Deciding between schools (what to include in a pro/con list)

[PTjay]

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I'm having a real tough time deciding between the 2 schools I've been accepted to so far. Please help me out and start me off with some pro/con ideas so I can attempt to make an objective choice.

I'll start off with a couple easy ones

tuition
location
reputation (but how much does this matter?)
clinical education
match list
OMM education
use of technology

 

[XCanadianRagwee]

think of them on your own. An objective choice might not be the best choice.

 

[Shinken]

My personal list was (in order of importance):

1) Tuition
2) Location
3) Clinical education

The rest (reputation, match list, etc.) didn't really matter to me. Match lists are good to see which programs are receptive to DO graduates. Reputation is very subjective so who cares. I definitely had to like the "feel" of the school as far as the physical facilities and environment, the attitude of the current students and the attitude of the staff (not the admissions people, because they always tend to be nice to recruit you, but the general mood of people you see working at the college that have nothing to do with admissions).

Trust your instincts and remember that medical school is what you make of it. Would you mind sharing which two schools you were admitted to? I'm sure current DO students can give you their opinions on their schools.

 

[scubadiva]

I'm still having the same issues as you. I think my thread was titled somethign along the lines of...having trouble deciding.

Location - whether or not it's too cold or too hot (would you have to get a vehicle for transportation, or trade it in like me 🙁 🙁 🙁

Family/friends - are you married or in a significant relationship? would this cause problems?

Tuition - for the obvious reasons

How did you feel you fit in at the school?

Did you like their rotation sites?

What did graduates say about the school? Rememeber, their opinion is a little more valid than someone who is barely in the system, merely because of having been through the whole 4 year experience already. look for a recent grad of the school - they can give you a ton of info.

What are their board scores?

What is their policy regarding failing a class?

Class size?

Structure of curriculum?

When are vacations?

When are tests?

What type of clinical exposure and how early?

Those are just a few things I was looking at. I am still confused. ARRGGGHHH!!!

Good luck! Hopefully, I didn't make things more complicated for you.

 

[mamitch4]

For me the structure of the curriculum, the location, tuition and my feeling about the school were the most important. The school I chose offers a Problem Based Learning track, which I think will help me to study and learn most efficiently. The location is in an area where I have a lot of support: friends, family, etc. Most important for me, every time I have visited (4) I have gotten good vibes and felt excited about the possibility of attending.
I think that educational experiences are what we make of them, and a positive, comfortable atmosphere allows us to better take advantage of opportunities. Sometimes if you relax a little, you'll realize which one just feels right.

 

[Dr JPH]

Location
Clinical Education
Reputation
Facilities
Size
Faculty
Students Attitudes about their own school

These are important to me.

PCOM came out on top with these.

But thats for ME.

You need to find the school that fits you best.

There are many types of Sobe drinks. Please...choose one that fits you. 😉