Looking for some guidance on choosing between two established DO schools. Recently accepted to both. Interested in pursuing internal medicine but hoping to specialize further into something far more competitive, possibly Hem/onc, allergy immunology, cardio. Undecided.
Des Moines University
Pros
- One of the better DO programs. Impressive outcomes (high comlex pass rate, high residency match rates, and impressive match results for a DO program)
- Brand new, larger campus as well, built 2023. Toured this facility and had impressive study spaces, hands on opportunities, SP simulations etc
- Cheaper tuition, cheaper cost of living - Likely would save upwards of at least $100k over four years with Total COA compared to CCOM
- Block schedule exam schedule, exams after several weeks of content, then flex week after
- About 4 4-hour drive to support system, located near Chicago and Milwaukee
- Classes not mandatory
Cons
- Heavy focus on OMM, not something I am too fond of
- Lack of focus on research, did not seem particularly emphasized during campus tour and in online materials, want to land good residency and I know research is important
- Letter grading, switching to H/HP/P/F I believe but still same concept as letter grading
- I have heard Rotations here are all over the place, limited opportunities near the school and could be forced to relocate to a far more rural area or middle of nowhere, but if someone knows otherwise please correct me
Midwestern CCOM
Pros
- Again a very established DO program, good match results, and high pass rates
- One of the biggest factors ---> way closer to family, support system
- Clinical rotations are all within the Chicago area, may be a far drive daily, but won't be sent long term to a state or city I don't want to be in
- Classes are not mandatory for attendance
- not as heavy a focus on OMM
- Far more research opportunities
- Excellent match list, I want to stay in the Chicago area for residency, across all specialties, almost 50% of students matched in Illinois
Cons
- The total COA is insane, will arguably leave with at minimum $400-450k in debt, can save some money by staying with extended family for the first year but not entirely likely to happen
- Letter grading
-Extremely frequent testing schedule, 1-2 exams weekly, not sure how this will affect quality of life
Summary: I am grateful to be accepted to both of these schools. I ultimately would want to end up with residency somewhere in the Chicago-Illinois surrounding area and while CCOM may offer me a far better chance at doing so, I am struggling to justify the total COA. I think I would be more comfortable staying close to home at CCOM, but it doesn't necessarily mean I would struggle academically at DMU. Staying close to my support system is important for me, but not sure if its worth an extra 100k minimum in loans Any guidance or advice is greatly appreciated!
Des Moines University
Pros
- One of the better DO programs. Impressive outcomes (high comlex pass rate, high residency match rates, and impressive match results for a DO program)
- Brand new, larger campus as well, built 2023. Toured this facility and had impressive study spaces, hands on opportunities, SP simulations etc
- Cheaper tuition, cheaper cost of living - Likely would save upwards of at least $100k over four years with Total COA compared to CCOM
- Block schedule exam schedule, exams after several weeks of content, then flex week after
- About 4 4-hour drive to support system, located near Chicago and Milwaukee
- Classes not mandatory
Cons
- Heavy focus on OMM, not something I am too fond of
- Lack of focus on research, did not seem particularly emphasized during campus tour and in online materials, want to land good residency and I know research is important
- Letter grading, switching to H/HP/P/F I believe but still same concept as letter grading
- I have heard Rotations here are all over the place, limited opportunities near the school and could be forced to relocate to a far more rural area or middle of nowhere, but if someone knows otherwise please correct me
Midwestern CCOM
Pros
- Again a very established DO program, good match results, and high pass rates
- One of the biggest factors ---> way closer to family, support system
- Clinical rotations are all within the Chicago area, may be a far drive daily, but won't be sent long term to a state or city I don't want to be in
- Classes are not mandatory for attendance
- not as heavy a focus on OMM
- Far more research opportunities
- Excellent match list, I want to stay in the Chicago area for residency, across all specialties, almost 50% of students matched in Illinois
Cons
- The total COA is insane, will arguably leave with at minimum $400-450k in debt, can save some money by staying with extended family for the first year but not entirely likely to happen
- Letter grading
-Extremely frequent testing schedule, 1-2 exams weekly, not sure how this will affect quality of life
Summary: I am grateful to be accepted to both of these schools. I ultimately would want to end up with residency somewhere in the Chicago-Illinois surrounding area and while CCOM may offer me a far better chance at doing so, I am struggling to justify the total COA. I think I would be more comfortable staying close to home at CCOM, but it doesn't necessarily mean I would struggle academically at DMU. Staying close to my support system is important for me, but not sure if its worth an extra 100k minimum in loans Any guidance or advice is greatly appreciated!
