COMP-NW vs LECOM-SH

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I was wondering if anyone had any input to help me make a decision between COMP-NW in Lebanon, OR and LECOM-Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA. Originally, COMP-NW was my first choice because I'm from Washington state and it would be nice to stay in the Pacific Northwest, but I was put on the waitlist. I wasn't sure how the waitlist would move so I committed to LECOM-SH which means I've already invested about $5000 in deposit, rent, and moving fare. Recently, I was taken off the waitlist and while I'm thrilled about the acceptance, the amount of money I have already put into LECOM-SH kind of holds me back (also the tuition difference).

Here are my pros and cons lists:

COMP-NW pros:
- Close to home
- I liked the living area more vs. Greensburg + weather
- Meeting the students and faculty and hearing the presentations during my interview day gave me the impression that it was a welcoming community and that I would receive a quality education there
- Clinical rotations possibly in Washington
- I've also heard that residencies have a selection bias based on region and ideally I would like to stay in the west coast (does anyone have any experience with this? I'm not sure how true it is)

COMP-NW cons:
- 55k tuition vs 33k at LECOM
- Some streamed lectures from Pomona

LECOM-SH pros:
- Tuition is a big one
- I've already started investing on going LECOM and moving to Greensburg
- Lower cost of living

LECOM-SH cons:
- East coast
- Weather
- Honestly, I felt Greensburg was a little depressing but I mean I'll probably be inside studying anyway
- Dress code, but also not a big deal

I'm aware that it is also a decision between PBL vs. lecture so I'll be thinking about that too. If anyone has any input at all it would be greatly appreciated - maybe also about experiences with clinical rotations with each school. Right now I think I would be happier with the environment of COMP-NW and Lebanon, OR, but I don't know if it's worth the money when it comes down to it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ctran019]

I'd go to COMP-NW if you want to stay in close to Washington. PBL is a very unique learning style and if you weren't a HUGE fan during the PBL presentation then you're stuck with it the whole way through. Weather, morale, and happiness are also one of many things you deal with everyday and should be heavily considered. On the other hand, things like tuition can be remedied by living a slightly more frugal lifestyle post-residency.

 

[zukunft195]

You're only going to be in med school one time in your life. Choose the school at which you feel you'll be happier and more successful.

In the grand scheme of things, the $5000 really isn't significant. Hell, even the $90K overall tuition difference isn't all that significant. We're talking about four years of your life. We're talking about the launch pad for your future medical career.

I say go to COMP-NW.