Got Into BCOM. Wondering how to deal with other schools moving forward?

[DecisionTime2017]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all!

I just got into BCOM today and am now wondering how to proceed with my remaining DO apps. As you can see from my signature, I initially applied broadly to 21 DO schools and am still waiting to hear back from the vast majority of them. Taking out those which have given me a definitive rejection or acceptance, I've got 17 schools left on my list.

While I know the vast majority of the 17 won't invite me to interview anyways, I'd like to start getting some mental clarity on where its worth spending my interview dollars if offered. While finances are not a hard limit, I'm not keen on spending my parents money unwisely. They've been very generous in supporting me through this process and I don't want to waste their time or money. That's why I'm trying to narrow down the list of schools that I would interview at moving forward if offered. I was wondering what the advice on here was for the following issues:

1. I was invited to interview at ACOM yesterday. Is it worth going? I have some skepticism about the location but I'm willing to atleast see the place if there are any factors that make it stand out over BCOM.
2. I just got the secondary for Touro-NY today. It's my last secondary. If I remember correctly though, this school gets a lot of hate on here and I've found differing information on why. Is it worth paying the secondary fee and proceeding with my application here or should I just drop it from consideration now that I've gotten in somewhere?
3. I was thinking of dropping AZCOM (where I'm on a pre-interview hold) and CCOM from my list. They cost $15K/yr more than BCOM does in tuition and, additionally, cost of living is higher in those locations. I'd probably be looking at atleast 80K more debt at graduation (plus interest!) if I went there. Thoughts on this? Should I mentally exclude them or are they worth the extra money?
4. Generally speaking, are there any schools that you would say that BCOM is so definitively better than that I should decline interview offers if they come in? More specifically, how do you guys feel about LMU-DCOM, NYITCOM-AR, Touro-NV, and KYCOM relative to BCOM? These are others I was considering dropping because of location. (so similar situation as I'm in at ACOM, but theoretical given that I haven't heard back from these schools yet)

 

[edgerock24]

Hi all!

I just got into BCOM today and am now wondering how to proceed with my remaining DO apps. As you can see from my signature, I initially applied broadly to 21 DO schools and am still waiting to hear back from the vast majority of them. Taking out those which have given me a definitive rejection or acceptance, I've got 17 schools left on my list.

While I know the vast majority of the 17 won't invite me to interview anyways, I'd like to start getting some mental clarity on where its worth spending my interview dollars if offered. While finances are not a hard limit, I'm not keen on spending my parents money unwisely. They've been very generous in supporting me through this process and I don't want to waste their time or money. That's why I'm trying to narrow down the list of schools that I would interview at moving forward if offered. I was wondering what the advice on here was for the following issues:

1. I was invited to interview at ACOM yesterday. Is it worth going? I have some skepticism about the location but I'm willing to atleast see the place if there are any factors that make it stand out over BCOM.
2. I just got the secondary for Touro-NY today. It's my last secondary. If I remember correctly though, this school gets a lot of hate on here and I've found differing information on why. Is it worth paying the secondary fee and proceeding with my application here or should I just drop it from consideration now that I've gotten in somewhere?
3. I was thinking of dropping AZCOM (where I'm on a pre-interview hold) and CCOM from my list. They cost $15K/yr more than BCOM does in tuition and, additionally, cost of living is higher in those locations. I'd probably be looking at atleast 80K more debt at graduation (plus interest!) if I went there. Thoughts on this? Should I mentally exclude them or are they worth the extra money?
4. Generally speaking, are there any schools that you would say that BCOM is so definitively better than that I should decline interview offers if they come in? More specifically, how do you guys feel about LMU-DCOM, NYITCOM-AR, Touro-NV, and KYCOM relative to BCOM? These are others I was considering dropping because of location. (so similar situation as I'm in at ACOM, but theoretical given that I haven't heard back from these schools yet)

I'd definitely attend the ACOM interview. For the other schools, they're decent. Up to you if you think you'd be interested in going there/living in those areas, etc.

How much is the deposit for BCOM and how long do you have to make the decision?

 

[Rekt]

Hi all!

I just got into BCOM today and am now wondering how to proceed with my remaining DO apps. As you can see from my signature, I initially applied broadly to 21 DO schools and am still waiting to hear back from the vast majority of them. Taking out those which have given me a definitive rejection or acceptance, I've got 17 schools left on my list.

While I know the vast majority of the 17 won't invite me to interview anyways, I'd like to start getting some mental clarity on where its worth spending my interview dollars if offered. While finances are not a hard limit, I'm not keen on spending my parents money unwisely. They've been very generous in supporting me through this process and I don't want to waste their time or money. That's why I'm trying to narrow down the list of schools that I would interview at moving forward if offered. I was wondering what the advice on here was for the following issues:

1. I was invited to interview at ACOM yesterday. Is it worth going? I have some skepticism about the location but I'm willing to atleast see the place if there are any factors that make it stand out over BCOM.
2. I just got the secondary for Touro-NY today. It's my last secondary. If I remember correctly though, this school gets a lot of hate on here and I've found differing information on why. Is it worth paying the secondary fee and proceeding with my application here or should I just drop it from consideration now that I've gotten in somewhere?
3. I was thinking of dropping AZCOM (where I'm on a pre-interview hold) and CCOM from my list. They cost $15K/yr more than BCOM does in tuition and, additionally, cost of living is higher in those locations. I'd probably be looking at atleast 80K more debt at graduation (plus interest!) if I went there. Thoughts on this? Should I mentally exclude them or are they worth the extra money?
4. Generally speaking, are there any schools that you would say that BCOM is so definitively better than that I should decline interview offers if they come in? More specifically, how do you guys feel about LMU-DCOM, NYITCOM-AR, Touro-NV, and KYCOM relative to BCOM? These are others I was considering dropping because of location. (so similar situation as I'm in at ACOM, but theoretical given that I haven't heard back from these schools yet)

I wouldn't drop AZCOM/CCOM yet as they're better than all the schools you mentioned. I would take BCOM over NY-AR and KYCOM. ACOM/LMU are fine, I'd probably go to those and see how you like them in comparison as they're more established than BCOM.

 

[SirCourageWolf]

AZCOM's COA is pretty pricey so, if I were in your shoes, I might cut that. Wet your feet at ACOM and get a taste for the area and school, it's becoming a contender in many ways and an avg MCAT of ~502 already.

 

[Fat Lil Chubster]

Hi all!

I just got into BCOM today and am now wondering how to proceed with my remaining DO apps. As you can see from my signature, I initially applied broadly to 21 DO schools and am still waiting to hear back from the vast majority of them. Taking out those which have given me a definitive rejection or acceptance, I've got 17 schools left on my list.

While I know the vast majority of the 17 won't invite me to interview anyways, I'd like to start getting some mental clarity on where its worth spending my interview dollars if offered. While finances are not a hard limit, I'm not keen on spending my parents money unwisely. They've been very generous in supporting me through this process and I don't want to waste their time or money. That's why I'm trying to narrow down the list of schools that I would interview at moving forward if offered. I was wondering what the advice on here was for the following issues:

1. I was invited to interview at ACOM yesterday. Is it worth going? I have some skepticism about the location but I'm willing to atleast see the place if there are any factors that make it stand out over BCOM.
2. I just got the secondary for Touro-NY today. It's my last secondary. If I remember correctly though, this school gets a lot of hate on here and I've found differing information on why. Is it worth paying the secondary fee and proceeding with my application here or should I just drop it from consideration now that I've gotten in somewhere?
3. I was thinking of dropping AZCOM (where I'm on a pre-interview hold) and CCOM from my list. They cost $15K/yr more than BCOM does in tuition and, additionally, cost of living is higher in those locations. I'd probably be looking at atleast 80K more debt at graduation (plus interest!) if I went there. Thoughts on this? Should I mentally exclude them or are they worth the extra money?
4. Generally speaking, are there any schools that you would say that BCOM is so definitively better than that I should decline interview offers if they come in? More specifically, how do you guys feel about LMU-DCOM, NYITCOM-AR, Touro-NV, and KYCOM relative to BCOM? These are others I was considering dropping because of location. (so similar situation as I'm in at ACOM, but theoretical given that I haven't heard back from these schools yet)

This isn't particularly difficult. You're in. Any school that is less desirable than your acceptance should be canceled effective five minutes ago. Any place you believe to be better, continue on.

 

[DecisionTime2017]

I'd definitely attend the ACOM interview. For the other schools, they're decent. Up to you if you think you'd be interested in going there/living in those areas, etc.

How much is the deposit for BCOM and how long do you have to make the decision?

Deposit is 3K and it's due by 9/25. I'll be making the deposit, given I have no chance for getting another acceptance by then and I obviously don't want to lose what I already have in hopes of what may be yet to come.

I wouldn't drop AZCOM/CCOM yet as they're better than all the schools you mentioned. I would take BCOM over NY-AR and KYCOM. ACOM/LMU are fine, I'd probably go to those and see how you like them in comparison as they're more established than BCOM.

Thanks for the answer! Are AZCOM/CCOm really 80K+ better than the others though?

AZCOM's COA is pretty pricey so, if I were in your shoes, I might cut that. Wet your feet at ACOM and get a taste for the area and school, it's becoming a contender in many ways and an avg MCAT of ~502 already.

Thank you for the information! I'm leaning towards atleast interviewing at ACOM now given the praise it seems to be getting on here.

This isn't particularly difficult. You're in. Any school that is less desirable than your acceptance should be canceled effective five minutes ago. Any place you believe to be better, continue on.

I understand the general principle, but I can only speak to location and cost, as well as a little bit of what I've gathered about other factors. The point of this thread was to allow me to see if there was something really standoutish about these other schools that I need to consider.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

3k due in September, when most people haven't even gone on many interviews yet?? That's a crazy policy....this is one of the things that, in my opinion, makes DO schools look bad. Why not give applicants until at least January, when they have a better idea of where they will/will not get interviews, to make a deposit?

Either way, I agree with the advice that you should only attend interviews at schools that you feel you would attend over BCOM. This is kind of up to you-- no one can tell you whether a certain school will be a better fit for you. Do some research and try to come up with a list of schools you would attend over BCOM! Throw out all the ones that don't make this list.

 

[HopefulDoc91]

Remember that BCOM is not eligible for FAFSA yet, so you will have a lot more interest to pay on private loans. Most definitely attend your ACOM interview; is your interview before the 9/25 deadline for BCOM? ACOM is pretty quick at giving you their decision, so see if you can get your interview there before that September cut off for BCOM.

 

[DecisionTime2017]

3k due in September, when most people haven't even gone on many interviews yet?? That's a crazy policy....this is one of the things that, in my opinion, makes DO schools look bad. Why not give applicants until at least January, when they have a better idea of where they will/will not get interviews, to make a deposit?

Either way, I agree with the advice that you should only attend interviews at schools that you feel you would attend over BCOM. This is kind of up to you-- no one can tell you whether a certain school will be a better fit for you. Do some research and try to come up with a list of schools you would attend over BCOM! Throw out all the ones that don't make this list.

One of the negatives of a for-profit institution I suppose...they're trying to make money off of those of us accepted but unsure of whether or not we'll attend.

I mean, I loved the campus, liked the city, and felt pretty good about the people there, but it is still a for profit institution at the end of the day and that does shine through on the little things.

Remember that BCOM is not eligible for FAFSA yet, so you will have a lot more interest to pay on private loans. Most definitely attend your ACOM interview; is your interview before the 9/25 deadline for BCOM? ACOM is pretty quick at giving you their decision, so see if you can get your interview there before that September cut off for BCOM.

ACOM interview is 10/20 (that was the earliest available) so I have to pay the 3K no matter what really...

The interest thing is important but not crucial to me...It seems as though BCOM is on track to have federal loans by what would be my second year anyways.

 

[djtallahassee]

Dear god, interview and send early acceptances for 3k. It's beautiful.

This is high right? I hadn't done much research but thought it was on the 1k range.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[DecisionTime2017]

Dear god, interview and send early acceptances for 3k. It's beautiful.

This is high right? I hadn't done much research but thought it was on the 1k range.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

I have yet to see a higher number for any medical school, worldwide.

Most DO's appear to be in the 1000-1500 range from what I can tell.

 

[JamesPotterMS-3]

I'd go to Touro NV for sure.

 

[Fat Lil Chubster]

One of the negatives of a for-profit institution I suppose...they're trying to make money off of those of us accepted but unsure of whether or not we'll attend.

I mean, I loved the campus, liked the city, and felt pretty good about the people there, but it is still a for profit institution at the end of the day and that does shine through on the little things.

I hate to break it to you, but you need to understand there is really very little difference between for profit and non-profit. Both want to make money, it is just a matter of how taxes are filed. My school labels them self "non-profit" and yet they pay ridiculously high salaries to a high number of administrators with relentless tuition increases every year. Don't be fooled, I wouldn't let the profit status of a school be a deciding factor. Non-profit doesn't mean they have any interest in saving you money.

 

[DecisionTime2017]

I hate to break it to you, but you need to understand there is really very little difference between for profit and non-profit. Both want to make money, it is just a matter of how taxes are filed. My school labels them self "non-profit" and yet they pay ridiculously high salaries to a high number of administrators with relentless tuition increases every year. Don't be fooled, I wouldn't let the profit status of a school be a deciding factor. Non-profit doesn't mean they have any interest in saving you money.

I'm sorry if that came across as overly serious...I'm actually a bit of an uber-capitalist and really couldn't care less about for-profit status. I'd attend a med school with the monopoly man as the dean if I liked the location and the rotations/board scores/matches were good enough haha

Thanks for the info on the so-called non-profits though!

 

[HanSoloYolo]

Congrats on the acceptance! That's a big sigh of relief, but if I were you I would probably only keep the schools that in your mind are better than BCOM. CCOM's justification are the rotations around the Chicagoland area, but if you don't care for that then you can drop due to the higher cost. BCOM is a great school from what I've heard and the location isn't bad either.

 

[DecisionTime2017]

Congrats on the acceptance! That's a big sigh of relief, but if I were you I would probably only keep the schools that in your mind are better than BCOM. CCOM's justification are the rotations around the Chicagoland area, but if you don't care for that then you can drop due to the higher cost. BCOM is a great school from what I've heard and the location isn't bad either.

Between the fact that it's 80K extra tuition + much higher cost of living + interest, it ends up being well over 100K extra to attend CCOM over BCOM.

Unless there's some fatal flaw with BCOM (which to the best of my knowledge and from the comments on here, there isn't), I would never take that deal.

 

[IslandStyle808]

3k due in September, when most people haven't even gone on many interviews yet?? That's a crazy policy....this is one of the things that, in my opinion, makes DO schools look bad. Why not give applicants until at least January, when they have a better idea of where they will/will not get interviews, to make a deposit?

Why would they when it doesn't benefit them?

You are not think about it from their point of view. They just gave an acceptance to an applicant who would most likely be given acceptances to other schools. BCOM hasn't established itself yet and so what better way to lock down a good applicant by giving them a ultimatum of a "3k deposit" or lose your acceptance.

 

[holdthemayo]

Why would they when it doesn't benefit them?

You are not think about it from their point of view. They just gave an acceptance to an applicant who would most likely be given acceptances to other schools. BCOM hasn't established itself yet and so what better way to lock down a good applicant by giving them a ultimatum of a "3k deposit" or lose your acceptance.

Except that literally every other DO and MD school manages to deal with this issue without resorting to such extreme measures. A 3k deposit due in September is unforgivable. It is not a deposit, it is a ransom.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Except that literally every other DO and MD school manages to deal with this issue without resorting to such extreme measures. A 3k deposit due in September is unforgivable. It is not a deposit, it is a ransom.

MD schools only require a $100 deposit that is set by the LCME and not the schools themselves. If you took this rule away, I wouldn't be surprised if MD school go beyond that $100 deposit that is also refundable.

https://www.aamc.org/download/364264/data/2014trafficrules.pdf

And no DO school are using extreme measure when you compare them to their MD counterparts. Nearly every school charges over $1000 dollars, and there are also school that charge $3000. Don't forget none of these deposits are refundable.

Its not just BCOM that's bad you might as well put every DO school into that category (yes there are exceptions, and I probably could count them on one hand).

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Why would they when it doesn't benefit them?

You are not think about it from their point of view. They just gave an acceptance to an applicant who would most likely be given acceptances to other schools. BCOM hasn't established itself yet and so what better way to lock down a good applicant by giving them a ultimatum of a "3k deposit" or lose your acceptance.

I absolutely understand why they're doing it, I just think it is a pretty hefty deposit to require so early on. Most DO schools, while still much higher than their MD counterparts, have deposits in the 1k-2k range. The fact that they want a 3k deposit in itself isn't the problem I see, it's the fact that they are requiring it so early on in the cycle. Basically, they know that many of the students they've accepted thus far probably have not attended any other interviews yet, and likely don't know where they want to go. They are taking advantage of the applicant, in my opinion.

Yes, I understand the desire to make money in their eyes. And, maybe it is more than just making money: maybe they figure if you already drop 3k on them, you'll stick it out and end up actually attending, like you say. However, I would want to go to a school that wants to make me come there because it showed me it is superior to the rest, not because they forced me to pay them 3k in September before I went on any other interviews.

 

[Johnny Appleseed]

The amount isn't the issue IMO. It's only giving thirty days, that seems crazy. I thought all DO schools had to follow AACOMAS policy... Maybe I'm missing something, but this is on their website...

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[IslandStyle808]

I absolutely understand why they're doing it, I just think it is a pretty hefty deposit to require so early on. Most DO schools, while still much higher than their MD counterparts, have deposits in the 1k-2k range. The fact that they want a 3k deposit in itself isn't the problem I see, it's the fact that they are requiring it so early on in the cycle. Basically, they know that many of the students they've accepted thus far probably have not attended any other interviews yet, and likely don't know where they want to go. They are taking advantage of the applicant, in my opinion.

Yes, I understand the desire to make money in their eyes. And, maybe it is more than just making money: maybe they figure if you already drop 3k on them, you'll stick it out and end up actually attending, like you say. However, I would want to go to a school that wants to make me come there because it showed me it is superior to the rest, not because they forced me to pay them 3k in September before I went on any other interviews.

Fair point.

However, consider this, there are people who get accepted to MD school later on and have to pay a similar heft 1k-3k deposit that the more popular DO schools charge without a refund. Now is this fair?

 

[IslandStyle808]

The amount isn't the issue IMO. It's only giving thirty days, that seems crazy. I thought all DO schools had to follow AACOMAS policy... Maybe I'm missing something, but this is on their website...

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

AACOM encourages each of its member colleges to conduct an application process that is inclusive and professional. The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community and to give the colleges of osteopathic medicine the ability to process, select and matriculate applicants in a fair and timely manner.

1. Colleges of osteopathic medicine will publish and follow an application schedule.
2. Colleges of osteopathic medicine will publish their respective application procedures and admission requirements.
3. Colleges of osteopathic medicine may begin extending offers of admission at any time after the interview. Applicants will be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:

• Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14.
• Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
• Those accepted between January 15 and May 14 will have 14 days.
• Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate deposit.
• After May 15 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges.

I feel like this is saying its more of a guide than a requirement. Unfortunately, AACOM has always been like this and they is no real enforcement of these guidelines.

 

[Johnny Appleseed]

AACOM encourages each of its member colleges to conduct an application process that is inclusive and professional. The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community and to give the colleges of osteopathic medicine the ability to process, select and matriculate applicants in a fair and timely manner.

1. Colleges of osteopathic medicine will publish and follow an application schedule.
2. Colleges of osteopathic medicine will publish their respective application procedures and admission requirements.
3. Colleges of osteopathic medicine may begin extending offers of admission at any time after the interview. Applicants will be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:

• Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14.
• Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
• Those accepted between January 15 and May 14 will have 14 days.
• Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate deposit.
• After May 15 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges.

I feel like this is saying its more of a guide than a requirement. Unfortunately, AACOM has always been like this and they is no real enforcement of these guidelines.

"encourages" hmm. I guess some schools need some more encouragement.

"The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community"

The policy at BCOM (and I'm assuming some other DO schools) isn't fair to students like the OP. OP is basically forced to pay the deposit before they can explore other options. Seems pretty one sided. OP is also lucky to have some financial help. The decision would be much more difficult if one was very poor and after all other application costs, could only afford one deposit. This policy is especially negative and disadvantageous to those of a low SES (as most policies are). Seems ironic.

My advice would be pay deposit, attend other interviews, pick your favorite school, pay your parents back when you get that sweet 6-fig salary rolling in.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[DecisionTime2017]

Fair point.

However, consider this, there are people who get accepted to MD school later on and have to pay a similar heft 1k-3k deposit that the more popular DO schools charge without a refund. Now is this fair?

I think the point being made is that the policy is even more punitive than the average DO school. For example, ACOM requires 2K deposit but not until Dec 14.

Yes, with DO Schools, you often lose a big deposit if you decide to change, but nobody else seems to be trying to take advantage of students so early.

"encourages" hmm. I guess some schools need some more encouragement.

"The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community"

The policy at BCOM (and I'm assuming some other DO schools) isn't fair to students like the OP. OP is basically forced to pay the deposit before they can explore other options. Seems pretty one sided. OP is also lucky to have some financial help. The decision would be much more difficult if one was very poor and after all other application costs, could only afford one deposit. This policy is especially negative and disadvantageous to those of a low SES (as most policies are). Seems ironic.

My advice would be pay deposit, attend other interviews, pick your favorite school, pay your parents back when you get that sweet 6-fig salary rolling in.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Of course I'm going to pay the deposit. I have no choice. I'm not going to forfeit a definite med school acceptance over a few K and mythical hopes of future acceptances.

 

[mariposas905]

Are all these deposits (both MD and DO) non-refundable?

 

[holdthemayo]

MD schools only require a $100 deposit that is set by the LCME and not the schools themselves. If you took this rule away, I wouldn't be surprised if MD school go beyond that $100 deposit that is also refundable.

https://www.aamc.org/download/364264/data/2014trafficrules.pdf

And no DO school are using extreme measure when you compare them to their MD counterparts. Nearly every school charges over $1000 dollars, and there are also school that charge $3000. Don't forget none of these deposits are refundable.

Its not just BCOM that's bad you might as well put every DO school into that category (yes there are exceptions, and I probably could count them on one hand).

I agree that all DO schools deposits are harsh when compared to MD. There is a huge difference though, between a $1000 deposit due in December and a $3000 deposit due in September. By December most students have a a pretty good idea of how their cycle is going to go. Requiring that amount of money in September requires students to make an expensive decision before they have any idea how their applications are likely to fair.


BCOM is taking advantage of applicants, plain and simple.

Are all these deposits (both MD and DO) non-refundable?

MD deposits are refundable until April 30. DO all non-refundable, but most of them are not due until December.



*Edit* @OP - I'm not saying that you shouldn't pay the deposit, just complaining that you shouldn't have to put that kind of money down at this point in time.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

"encourages" hmm. I guess some schools need some more encouragement.

"The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community"

The policy at BCOM (and I'm assuming some other DO schools) isn't fair to students like the OP. OP is basically forced to pay the deposit before they can explore other options. Seems pretty one sided. OP is also lucky to have some financial help. The decision would be much more difficult if one was very poor and after all other application costs, could only afford one deposit. This policy is especially negative and disadvantageous to those of a low SES (as most policies are). Seems ironic.

My advice would be pay deposit, attend other interviews, pick your favorite school, pay your parents back when you get that sweet 6-fig salary rolling in.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

LECOM also requires a $1500 deposit 30 days post-acceptance. But, at least they give you an option of finding out when you got in: you can opt for early notification, which is in October, or you can opt for normal decision, which is in November. This way, you don't have to pay until December.

 

[SLU Student]

So it seems like you won't be able to garner any more acceptances until after the 30 day BCOM deposit deadline. Go ahead and submit the deposit then.

I believe BCOM is the only school that has such a policy with such a hefty amount with no flexibility. Most D.O. schools have a 500 + 1500 policy, or a flat 1500/2000 policy that's due around December.

At this point, you have two options:
1. If you're 100% satisfied with going to BCOM, there's no need to spend any more money on any additional schools.
2. If you're not 100% satisfied, then go to the rest of your interviews. The money you spend on travel or whatnot will mean nothing in the long run.

You could go to some and not go to others, but I like black and white answers. What if you chose wrong, and the schools you chose not to attend their II's turn out to fit you perfectly? Who knows?

Best of luck to you.

 

[joeception]

Reading through the comments I found it disheartening and agreed with the point of view of it being seen as a ransom. If you choose to not pay the hefty deposit and continue the cycle and are not able to get another acceptance you could be blacklisted the next cycle for not having taken a school up on their offer of the acceptance. It seems incredibly manipulative to give such a short and high cost deposit requirement especially for students from low-income or even middle class backgrounds that might not be able to afford another schools deposit after settling for this one.

 

[allantois]

Can't blame em for making a profit!

 

[DecisionTime2017]

Went through my list and of the 17 remaining schools, 12 have deposits due by Dec 14 (if accepted before Nov 15), 2 have deposits due within 30 days (LECOM's), and 3 have deposits due within 2 weeks (Touro's).

In light of that fact, I think I've got my course of action pretty set:

1) Pay BCOM their deposit
2) Attend the ACOM interview and most others from non-Touro institutions that would lead to pre-Dec 14 notification. (Interview costs are manageable for me, it's the deposits that kill. Additionally, I can tolerate LECOM's 30 day turnaround because their tuition is so cheap)
3) Be very selective and thoughtful about potential interviews at Touro's and post-Dec 14.

Only real question I've got left bothering me is whether or not to pay the $200 secondary fee for Touro-NY.

 

[DecisionTime2017]

For anyone else thinking about Touro-NY, make sure to consider their COMLEX-II and III pass rates significantly trail the national average (Outcomes) and there were massive issues with administrative incompetence two years ago leading to the school being put on probation.

As a result of these things and my personal distaste for NY, I've decided against submitting the secondary there.

 

[IWillMakeIt1]

For anyone else thinking about Touro-NY, make sure to consider their COMLEX-II and III pass rates significantly trail the national average (Outcomes) and there were massive issues with administrative incompetence two years ago leading to the school being put on probation.

As a result of these things and my personal distaste for NY, I've decided against submitting the secondary there.

Distaste for NY? lol NYCOM is one of the top DO schools. Maybe distaste for Touro 😉

 

[DecisionTime2017]

Distaste for NY? lol NYCOM is one of the top DO schools. Maybe distaste for Touro 😉

Wasn't meant to be school specific. I don't really like the city/state.

 

[allantois]

Wow I didn't realize there were schools charging upwards of 70k in tuition a year, that's waaay too much IMHO

 

[futurexray]

Dear god, interview and send early acceptances for 3k. It's beautiful.

This is high right? I hadn't done much research but thought it was on the 1k range.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Yep it is high, shame schools don't follow the deposit guidelines since they are not refundable.

 

[bears1992]

Dear god, interview and send early acceptances for 3k. It's beautiful.

This is high right? I hadn't done much research but thought it was on the 1k range.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Yeah, looks like their "for-profit" side is starting to show.