ATSU, Western, or LECOM

[drillr00]

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I'm placed in the best case scenario I could have asked for but I have to make a decision that I hope I won't regret later.

At this time, I'm deciding among ATSU, LECOM-Erie, and Western. I have been comparing theses schools based on a few things to see who can provide the best education (residency placement, board pass rates, rotations, and cost). Each school has higher than average board pass rates in the mid 90%, they all have great match lists for residency (though you could argue it's up to the student not the school to get into a good residency), and it looks like the rotation sites are fairly spread around with Western having the rotation sites closest to the school.

Many schools publish their rotation sites/state but is there a way to see which sites are better for learning? Each school offers essentially the same curriculum with minor variations so it seems like your best bet is comparing 3/4 year?

I'm from Cali so I almost think it'd be nice to get away for a little... I've considered where I'd like to practice after med school but I honestly don't know because I may do the military route and get moved around a bit.

Any suggestions? I've looked through the pros/cons section but everyone loves the school they're going to...which is a good thing but it's making the decision harder.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I'm placed in the best case scenario I could have asked for but I have to make a decision that I hope I won't regret later.

At this time, I'm deciding among ATSU, LECOM-Erie, and Western. I have been comparing theses schools based on a few things to see who can provide the best education (residency placement, board pass rates, rotations, and cost). Each school has higher than average board pass rates in the mid 90%, they all have great match lists for residency (though you could argue it's up to the student not the school to get into a good residency), and it looks like the rotation sites are fairly spread around with Western having the rotation sites closest to the school.

Many schools publish their rotation sites/state but is there a way to see which sites are better for learning? Each school offers essentially the same curriculum with minor variations so it seems like your best bet is comparing 3/4 year?

I'm from Cali so I almost think it'd be nice to get away for a little... I've considered where I'd like to practice after med school but I honestly don't know because I may do the military route and get moved around a bit.

Any suggestions? I've looked through the pros/cons section but everyone loves the school they're going to...which is a good thing but it's making the decision harder.

ATSU = ATSU: KCOM??? Or SOMA? If it's KCOM, and you don't mind leaving Cali, I'd say KCOM. If you want to stay in CA and location is important to you, I'd say Western.

 

[drillr00]

haha sorry Yes, KCOM

Location isn't a high priority as I'll go anywhere I think I can get the best education. I am slightly concerned how small Kirksville is but at the same time I immediately felt like the professors and students cared about ME. I even received a hand written letter from my interviewer asking if I had any questions/concerns while making my final decision. Is that normal?

I haven't felt that same intensity (in an awesome way) at any other school I've interviewed at .

Jaggerplate- I've been reading a lot of your comments on other threads and they're extremely helpful!

 

[JaggerPlate]

Jaggerplate- I've been reading a lot of your comments on other threads and they're extremely helpful!

It's what I do!!!


To be honest, you really can't go too wrong with any of the schools you listed. They are all well established, produce good physicians, decent 3/4 years etc. However, the 'click' feeling you explained at KCOM is something that is very important. You should go to a school where you will be happy and productive, and if KCOM had that feeling, it's something to consider (in my opinion). In respect to the items you listed:

Residency placement: all have nice match lists, put people into impressive specialties, etc.

Rotations: I've heard great things about KCOM, good things about Western (as far as quality is concerned), and also that they are well established, so you don't have to worry about any surprises or flying all over the nation to complete your core. To be honest, I didn't apply to Erie, so I'm kind of in the dark as to their 3/4 years. I'd assume they are pretty solid, and I know they are in the surrounding PA area, but as far as specifics, I can't give em.

Cost: Tuition sucks everywhere. It seems like all schools are hovering around the 40k area. KCOM is like 40k, Western is like 42k, and Erie is much cheaper at around 28k. The difference in cost is anyone's guess. I've heard theories about tuition being cheaper because rotation sites aren't compensated for taking LECOM students, I don't know if it's untrue, but take that as you will. Also, one thing to consider (between KCOM and Western) is cost of living. Pomona surrounding area = expensive, K-Ville = so cheap it doesn't make sense.

So all things considered ... I still think I'd pick KCOM. This is just my opinion based on what I personally think and mixed with what you said you were looking for in a school.

 

[drillr00]

For current KCOM students- when you have time to actually relax what do you do?

From when I interviewed there, it felt like there was a good portion of the class that was married. Would you say this is a reasonable statement?

It seems like people get to know each other really well. I think my undergrad student population is larger than the town of kirksville ...which can be a good or bad thing I guess.

 

[lokiperson]

From when I interviewed there, it felt like there was a good portion of the class that was married. Would you say this is a reasonable statement?

A lot of the people I talked to there said quite a few were married.

Along with what Jagger said about the "click" feeling.. Defintely take that into consideration.. I was accepted to my top two choices (KCOM and DMU) and after writing out a long list of pros and cons of each, my decision was made on how I felt at the school during the interview.. I really felt welcomed and comfortable at KCOM. DMU was great, but during my interview a lot of people felt really distant.. I'm sure that isn't how it actually is, but it happened and really was the deciding factor.

 

[rddoms]

A good portion of my class (KCOM 2012) is married, and that seems to be the usual around here. The class size is 172 every year, so there are plenty of people who aren't married.

When we have time to relax, the Dukum Inn is a popular spot. There are always events, sponsored by various school clubs, that are going on. Columbia is an hour and a half south, and there is plenty to do down there. I rarely feel the need to get out of Kirksville, and that usually happens when I am getting ready to go home for Christmas break. You will always have something to do when you need a break.

I am form Seattle, and decided to come to KCOM based on that 'click' feeling. I am very happy with my education, and am happy with my decision to attend KCOM. I am excited to leave in June (I'm doing my rotations in Detroit), but my time here has been amazing. All of the schools you listed are great, but I would recommend KCOM based on your experiences.

PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Pegasus1731]

For current KCOM students- when you have time to actually relax what do you do?
We work hard here but also play hard. We have a lot of IM sports, and a state park that's great in the spring/summer. Many student clubs too.

From when I interviewed there, it felt like there was a good portion of the class that was married. Would you say this is a reasonable statement?
Yeah, but there are a lot that are not, so I would say there's a good mixture. I'm not and the majority of people that I spend time with outside of classes are not

It seems like people get to know each other really well. I think my undergrad student population is larger than the town of kirksville ...which can be a good or bad thing I guess.
Yeah I went to Michigan State, so it was quite a change. But I'm loving it and am so happy I decided to come here! 😀

 

[bocciball]

Go to KCOM you won't regret it.