CUSOM vs RVUCOM

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dreday710

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I looked through previous threads with this decision, but have specific information that may make a difference.

RVUCOM
Pro: Established, great board scores, good match, students are happy, tests every 2 weeks, this is where I see myself practicing, great area, global medicine track, family 3 hours away
Neutral: For Profit (students seem ok with it), new area
Negative: More expensive, huge moving costs

CUSOM
Pro: Lots of potential, students really happy and motivated, rotations in pods to reduce costs, kaplan review for boards, cheap, really enthusiastic faculty, friends close by, good university attached, tests every 3 weeks
Neutral: lived here most of my life (went to school in ca though)
Negative: not established, no match list

I have an acceptance at CUSOM and an interview coming up for RVUCOM. I cancelled all other interviews. These were my two favorites to begin with. I am not sure what I will do if accepted in both so any opinions are welcomed.
 
That is tough to say. I already had two acceptances when these schools contacted me so I turned down interviews at both places. In the case of RVU it was really the cost of moving and cost of living in the area that seemed the most negative to me. With CUSOM, I have heard nothing but great things but couldn't really see myself risking giving up two acceptances at schools with an established history for one with that many unknowns. I honestly can not give you an opinion in either direction. It basically comes down to whether you are okay with the unknown factor of not having graduated a class yet or prefer a place with a more established track history.
 
kenjixshadow said:
Note to OP, RVU has a strong emphasis on OMM/OPP/OMT. If that isn't your thing, you may want to look at the other school. Also, I hope that you like snow from November to April & traffic everywhere from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Btw exam every 2 weeks isn't the best thing. You're more likely to be fatigue by the time step 1 rolls in, but RVU has one of the highest passing for COMPLEX 1 so they must be doing something right.
Click to expand...


We do? This is news to me.
 
Campbell has a strict attendance policy and professional dress code. Make sure you are OK with this if you attend there.
 
kenjixshadow said:
Note to OP, RVU has a strong emphasis on OMM/OPP/OMT. If that isn't your thing, you may want to look at the other school. Also, I hope that you like snow from November to April & traffic everywhere from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Btw exam every 2 weeks isn't the best thing. You're more likely to be fatigue by the time step 1 rolls in, but RVU has one of the highest passing for COMPLEX 1 so they must be doing something right.

Edit: @acapnial I read that from an OSM3 RVU student. Via http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/school-match-lists-unofficial.991686/
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Cusom has an hour lecture and 2 hrs of lab in omm each week, it is a full credit graded class
 
Thanks all for the feedback, I welcome more if you have it. The cost is what is making me question RVUCOM. I did the cost analysis last night and CUSOM would be about 10k cheaper. That being said, I am looking into scholarships, so that could possibly not be an issue. (rural health scholarship). Also, as a yoga teacher - I am stoked about OMM, but both schools do seem to have great OMM programs. They both have rural community service and global trips, so that is nice. I think RVUCOM's global trips are part of the tuition if you get in the program though, whereas CUSOM's require the student to pay airfare and food (heard from a student, so not sure). Would it be difficult to secure a residency in CO if I go to school at CUSOM?
 
RVU has Kaplan for step 1. So that isn't a plus for CUSOM.
We have one of the highest Comlex pass rates (99%-100%), but not certain about average scores.
The COA of both schools is roughly the same, so that is also not an issue. Yes you would have moving expenses to get to Denver, but in the long run, that is a drop in a bathtub of debt.
Yes, Denver has winter as was so aptly pointed out by Kenji... above, ummm duh. If you don't want to live in a place where it snows, you shouldn't go to a state that is a mile high and has mountains and snow. As for traffic, Denver... Major metropolitan area... so there's traffic in the morning and evenings. Again, DUH.
Tests... yeah this is medical school, Kenji not exactly sure if you're a student or not, but ummm med school is HARD, there's a lot of tests, sometimes it's every 2 weeks, sometimes there's 2-3 in a week. Most people consider smaller tests more often to be less stressful because you don't have to remember as much material or for as long. Because RVU does their systems courses where you see all of the material 2x before boards, we have a very high pass rate. I am pretty sure 90%+ of our students could pass the boards without studying.
 
As to the question about residency: Depends on what you want to go into, Denver residencies are competitive in any field, including FM. Outlying Colorado generally less competitive, but it's all about your board scores, not your school
 
dreday710 said:
Thanks all for the feedback, I welcome more if you have it. The cost is what is making me question RVUCOM. I did the cost analysis last night and CUSOM would be about 10k cheaper. That being said, I am looking into scholarships, so that could possibly not be an issue. (rural health scholarship). Also, as a yoga teacher - I am stoked about OMM, but both schools do seem to have great OMM programs. They both have rural community service and global trips, so that is nice. I think RVUCOM's global trips are part of the tuition if you get in the program though, whereas CUSOM's require the student to pay airfare and food (heard from a student, so not sure). Would it be difficult to secure a residency in CO if I go to school at CUSOM?
Click to expand...

There's a club you can join, where you do volunteer activities, like helping organize drugs for international trips. The more volunteering you do for this club, the more funding the school will give you for traveling. But the school won't pay for it outright.
 
The difference is that you get money in your COA for the trips instead of trying to find money out of nothing, at least for 3rd and 4th year...
 
A little off topic, but does anyone know what the GPA and MCAT averages are for these two schools? I m planning on applying next cycle.
 
007Cardio said:
A little off topic, but does anyone know what the GPA and MCAT averages are for these two schools? I m planning on applying next cycle.
Click to expand...

http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/academic_requirements.asp

3. A minimum science and cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Note: The chances for admission for a candidate with minimal grades are limited. Admission would require outstanding achievement on the part of the candidate during their career or unique individual circumstances. Preference will be given to candidates with a science and cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher. On average, candidates admitted to colleges of osteopathic medicine each of the past three years have GPAs > 3.4.

4. All candidates are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three (3) years of matriculation. MCAT scores within any section must be a 6 or higher.
Note: On average, candidates admitted to colleges of osteopathic medicine have MCAT scores > 24. RVUCOM does not combine the highest scores in each section from multiple exams. The mean MCAT score for the Class of 2016 was 27. Click here for more information about the MCAT.

http://www.campbell.edu/cusom/admissions/admissions-process-requirements/

Applicants should have achieved at least a 3.2 sciences and cumulative grade point average (GPA), on a 4.0 scale. The minimum overall GPA for acceptance is 3.2. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.2) results in improved chances for acceptance. CUSOM also places emphasis on the applicant’s interview.

(No info regarding MCAT averages)

Regional bias: CUSOM mission statement explicitly states they seek applicants who are looking to serve in primary care in NC. I don't think RVUCOM has a regional bias.
 
acapnial said:
There's a club you can join, where you do volunteer activities, like helping organize drugs for international trips. The more volunteering you do for this club, the more funding the school will give you for traveling. But the school won't pay for it outright.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry at which school?
 
dreday710 said:
I'm sorry at which school?
Click to expand...
At RVU. It's the club that is loosely attached to the global medicine track where fundraising helps offset a small amount of the cost of the trips. My understanding is that is ~100-200$...
RVU doesn't explicitly have a CO/regional bias, but the CO/Mtn west area is their largest group of students, ~60%, the remaining 40% come from other states. Main feeder states are MN, TX, CA...
 
AlteredScale said:
http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/academic_requirements.asp

3. A minimum science and cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Note: The chances for admission for a candidate with minimal grades are limited. Admission would require outstanding achievement on the part of the candidate during their career or unique individual circumstances. Preference will be given to candidates with a science and cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher. On average, candidates admitted to colleges of osteopathic medicine each of the past three years have GPAs > 3.4.

4. All candidates are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) within three (3) years of matriculation. MCAT scores within any section must be a 6 or higher.
Note: On average, candidates admitted to colleges of osteopathic medicine have MCAT scores > 24. RVUCOM does not combine the highest scores in each section from multiple exams. The mean MCAT score for the Class of 2016 was 27. Click here for more information about the MCAT.

http://www.campbell.edu/cusom/admissions/admissions-process-requirements/

Applicants should have achieved at least a 3.2 sciences and cumulative grade point average (GPA), on a 4.0 scale. The minimum overall GPA for acceptance is 3.2. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.2) results in improved chances for acceptance. CUSOM also places emphasis on the applicant’s interview.

(No info regarding MCAT averages)

Regional bias: CUSOM mission statement explicitly states they seek applicants who are looking to serve in primary care in NC. I don't think RVUCOM has a regional bias.
Click to expand...
I will update this for you. RVU class of 2018 has an average MCAT of 28.11 and GPA of 3.63.
 
AlteredScale said:
Thanks. I think it'll only go up from here honestly.
Click to expand...
I think so too. I'm curious to see the MCAT averages next year at the various schools. After that, I am assuming the MCAT will be scored differently, and I won't know what the numbers correlate to.
 
Bokeh said:
I think so too. I'm curious to see the MCAT averages next year at the various schools. After that, I am assuming the MCAT will be scored differently and so I won't have anything to compare to.
Click to expand...

Yes that will be an interesting to look at, though I'm happy I won't have to be apart of that process.

I think the next school to shoot up their MCAT expectations will be KCUMB. It seems wherever Dr. Dubin goes (from TCOM to RVUCOM) the MCAT average goes up significantly.
 
AlteredScale said:
Yes that will be an interesting to look at, though I'm happy I won't have to be apart of that process.

I think the next school to shoot up their MCAT expectations will be KCUMB. It seems wherever Dr. Dubin goes (from TCOM to RVUCOM) the MCAT average goes up significantly.
Click to expand...
So I just checked the 2015 MCAT will be scored between a 472 and 528 total. So it's completely different haha. I think KCUMB will definitely go up. I had the fortune of getting accepted there, but another school just fit better. I'd really like to see more of these established schools push > 29 for the class of 2019.
 
Bokeh said:
So I just checked the 2015 MCAT will be scored between a 472 and 528 total. So it's completely different haha. I think KCUMB will definitely go up. I had the fortune of getting accepted there, but another school just fit better. I'd really like to see more of these established schools push > 29 for the class of 2019.
Click to expand...

Haha perhaps they're trying to emulate medical board scores which have random numbers assigned (500-800 ComPlex, and 150-270, best estimate I have but I'm probably off).

Glad to hear you found a school that fits you well. I agree, with the AOA/ACGME merger in full tow, I see those established schools pulling towards the same admissions standards as many of the MD schools within the next decade.
 
Prncssbuttercup said:
RVU has Kaplan for step 1. So that isn't a plus for CUSOM.
We have one of the highest Comlex pass rates (99%-100%), but not certain about average scores.
The COA of both schools is roughly the same, so that is also not an issue. Yes you would have moving expenses to get to Denver, but in the long run, that is a drop in a bathtub of debt.
Yes, Denver has winter as was so aptly pointed out by Kenji... above, ummm duh. If you don't want to live in a place where it snows, you shouldn't go to a state that is a mile high and has mountains and snow. As for traffic, Denver... Major metropolitan area... so there's traffic in the morning and evenings. Again, DUH.
Tests... yeah this is medical school, Kenji not exactly sure if you're a student or not, but ummm med school is HARD, there's a lot of tests, sometimes it's every 2 weeks, sometimes there's 2-3 in a week. Most people consider smaller tests more often to be less stressful because you don't have to remember as much material or for as long. Because RVU does their systems courses where you see all of the material 2x before boards, we have a very high pass rate. I am pretty sure 90%+ of our students could pass the boards without studying.
Click to expand...
CUSOM does have Kaplan, but I was also told they include the costs of USMLERx and COMBANK, but I don't remember the source from the interview day so I could be wrong.

A minor note: CUSOM gives you a laptop for your preclinical years because they have you do your tests on the laptop, and tablets for rotations. You get to keep both.
 
Prncssbuttercup said:
Ummm that just means it adds to your tuition... They aren't free.
Click to expand...
This. Someone actually thought that your school would give you something out of the kindness of their heart?! 🤣

We were "given" laptops at our school as well, and I would have much preferred they didn't. They are overpriced, underpowered, and they make it abundantly clear it is their property until you graduate. We are even responsible for most hardware issues we have.
 
Prncssbuttercup said:
Ummm that just means it adds to your tuition... They aren't free.
Click to expand...
I suggest you reread my comment, where I say, "include the cost of", not "free". Obviously nothing is free, but if the inclusion of a Kaplan course was originally a plus to the OP, then the inclusion of questions banks should be a plus too.

EDIT: OP already said CUSOM would be cheaper for them, so frankly, getting more stuff with lower tuition is a plus. But I wasn't trying to argue either way since I have no personal stake in where OP goes, just throwing up random stuff.
 
To the OP, I would go to RVU

kenjixshadow said:
Note to OP, RVU has a strong emphasis on OMM/OPP/OMT. If that isn't your thing, you may want to look at the other school. Also, I hope that you like snow from November to April & traffic everywhere from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Btw exam every 2 weeks isn't the best thing. You're more likely to be fatigue by the time step 1 rolls in, but RVU has one of the highest passing for COMPLEX 1 so they must be doing something right.

Edit: @acapnial I read that from an OSM3 RVU student. Via http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/school-match-lists-unofficial.991686/
Click to expand...
It's COMLEX, not COMPLEX btw
 
If I already had a working computer & tablet I'd rather not have to pay for an extra set...
 
O Grady said:
This. Someone actually thought that your school would give you something out of the kindness of their heart?! 🤣

We were "given" laptops at our school as well, and I would have much preferred they didn't. They are overpriced, underpowered, and they make it abundantly clear it is their property until you graduate. We are even responsible for most hardware issues we have.
Click to expand...
Seriously, did you read? No where did I say it was free. I even started the comment with "included the costs of" and I stated specifically they give you a laptop because they want you to use it to take tests, not because they're nice (although CUSOM faculty are very nice). At interview day at CUSOM, I saw some people use the laptop they were given and others used their own. It doesn't really matter, hence why I said it was a minor note. Obviously it's not what OP should base their entire decision on. CUSOM does have their own IT to fix any laptop problems, which I've heard is decent from students, but again, can't say for sure.

Prncssbuttercup said:
If I already had a working computer & tablet I'd rather not have to pay for an extra set...
Click to expand...
Again, OP already stated CUSOM is cheaper for them in comparison to RVU. On that note, getting more stuff for less is a plus. A minor plus, I think, but still a plus.
 
Are we serious doing this rivalry thing?
Just go wherever you feel like you should go.

to campbell students, campbell is better.
to rvu students, rvu is better.
 
polylux said:
Seriously, did you read? No where did I say it was free. I even started the comment with "included the costs of" and I stated specifically they give you a laptop because they want you to use it to take tests, not because they're nice (although CUSOM faculty are very nice). At interview day at CUSOM, I saw some people use the laptop they were given and others used their own. It doesn't really matter, hence why I said it was a minor note. Obviously it's not what OP should base their entire decision on. CUSOM does have their own IT to fix any laptop problems, which I've heard is decent from students, but again, can't say for sure.


Again, OP already stated CUSOM is cheaper for them in comparison to RVU. On that note, getting more stuff for less is a plus. A minor plus, I think, but still a plus.
Click to expand...
I wasn't referring specifically to you, but to the plethora of people I met while interviewing, in UG, etc that say things like "Isn't that awesome!? They give us laptops/ipads!!"
 
Those people also seem to think that they somehow didn't pay for them because they never saw a bill.
 
Thank you all for your contributions. I know they are both great schools - which is why I created this thread. I think my main concern is cost vs establishment. Should I go to a lesser cost school that I am 90% sure will help me get board scores to match a family medicine residency that I like, or should I pay more and live in an area that I love and want to live in, at an established school. It is a personal choice, I know, just want to know if other people have faced similar choices so I can hear their reasoning. Let's try and keep it positive though - seems like there is a lot of negativity.
 
Seriously, 10k is nothing. Even 10k/yr is nothing.
You need to go where you'll be happiest & that's really it.
 
300k vs 290k is the essence of the debate, not NEARLY significant enough to be a decision maker or breaker. 300k vs 260k for happiness while in medical school, of which I have experience and you do not, will not seem like a mistake "when it's all said 'n' done".
 
You aren't in medical school, sooooo
 
ChiTownBHawks said:
Except that's just about a 100k mistake when it's all said 'n' done.
Click to expand...

Depends on what you consider a mistake. Personally, I'd rather go to school in a location I enjoy and have 100k more in debt than go the cheaper route and be unhappy with where I live.
 
It would be 40k over 4 years. Not entirely sure how much this sways my decision though. I think I just need to go to RVUCOM and feel it out.
 
That is my point. If we were talking a huge amount, like the difference between TCOM and anywhere, that's one thing, but if you really like RVU more, it isn't enough to be unhappy. Plus having family nearby is important.
 
Prncssbuttercup said:
That is my point. If we were talking a huge amount, like the difference between TCOM and anywhere, that's one thing, but if you really like RVU more, it isn't enough to be unhappy. Plus having family nearby is important.
Click to expand...
I like NC too, but Colorado would be a dream. I just hope I made the right choice in cancelling my other interviews. Too late now. If PCOM gets back to me, I will definitely consider it too.
 
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