Help deciding on LECOM/AZCOM!

[Colbare]

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I know these threads are annoying, but I need to make a really quick decision. I was on my way to Bradenton to move in and just got an acceptance call this afternoon from AZCOM! So instead of signing my lease I'm sitting here in a hotel room which seems ridiculous, but I want to feel confident in my choice. As of yesterday my only choice was LECOM and I know I'd be happy there, but now having an option I want to make an educated decision. I was originally very interested in AZCOM and still am, but I'm trying to justify the additional tuition expense compared to LECOM's. The following are my thoughts concerning the factors I feel are most important to me. Please let me know (especially current students) what you think.

1) I'm excited about PBL and think it'd be great, but I know I enjoyed lectures as an undergrad. I still felt as though the majority of learning took place outside of the classroom, but having more structure and constant quizzing/testing I think could make it easier to stay on top of things.

2) From what I've read on SDN it seems AZCOM is stronger in the rotations department. They have been around longer and have more established relationships with hospitals in the area. Does LECOM pay any of their rotating hospitals and how significant is the difference (if it isn't only a matter of opinion) in education/future residency opportunities at paid vs unpaid clinical sites? I feel as though this is the big reason I'd possibly pick AZCOM over LECOM, but if there isn't a general opinion that there's a substantial difference in quality between the two it'll be harder to decide.

Thanks for your help!

 

[kcin]

I know these threads are annoying, but I need to make a really quick decision. I was on my way to Bradenton to move in and just got an acceptance call this afternoon from AZCOM! So instead of signing my lease I'm sitting here in a hotel room which seems ridiculous, but I want to feel confident in my choice. As of yesterday my only choice was LECOM and I know I'd be happy there, but now having an option I want to make an educated decision. I was originally very interested in AZCOM and still am, but I'm trying to justify the additional tuition expense compared to LECOM's. The following are my thoughts concerning the factors I feel are most important to me. Please let me know (especially current students) what you think.

1) I'm excited about PBL and think it'd be great, but I know I enjoyed lectures as an undergrad. I still felt as though the majority of learning took place outside of the classroom, but having more structure and constant quizzing/testing I think could make it easier to stay on top of things.

2) From what I've read on SDN it seems AZCOM is stronger in the rotations department. They have been around longer and have more established relationships with hospitals in the area. Does LECOM pay any of their rotating hospitals and how significant is the difference (if it isn't only a matter of opinion) in education/future residency opportunities at paid vs unpaid clinical sites? I feel as though this is the big reason I'd possibly pick AZCOM over LECOM, but if there isn't a general opinion that there's a substantial difference in quality between the two it'll be harder to decide.

Thanks for your help!

Go to whichever costs less. You'll breathe easier the entire time you're striving to pay off your debt.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Go to AZCOM!

 

[Chowda]

Azcom

 

[MedIsInMyBlood]

Things I would consider:

PBL vs traditional lecture...cost (lecom wins)...reputation of schools and which is more established (AZCOM wins)...do I have family near any of these schools?...where can i see myself practicing and settling down?...rotation quality...environment (azcom is close to phoenix which is nice and has a big beautiful campus which holds nursing and other students as well as DO students...the bradenton area is also nice but its smaller and less exciting than a big city like phoenix obviously)... climate (both have nice warm weather climates so that's good).

 

[NurWollen]

I might be biased just because I have family in Arizona, but I think I would take AZCOM

 

[TriagePreMed]

Going to AZCOM means paying 15k more a year. Do you really want to spend 60k more?

 

[DrDre2001]

I interviewed at both schools, so I have compared these two schools. I had AZCOM higher on my list of schools to attend because it has a better reputation and match lists, better campus, its in an area with more connections (right near Phoenix) for my future, and I was somewhat hesitant to have a curriculum that is completely PBL based like in Bradenton.

And about the rotation thing...at Lecom you have to find your own rotations. Some people find amazing spots, and some don't. This is why you'll hear a lot of different things about this. So to me, it's somewhat risky. I for one would rather just be safe and go to a school that has well established rotations set up for me.

 

[kcin]

Going to AZCOM means paying 15k more a year. Do you really want to spend 60k more?

Sheesh, I was starting to wonder if there was anyone else that would make that the primary concern since the curriculum is practically the same.

 

[athadam]

Go to where you are happy and comfortable with, you are more likely to perform better. 60k might be a lot of money, but if you think AZCOM would get you better residency (better board, better connections, etc..), by all mean go for it.

 

[pianoman511]

I interviewed at both schools, so I have compared these two schools. I had AZCOM higher on my list of schools to attend because it has a better reputation and match lists, better campus, its in an area with more connections (right near Phoenix) for my future, and I was somewhat hesitant to have a curriculum that is completely PBL based like in Bradenton.

And about the rotation thing...at Lecom you have to find your own rotations. Some people find amazing spots, and some don't. This is why you'll hear a lot of different things about this. So to me, it's somewhat risky. I for one would rather just be safe and go to a school that has well established rotations set up for me.

Just to clarify, for your core ("required") rotations, you choose from a list LECOM provides you. The only rotations you have to find yourself are electives & selectives which is not too different from other schools.

Yes there are good and bad rotations, but you'll find that everywhere. What I would not use to compare schools is campus (you'll be there for two years either in class or studying by yourself....so it's pretty irrelevant) and match lists. Where students match is more a function of what they personally want to do and what kind of risks they take in selecting a residency than the school academics. No matter where you go to school you can get in to a great residency if you get the board scores and do well on rotations.

What you should consider is where you want to go for residency. If you want to stay in the west/southwest, then AZCOM would be a better option since LECOM's sites and connections are primarily in the Northeast, southeast and central US (PA, OH, MI, some NY, IN, FL).

 

[Colbare]

Thanks for the input everyone. I believe the tuition difference is about $80k actually. I don't have family at either place so location won't be a deciding factor. I feel safer with AZCOM's curriculum because it's familiar, but PBL is very interesting and I'd miss not getting to experience it.

I'd like to keep the possibility open of returning to Texas to practice. Would one school be more beneficial in helping keep that option open than the other?

 

[TriagePreMed]

I'd like to keep the possibility open of returning to Texas to practice. Would one school be more beneficial in helping keep that option open than the other?

My opinion is no if you do enough away rotations to end up in a residency in Texas. If we're speaking pure attending job, you can get that no matter where you go to med/residency.

 

[bbcnp]

Thanks for the input everyone. I believe the tuition difference is about $80k actually. I don't have family at either place so location won't be a deciding factor. I feel safer with AZCOM's curriculum because it's familiar, but PBL is very interesting and I'd miss not getting to experience it.

I'd like to keep the possibility open of returning to Texas to practice. Would one school be more beneficial in helping keep that option open than the other?

If I were you and I liked structure and lectures, I would go to AZCOM. AZCOM also has a little PBL integrated into their curriculum. Since I hate lectures, I would choose LECOM-B myself. The tuition should not play a big role if you feel that one curriculum can make you a better doctor/learn more compared to another one. Either way good luck. You have two good options available.

 

[denco88]

Personally I would chose AZCOM. But I do like the structure of lectures. Paying tuition to teach myself kind of threw me off a bit. I did get accepted to AZCOM, but ended up choosing OSU instead, however I did like the area, the campus, and the students I met.

 

[seap3]

I would choose AZCOM, but that's because I don't think I would like PBL.

 

[TriagePreMed]

When you're still in school, 80k sounds like just a number. Wait until it's real money to regret paying more.

 

[kcin]

When you're still in school, 80k sounds like just a number. Wait until it's real money to regret paying more.

Indeed. Let's pretend the money differential all comes from grad plus loans. That's almost 6.5 thousand dollars of interest per year on the difference, and with medicare cuts looming you might not get paid enough in residency to be able to pay down interest (this is all up in the air, but it's not looking good). It's actually worse than that though, because the whole time you're in school you'll be accruing interest on the extra loan amounts and they'll be compounding. With the medical "reforms" going on, do you really want an extra 100k hanging over your head when we have absolutely no idea what's happening with our field?

By all means though, choose whichever you like best. Just make sure you remember that you'll be paying $100k to avoid PBL. Is it really that serious?

 

[athadam]

By all means though, choose whichever you like best. Just make sure you remember that you'll be paying $100k to avoid PBL. Is it really that serious?

Yes, if it affects his performance, leading to worse step score and then more limited choice for residency.

 

[randomusername]

Unless AZCOM has something spectacular to offer for that price tag, I'd go to LECOM.

We have meticulously groomed grass. That's pretty much it. I really like it here, but if the OP was going to be happy and excited about LECOM before the AZCOM acceptance, I'd choose the cheaper of the two because AZCOM's tuition is going to be ~$60k by the time they're a fourth year and LECOM's will still most likely be < half that. Throw in the fact that MWU is looking into getting a DVM program here in the near future, that will just likely mean more resources leeched away from the DO program.

 

[kcin]

Yes, if it affects his performance, leading to worse step score and then more limited choice for residency.

Oh, my bad. I was assuming for a minute that people that got into med school aren't *****s and are capable of adapting to different teaching methods. SCUSE ME BRAH

 

[Colbare]

We have meticulously groomed grass. That's pretty much it. I really like it here, but if the OP was going to be happy and excited about LECOM before the AZCOM acceptance, I'd choose the cheaper of the two because AZCOM's tuition is going to be ~$60k by the time they're a fourth year and LECOM's will still most likely be < half that. Throw in the fact that MWU is looking into getting a DVM program here in the near future, that will just likely mean more resources leeched away from the DO program.

Oh, my bad. I was assuming for a minute that people that got into med school aren't *****s and are capable of adapting to different teaching methods. SCUSE ME BRAH

I've been excited for LECOM because I know it's a great program and it was my only choice for this fall until now. Last fall I took a class which I thought was similar to what PBL would be like and hated it at first but adjusted and liked it more at the end. I'm always open to new ways of learning and making the best of what I'm offered. I enjoy lectures though as well and the structure of a traditional curriculum.

LECOM may raise tuition more in the near future as well due to the new dental school opening next fall. They will still be substantially cheaper though I'm sure.

Before I was offered anything by either school I had AZCOM highest on my list out of ATSU, LECOM, and RVU with my main reservation about AZCOM being the high tuition. I knew if I had to decide between LECOM and AZCOM at some point it'd be tough. I'm going to continue reading through info about both schools tonight and hopefully have a decision tomorrow

I really appreciate all the input so far from everyone. It's always good to hear from as many perspectives as possible.

 

[kcin]

colbare, my last comment about the curriculum wasn't directed towards you. It was in response to the guy that thinks a change in teaching method is going to ruin a med student. I was mocking him because he's ridiculous.

 

[athadam]

colbare, my last comment about the curriculum wasn't directed towards you. It was in response to the guy that thinks a change in teaching method is going to ruin a med student. I was mocking him because he's ridiculous.

Got it, curriculum has no effect on students' success, please always disregard it when choosing your school of choice.

 

[kcin]

deleted to stop hijacking thread

 

[Colbare]

colbare, my last comment about the curriculum wasn't directed towards you. It was in response to the guy that thinks a change in teaching method is going to ruin a med student. I was mocking him because he's ridiculous.

Got it, curriculum has no effect on students' success, please always disregard it when choosing your school of choice.

No problem I didn't take offense either way, but I do think most who perform well enough on the MCAT can be successful with PBL if they want to be and get into a residency they're after because it requires good problem solving ability.

I realized the reason I was drawn to LECOM was an Endocrinology class taught very similarly to the PBL format. When I began the class I was very close to dropping it but stuck it out anyway and was glad I did for the most part. We didn't have tests though and were graded on participation and a semester paper so I didn't have the fear of figuring out whether I was on the right track or not.

The reason I believe I was successful this cycle is SN2ed's guide I used (in my sig) because my GPA didn't help me due to early CC grades. I raised my MCAT by 7 points using it. I feel like it was doable because of the strict schedule. I initially tried just working problems from my gen chem book in subjects I needed help in but got nowhere fast. I still won't doubt that I'd probably like PBL and do well, but the curriculum, reputation, ward rotations and of course the amazing grass are pulling me toward AZCOM while the cheaper tuition at LECOM is still curbing my enthusiasm about it.

All of my belongings have been sitting in a van at the hotel for 3 days now so time to decide pretty quickly haha.

 

[DrDre2001]

Yes, if it affects his performance, leading to worse step score and then more limited choice for residency.

I agree with this. To balance out that $100,000 difference in tuition (interest included) between LECOM and AZCOM, over the course of a 35 year career as a doctor, all that would equal is $2,800, per year in salary.

Things like AZCOM having a curriculum that the OP is more sure about and having the better reputation, connections, and rotations than LECOM can easily result in the OP having a salary that is $2,800 higher.

 

[seap3]

Did you decide yet?

 

[Colbare]

Did you decide yet?

I decided with all inconveniences aside I want to attend AZCOM so I'm heading back west! 🙂

 

[TriagePreMed]

I decided with all inconveniences aside I want to attend AZCOM so I'm heading back west! 🙂

I hope it works out for you. AZCOM is one of the campuses I'm eyeing to go to.

 

[SavoirFaire]

Nice man! Congrats on your AZCOM acceptance.

I'm still hoping for a call from them. I've sent in three updates already..

 

[Colbare]

Nice man! Congrats on your AZCOM acceptance.

I'm still hoping for a call from them. I've sent in three updates already..

Thanks! I was hours from moving in and signing my lease in Bradenton. In fact the only reason my lease wasn't finalized was because when I went 2 weeks ago I didn't sign with my legal name so the paper work was trash 😀

I think if you aren't taken late this year you'll have multiple schools to choose from this fall. Good luck and that'd be awesome to see you in Glendale if not this fall then maybe next if you want!

 

[Dyingduck]

Thanks! I was hours from moving in and signing my lease in Bradenton. In fact the only reason my lease wasn't finalized was because when I went 2 weeks ago I didn't sign with my legal name so the paper work was trash 😀

I think if you aren't taken late this year you'll have multiple schools to choose from this fall. Good luck and that'd be awesome to see you in Glendale if not this fall then maybe next if you want!

Great choice with AZCOM 🙂 👍

 

[Colbare]

Great choice with AZCOM 🙂 👍

Thanks! I think so myself 😀 👍