be in a more diverse community
-Lottery system for placement in 3-4 year

Overall I'm leaning towards SOMA due to my interest in working with minorities and living in a more diverse community, but I am aware of students complaining about the new curriculum.

Also not sure if this is important but there are only a few EM/Peds residency programs and one of them is in the Tucson area. If I decide on SOMA then I will have a stronger connection to the program/area than say being at ACOM.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[latransplant]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but SOMA has more of a PBL based curriculum, correct? They are also unique in that they have varying sites that you are attached to that highly differentiates your education experience. I think you have to ask yourself if you would be comfortable with that vs a more standard learning environment.

I would try getting in touch with students at SOMA regarding what these rumors might be, as well as learning perhaps what made them choose that school to gauge for yourself.

 

[chilly_md]

I have heard complaints about SOMA’s new curriculum and ACOM is overall solid aside from some issues with first year student remediation. They have made some modifications while I have not heard the same for SOMA. You could look at the school-specific threads for current students at both schools.