COMP-NW vs. PNWU

[Wabi-sabi]

I've been accepted to both schools and need help deciding between the two and am leaning toward PNWU right now. It seems like both schools are pretty similar in terms of outcomes but COMP-NW might be slightly better for non-PC matching, which is a plus. It also seems like rotations and research aren't as good at PNWU as COMP-NW but that's just from impressions I had during the interview. COMP-NW also has ortho, gen surg, derm, and a few other residencies close by and they're sort of affiliated whereas PNWU doesn't but still matches into those residencies each year. Basically, does anyone have any insight on which school would be better in terms of matching into more competitive specialties and would I be making a mistake going to PNWU?

Also, not sure if this matters much, but my LM is ~61 and the average for COMP-NW is 66 and PNWU is 61.

COMP-NW
H/HP/P/F
Better rotations it seemed
Better research opportunities
Specialized tracks that seemed like they'd be beneficial
Better reputation on the west coast (?)
Seemed like they prepared students better for matching into non-pc residencies
More $

PNWU
Less $
H/P/F
Closer to SO
Everyone seemed close/good environment
Heard nothing but good things from students/friends
Some rotations worries supposedly with a hospital closing in Yakima and ICOM starting
Better weather

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[deleted936470]

We've chatted already but I wanted to chime in again and say I don't think attending PNWU would be a mistake by any means. Tough call, good luck.

 

[Wabi-sabi]

We've chatted already but I wanted to chime in again and say I don't think attending PNWU would be a mistake by any means. Tough call, good luck.

Thanks for the insight earlier, I really appreciate it!

 

[Espressso]

Less tuition and closer to SO....easy decision

 

[deleted936470]

Less tuition and closer to SO....easy decision

Less tuition, but when you compare the total package of COA and fees/supplies, the schools are roughly the same. On some accounts, PNWU is slightly more expensive - PNWU makes up for it elsewhere.
SO/family nearby would be the tiebreaker.

 

[Wabi-sabi]

Less tuition and closer to SO....easy decision

So the seemingly better rotations, connections, and research opportunities at COMP-NW don't really factor into the decision much?

 

[Espressso]

So the seemingly better rotations, connections, and research opportunities at COMP-NW don't really factor into the decision much?

Yeah they do. But I think being closer to your SO is really important in my opinion. You can grind at any DO school. The rotations are all going to be similar. The variance there isn't that much. But really, the biggest and most important factor is the debt. I'd choose the one that gives you the least amount of graduating debt. For me, being close to my SO was really important too. But that is a very personalized decision.

 

[Wabi-sabi]

Yeah they do. But I think being closer to your SO is really important in my opinion. You can grind at any DO school. The rotations are all going to be similar. The variance there isn't that much. But really, the biggest and most important factor is the debt. I'd choose the one that gives you the least amount of graduating debt. For me, being close to my SO was really important too. But that is a very personalized decision.

Thanks for the detailed response!

 

[WAnative]

4th year DO here, very familiar with both schools. to me it depends how serious you are with SO, if thats your future spouse then i think the decision is easy, if not, I think COMP NW offers slightly better rotations and may match more into non-PC if that is your interest, however, matching is almost entirely and individual effort so dont forget that, and DO rotations in the NW are largely similar. you may have to travel more at PNWU though pending your interests. COMP NW has sound sites in portland where you can access any speciality easily. cost is a wash imo. grading is irrelevant, just do well. youll find your friends at either school, vibes are largely similar. to simplify the relationship, to me, is your key deciding factor. good luck youll do well at either!