Help: Noorda, ARCOM, ACOM

[itsblast]

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Hey guys, I have been blessed to have been offered three acceptances into medical school and I was wondering if I could gain insight into which school might be the best in terms of education and possibilities. I was accepted to Noorda, ARCOM, and ACOM. I'm leaning towards ARCOM and Noorda because they somewhat resonate with the type of community I want to live in for the next couple of years. I want to go into a competitive residency and know there may be more roadblocks present as a DO, but if anyone can help with advice, lmk. Also waiting to hear back from KCU as well and if accepted, ill most likely go there. How would yall rank these three schools?

 

[DrStephenStrange]

I attended ARCOM, graduated last May, and now in residency.

I agree with ACOM>ARCOM>>>Noorda

Nothing against ARCOM itself, and they have been improving things alot over the years, but I'd still pick a more established school over a newer one. Growing pains do actually exist. Talking straight from experience.

 

[drthedude]

I would choose ACOM just because it is more established but I wanna bring up a point someone else made on this thread: "Noorda-COM first-year students obtained a mean standard score of 188.8 compared to the national mean score of 197.4.¨ They are already below the national average and I don´t expect them to have a higher-than-average pass rate when the first class takes Comlex."

This is the standard score the students scored THEIR FIRST YEAR, they're already scoring 9 points to the national avg during their first year and not when you take it your second year. I have no doubt their pass rate will be high if this is the case when you get more class exposure and study time during your second year. I agree it's up to the student to do well and match/pass but don't wanna see misinformation being passed around.

 

[BuffaloRiverDO]

Hey guys, I have been blessed to have been offered three acceptances into medical school and I was wondering if I could gain insight into which school might be the best in terms of education and possibilities. I was accepted to Noorda, ARCOM, and ACOM. I'm leaning towards ARCOM and Noorda because they somewhat resonate with the type of community I want to live in for the next couple of years. I want to go into a competitive residency and know there may be more roadblocks present as a DO, but if anyone can help with advice, lmk. Also waiting to hear back from KCU as well and if accepted, ill most likely go there. How would yall rank these three schools?

I am an OMS2 at ARCOM! I’m doing very well and I am happy here. You can PM if you have any questions. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Real McCoy]

None are great schools. Which one is cheapest, closest to your support system, will give you the best chance to pass your boards on the first try, and give you research opportunities since you stated you want to go into a competitive residency?

 

[DrStephenStrange]

None are great schools. Which one is cheapest, closest to your support system, will give you the best chance to pass your boards on the first try, and give you research opportunities since you stated you want to go into a competitive residency?

You're talking about the perfect school for OP. None of the 3 schools will have all 4. OP will always have to compromise. ARCOM would probably offer the best chance for research with their large research institute building (largest in the DO world) they opened, but board pass rates aren't the greatest. ACOM great board pass rates but probably not as much opportunity for research as ARCOM. Nourda has no board pass rate data yet, is brand new, and probably not the best idea if you want something competitive. All that without even factoring in OP's location.

 

[m1redsox]

My good buddy from ACOM just matched his #1 choice for dermatology. I only have good things to say about the program.

I also attended BYU for undergrad and think it’s important to keep in mind that the population of Provo is like 98% Mormon, which can be a turn-off for most people since social things, like a bar scene, will be terrible. Many of your classmates will also be Mormon and/or married with children, which may make it tougher to socialize unless you also have kids who can join their play group or something haha.

I agree with the ACOM>ARCOM>>>Noorda ranking.

 

[deleted1053352]

I’d avoid ARCOM. For your wellness, go to the more established school. Growing pains as stated above, suck lol. ACOM may have some tedious policies but I know several who matched really well from ACOM. The research at ARCOM is great, except that it will take some time for facilities to actually start their work. Tbh I wouldn’t rely to greatly on that, I wouldn’t be surprised if ARCOM only allows minimum 80% average or higher from participating in research, as it does for their extracurriculars. This was brought up to admin as it made those at or above an 80 have a drastically different extracurricular experience than those below it, creating a bigger gap between students and basically a double whammy for those below. They acknowledged that they would look into it but literally did nothing about it. Many student who run for club positions and are elected have to resign, leaving empty roles instead of those passionate about them take charge. I understand the logic that grades come first, but allowing students to participate in roles they are passionate about can be very academically motivating. Not worth all the bs imo.

Never heard of Noorda so might not be worth considering.

Go to ACOM as it’s the most established, good luck!