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CCOM vs. NSU-COM
- Thread starter glam88
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Well Congratulations on being accepted to two great schools! Since I am only a pre-med myself I'll give you some general advice.
Did you feel like you "fit" one school over the other?
Do you prefer the heat over the cold? For example the temp right now at NSU is 77, at CCOM 19. BIG difference. I imagine CCOM has 4 seasons, NSU not so much. Of course, NSU is close to beaches.
Do you have family/friends/SO at either of these places?
What's the difference in tuition?
Have you compared the matchlists?
Hopefully this will get you thinking and then other people can add some more "school" related information later.😀
Did you feel like you "fit" one school over the other?
Do you prefer the heat over the cold? For example the temp right now at NSU is 77, at CCOM 19. BIG difference. I imagine CCOM has 4 seasons, NSU not so much. Of course, NSU is close to beaches.
Do you have family/friends/SO at either of these places?
What's the difference in tuition?
Have you compared the matchlists?
Hopefully this will get you thinking and then other people can add some more "school" related information later.😀
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I don't know what schools to pick, but i think you should consider the following when making a decision:
1) Tuition
2) Location
3) Clinical sites
4) Affliated residencies (http://opportunities.osteopathic.org/index.htm or each schools website)
5) Where you want to practice in the future (a lot of CCOMers end up in IL, but a lot of the students are from IL anyway.)
6) Research opportunities (if you are into that)
I don't know much about NSU, but CCOM is a good school.
1) Tuition
2) Location
3) Clinical sites
4) Affliated residencies (http://opportunities.osteopathic.org/index.htm or each schools website)
5) Where you want to practice in the future (a lot of CCOMers end up in IL, but a lot of the students are from IL anyway.)
6) Research opportunities (if you are into that)
I don't know much about NSU, but CCOM is a good school.
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I did this same thread about a month back. Take a look here is the link:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=586357
I still haven't decided for sure, put down my deposit at CCOM b/c it was due, have to put down money at NSU by tomorrow, might have to, all though I'm leaning towards CCOM at this point.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=586357
I still haven't decided for sure, put down my deposit at CCOM b/c it was due, have to put down money at NSU by tomorrow, might have to, all though I'm leaning towards CCOM at this point.
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Thanks! I will use your questions to start off...
Did you feel like you "fit" one school over the other?
Its really hard to tell. I didnt really get too much student interaction at both schools so it was difficult to judge.
Do you prefer the heat over the cold? For example the temp right now at NSU is 77, at CCOM 19. BIG difference. I imagine CCOM has 4 seasons, NSU not so much. Of course, NSU is close to beaches.
NSU hands down had better weather. I went to CCOM and it was starting to snow, and NSU was the complete opposite sunny and really beautiful....but I'm not sure that should be enough to determine which school is better. I feel that I should look at the programs and compare rotational locations.
Do you have family/friends/SO at either of these places?
Nope. Either way I am completely on my own.
What's the difference in tuition?
Its about a 10,000 dollar difference...NSU being around 34 -35000 and CCOM about 44,000 if I am not mistaken. Thats definitely something to consider but I think I should consider other factors before tuition even though it is still a pretty big deal.
Have you compared the matchlists?
Nope I have not compared matchlists which is something I reall need to do. CCOM gave us a list and I think that there matchlist seemed strong. I think the fact that they hand out a list of their students placements shows they have nothing to hide and they are openly show that their students are successful. However, I still need to do my homework about NSU's list and compare them side by side.
Did you feel like you "fit" one school over the other?
Its really hard to tell. I didnt really get too much student interaction at both schools so it was difficult to judge.
Do you prefer the heat over the cold? For example the temp right now at NSU is 77, at CCOM 19. BIG difference. I imagine CCOM has 4 seasons, NSU not so much. Of course, NSU is close to beaches.
NSU hands down had better weather. I went to CCOM and it was starting to snow, and NSU was the complete opposite sunny and really beautiful....but I'm not sure that should be enough to determine which school is better. I feel that I should look at the programs and compare rotational locations.
Do you have family/friends/SO at either of these places?
Nope. Either way I am completely on my own.
What's the difference in tuition?
Its about a 10,000 dollar difference...NSU being around 34 -35000 and CCOM about 44,000 if I am not mistaken. Thats definitely something to consider but I think I should consider other factors before tuition even though it is still a pretty big deal.
Have you compared the matchlists?
Nope I have not compared matchlists which is something I reall need to do. CCOM gave us a list and I think that there matchlist seemed strong. I think the fact that they hand out a list of their students placements shows they have nothing to hide and they are openly show that their students are successful. However, I still need to do my homework about NSU's list and compare them side by side.
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Weather in florida might be nice for 3/4 of the year but hurricane season is no fun especially in miami area. All it takes is one hurricane hit to shut the school down for weeks ie Tulane in New Orleans and utmb in Galveston, both schools have not even fully recovered.
its a game of Russian Roulette
its a game of Russian Roulette
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Def. I love the beach, but not the heat!!
How about class size?
I believe NSU is integrated systems, CCOM traditional curriculum. Do you prefer one over another?
What type of prep do they offer for COMPLEX?
Number of elective rotations?
You may also want to look on the current DO student threads for each school and see if they have anything more to offer.
How about class size?
I believe NSU is integrated systems, CCOM traditional curriculum. Do you prefer one over another?
What type of prep do they offer for COMPLEX?
Number of elective rotations?
You may also want to look on the current DO student threads for each school and see if they have anything more to offer.
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I know CCOM is going up to 200, and NSU is about 230 I think...so about the same..
Can someone elaborate on what exactly is integrated systems and what is the traditional approach?
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Thanks Dr. Roast. This is really a tough choice. I think I am also leaning towards CCOM because I think the fist two years its an intense program that will prepare students well, and I think the clinical rotations are one the best...
...but on the other hand I keep thinking of NSU. I think the students were more laid-back, but I think the CCOM students might have been stressed because they have exams once or twice a week. I also think NSU also has some strong hospitals for rotations<and plus it is cheaper>>>
really reall tough choice>>>
>>does anyone know if for ccom you stay at one hospital for your core rotations or rotate through other hospitals as well>>>i know nsu you stay at one hospital for all core rotations>>>not sure if its a good thing?
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Its so funny that you said the above. I'm in the exact same spot. Almost sure I want CCOM, but then NSU is sitting in the back of my mind b/c the students were so cool and stress free and such. NSU has great affiliations, but CCOM's are the best of any school. To answer your other questions: At Nova you stay at one hospital for all cores. At CCOM you choose what they call a track, where you do your core's in the order of the track you are on. For your track you rotate through different hospitals, so you get to see many different places and areas of Chi-Town. Another reason I was attracted to it. At least this is the way I understood it when I called the Deans office to ask a list of questions (Which they were more than glad and proud to answer I might add). Still a very tough choice though.
Just so that nobody shows up and gets shocked by this...we at NSU also have exams once a week (normally on monday), maybe twice a week for one or two weeks a semester (m/f)
🙂
Even with that though, you're right. the stress level isn't bad.
There is a thread about system-based vs. traditional curriculum that could expand on what I'm saying.
Basically system-based is where you will cover a specific system say renal and you learn everything about that not limited to: biochem, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology ect. Then you move on to a new system.
Some love it because it you focus at lot for a short period and move on.
Traditional is where you cover each topic as a separate class. A pathology class that covers all systems, a pharmacology class, ect.
Some say this is easier for board review.
Basically system-based is where you will cover a specific system say renal and you learn everything about that not limited to: biochem, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology ect. Then you move on to a new system.
Some love it because it you focus at lot for a short period and move on.
Traditional is where you cover each topic as a separate class. A pathology class that covers all systems, a pharmacology class, ect.
Some say this is easier for board review.
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Seriously I feel like I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and make a decision. I have a few more weeks before NSU's deposit. At Chicago, it also felt like there were so many people from the region and boardering states...but NSU I felt the interviewers were from all over the country and it felt like a more diverse group which I really liked. Oh boy....anyone with opinions? I'm open to posititves, negatives, anything I can get...
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Thanks beckhunter...Wow you are a really knowledgeable pre-med.
I thought it was topic based in the first year at NSU and then system-based in the second...singinfifi, anyone correct me if I am wrong?
Kind of? First year is kind of a mix...I'm not sure what you'd actually call it. I KNOW 2nd year is systems. Straight up. But take physiology for example. We've had Cardio, respiratory, next up is neuro, renal etc etc. It strikes me as kind of an over view of what we'll see in systems. Yes, it is technicaly "topic based" but they're forever relating the classes to eachother...It's pretty cool actually. You get the VERY obvious sense that none of the thigns you are learning exist in a vaccume, but at the same time, they are being compartmentalized a bit so that you can tackle them easier (initialy).
Systems is the way to go. I feel like you REALLY are gonna learn the material better that way. That said, as someone w/o a physio or anatomy background, I'd probably die in a strictly systems based cirriculum (because I didn't know the basics). I like the way nova does it (I think...I'll let you know next year, but it seems pretty good so far, and the 2nd years I've talked to about it agree). Exposure then detail.
Hoep this was helpful.
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I canceled my CCOM interview, NSU wins over it for me. Biggest factors were 1) tuition 2) location.
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I would say NSU wins in the tuition and location categories...and thats whats making it so difficult. What should be the biggest factors?
Ahhhh I dont know which one to pick.
I was going to tell you to come to CCOM because of how established it is, its match lists, its rotations, reputation, etc. However, I wokeup this morning in Chicago and saw that it is -11 degrees...
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LOL, I guess thats that price you have to pay to take advantage of the things you mentioned. Still worth it in my opinion, buts thats pretty darn cold.- Joined
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Haha thats why its so hard to say no to florida...warm weather, palm trees, beaches...oh wait I have to study...
...Seriously NSU seems pretty good, so its just making it difficult.
Is it worth paying an extra 10,000 a year (actually will end up being more due to accumulating interest) for CCOM.... that is well-established, best clinicals, one of the best matches...
...or is it what each individual makes of their education, so maybe I should pick NSU?
...yea this is what is going through my brain...maybe someone should just tell me what to do.
...Seriously NSU seems pretty good, so its just making it difficult.
Is it worth paying an extra 10,000 a year (actually will end up being more due to accumulating interest) for CCOM.... that is well-established, best clinicals, one of the best matches...
...or is it what each individual makes of their education, so maybe I should pick NSU?
...yea this is what is going through my brain...maybe someone should just tell me what to do.
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So funny, your doing the exact same thing I did when deciding between the two....trying to convince yourself its ok to turn down CCOM for the school you felt more comfortable at. Same thing I did. In the end I decided on CCOM b/c I'm interested in competitive specialties and didn't want to think 10 years later "man maybe I'd of got what I wanted if I'd gone to CCOM." Also, I realized that I wouldn't even have been considering NSU if it weren't on the beach in FL, put the two in the same location, no brainer. I just felt CCOM was a better opportunity for my personal goals, and I wanted no regrets. So, I'm here to tell you, if you felt more comfortable at NSU, then go with it b/c that's what it sounds like you want to do. Your education is what you make of it as you have heard. You won't regret choosing it, its a fabulous school. I'm interested to see what decision you make, since we were in the same situation with similar mindsets.
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Go to city-data.com and tell me if you still think it's a better location.
I meant it toward traditional (I believe, I have a cold now so it's all a little fuzzy).
Of course, what one student thrives at, another could fail. So I meant it in a very general sense and some hearsay from other threads.
Of course, what one student thrives at, another could fail. So I meant it in a very general sense and some hearsay from other threads.
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Chicago is the greatest city in the world. Florida is nice, but Chi trumps Fla in location. I'd say the only advantage to Fla (obviously I'm biased) is the tuition. Keep in mind at CCOM you'll probably live in the burbs your first 2 years, but once you move to Chicago for clinicals you'll never want to leave. PM me with any ?'s.
downer's grove vs. ft lauderdale-davie?
what do you want us to look at from that website anyway?
I couldn't figure it out for the life of me.
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the only people that would prefer downers grove are the people that...look like the folks that live there already. I, as a minority, who loves diversity, would never want to live there.
Hey Glam88,
Have you made your decision? I'm interested in what you decided to go with and why if you don't mind sharing??
Have you made your decision? I'm interested in what you decided to go with and why if you don't mind sharing??
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Yea I havent decided quite yet. I still have a little bit of time til I have to send in my deposit.
Oh, okay. Well I would love to know your decision once you make it. No matter which you choose I think you will be getting a great education.
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Oh yea definitely. I am leaning towards CCOM, but not sure.
I read through the Pros/cons of DO schools thread and I got the impression that people were more satisfied with CCOM. That's taking into account only a few peoples opinions, however.
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Not sure why you would say that. Downer's Grove has a significant minority population and is a part of Chicago area, which is one of the most diverse metropolises in the US. And I am a minority.
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downers grove, is 87% white. that is why i said that. Fort lauderdale is only 57% white, with a significant percent of that 57% neing persians and other groups who are lumped into that category. we were not comparing chicago to fort lauderdale. we were comparing downers grove to fort lauderdale. got anything else to say? 2 years in downers grove is enough to make me want to shoot myself. moving from the hood to a significantly white homogenous population now, I know how important it is to have diversity. I am tired of the odd stares and smart ass remarks that people make towards me. Im just warning any other minorities out there that grew up in diverse places such as florida or cali, (diverse where people actually mingle together. from what i hear, my friends who grew up in chicago told me that it is diverse, but the races are rather segregated to different neighborhoods and parts of the city. and it is very evident) that race still does matter. I know most of you people will say that it isnt like that anymore, but that is just naive..... maybe for those of you who are bookworms and dont go out as much to bars and such wont care about this as much, as you will probably only be hanging out with fellow student or stuck in your room studying (not like its a bad thing, im sure we will all have to do alot of this), but for the more social folks, nothing sucks more than going out to a bar/club /party and not see anyone else that looks like you.
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Then you should be comparing Davie to Downers Grove, b/c DG is to Chicago like Dave is to Fort Lauderdale.
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davie: 72.2 % white. still significantly less than downers grove. with a large prtion of that 72% being made up of groups like persians, etc who have a large population in south florida and are considered "white". and davie is not like downers grove. davie, for one, is only about a 10 minute drive from DOWNTOWN ft lauderdale. and about a 5 minute drive via internal streets( non highway). any more?
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Sorry, didn't mean to chime in on the diversity argument, really don't know, but just saying if your going to compare the cities the schools are actually in you need to do it this way. Also, for years 3-4, your going to move into the city for both Chicago or Miami/Fort Lauderdale, and during years 1-2 will you have much time to notice the difference in diversity studying all the time. As fare as being farther away from downtown for both, I guess your right, but Chicago is a much larger city, so of course the burbs are going to be farther from the downtown area. Again sorry to disturb the diversity argument, not really what I was going for.
You are clearly unfamiliar with the area. You won't be going out to bars in Downers Grove, it's a small suburb. If you are going to be going out to party, you will be going to downtown Chicago, which is one of the most diverse places in the country, or possibly Naperville. I can only speak for myself, but as a minority, I have never felt uncomfortable in Downers Grove or its surrounding suburbs (Lombard, Oak Brook, Naperville, etc.), as they all have extremely large asian/indian communities. Naperville for example is 15.65% Asian and Oak Brook is 20.11%. Lombard which is literally TWO MINUTES away from CCOM is 8.70% African-American. Also, in Chicago I doubt you will be getting "stares" or "smart ass remarks". I live 5 minutes away from CCOM, and have a lot of experience with the area.
Westmont, another surrounding suburb I forgot to mention, "The racial makeup of the village was 78.02% White, 5.38% African American, 0.13% Native American, 11.95% Asian, 2.41% from other races, and 2.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race comprised 6.98% of the population."
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Discussions of Chicago vs South Florida. Or just independent discussions of Chicago and South Florida.
Cliff's Notes:
Chicago: near unanimous praise and affection
South Florida: the opposite
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where did you grow up? if you grew up in a predominantly white community, then you are used to it and dont know any better (not saying you did)..like i mentioned, my comments are geared towards people who came from places like cali and such.
and yes, chicago is very diverse. but like i said, it is very segregated.
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look folks, im not saying that ccom isnt the place to be, or that it isnt a great school. all im saying is, for me, coming from cali to the homgenous place im at now, that i would never consider moving back to a place where the population is so homogenous...even if its only 30 minutes from chicago (on a good day)... all im trying to do is give another perspective for minorities out there who came from very diverse areas and tend to hang out and have things in common with other minority groups. coming from cali, race was never an issue. where im at now, it clearly is and my fellow classmates are going through the same thing...they are also minorities and all from cali....(and again, the minorities in my classes that came from predominantly white communities dont notice it, because they are used to it)we all heard the same thing b4 coming here..how diverse and wonderfully accepting it is in this town and at this "liberal" school. but we've all experienced the same problems here...perhaps it is because we were spoiled growing up in cali, but regardless, my comments are meant for people who may feel that they are similar to me and for them to use it to use my story and experience to help them in making thier decisions. you people need to stop taking so much offense to this....
and of course most med students will hate south florida...the people there are absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, making most med-pre med students feel insecure and insignificant. I actually know quite a few pre med friends (girls) that dont want to go to the schools in south florida for this specific reason. you know there is some truth to this. dont try to be so argumentative.
and of course most med students will hate south florida...the people there are absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, making most med-pre med students feel insecure and insignificant. I actually know quite a few pre med friends (girls) that dont want to go to the schools in south florida for this specific reason. you know there is some truth to this. dont try to be so argumentative.
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for those of you who want to read more about the segregation of chicago and its neighborhoods. read here. i am really not interested in a pissing contest, so those of you who are "pissers", please dont reply.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/26/Chicago_tabbed_as_most_segregated_by_race/UPI-66921230316177/
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/dec/26/local/chi-segregation-26-dec26
http://www.luc.edu/curl/cfm40/data/minisynthesis.pdf
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/26/Chicago_tabbed_as_most_segregated_by_race/UPI-66921230316177/
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/dec/26/local/chi-segregation-26-dec26
http://www.luc.edu/curl/cfm40/data/minisynthesis.pdf
That is the dumbest thing Ive ever heard. Like an alleged population of "beautiful" people (if you call fake tits and perma-tans beautiful) is a legitimate reason for not picking a school.
It all depends on where you like to live. If cold ass suburban Illinois is your boat, then go to CCOM. If hot weather, beaches, and college girls in summer clothes raises your flag, go to Nova. Not everyone has this choice, so if you do count yourself lucky.
IMO "diversity" is over-rated. You know what diversity means in reality? More crime, more bums, more drug-seeking patients crowding your ERs. I'm not attacking any particular race, but this is city life. It's passing the same f*cking bums day in and day out on the streets and in the subways asking you for money so they can buy some booze. It's living in 'ethnic' neighborhoods where a kid gets clipped by a car full of cowards in a drive-by. It's running into someone every two hours who doesnt (read: refuses) to learn conversational english. It's never having anywhere to park, paying $6 for a beer, the smell of piss in the subway. Yeahhh city life....
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that is the dumbest thing ive ever heard. and i find it a bit offensive. plus, all of that is due to poverty, not diversity. crime is NOT racial. it has no color.
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So what was the purpose of this post...both of the major cities closest to campus (Chicago and Miami/Ft Lauderdale) will have all of those problems.
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