KCOM vs. LECOM vs. KCU vs. TouroCOM

[ohmedical6161]

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Accepted to A.T. Still, waiting to hear from LECOM- Elmira or Erie (depending on where I am placed)...waitlisted at Kansas City and Touro-Harlem.

I would rather Touro or KCU but I am waitlisted to both. So in terms of choosing for now, it would be between AT Still Kirksville and LECOM-Elmira (put Erie 2nd choice).

About Me:
Very grateful for an acceptance in hand. I currently reside in NYC and I am interested in internal medicine. I also have a strong interest in oncology if I decide to specialize in the future.

A.T. Still Kirksville
Pros

• Fully accepted and $1000 deposit due May 1(which is not a huge deal, but still)
• Students are very well supported
• Faculty and community were so so so kind
• Not many distractions
• 3rd and 4th year rotation site back near family (high chance of getting the east coast clinical sites)
• First DO school, great reputation
• Kirksville is very affordable, could get a very nice apartment
• High board pass rates

Cons

• Kirksville. Super rural. I come from NYC. Big adjustment and it terrified me when I went for the in-person interview.
• Traveling back to see my long-term partner in NYC would be very difficult. 3 hours from airport Kansas City.
• Highly allergic to gluten and there is quite literally not many gluten free food options in Kirksville ahahahhaha
• I must say, there are no on-campus food options either and I am a big snacker and studier
• Tuition is hiiiigh even though living is cheap. 90K in loans first year

LECOM- Elmira (Erie second choice so maybe)
Pros

• Not too far from my family and support system (-4 hour drive)
• Great clinical sites in NY and NYC (where I would like to be)
• Cheapest tuition, also cheap cost of living
• High board pass rates
• Brand new facilities, beautiful building and near Cornell, Ithaca etc.
• Near finger lakes, seems like there is a bit more to do there

Cons

• Elmira campus only established for a few years.
• I got very odd interview vibes? seemed so much less personal and supported than KCOM. But they are also just bigger and interview was virtual
• No cadavers in anatomy lab (which did not affect board pass rates, but I still think I would like to have anatomy lab with cadavers)
• Some people say LECOM has a bad rep, others disagree. Very unsure.
• Strict dress code for class everyday. I hate dressing up.
• No drinking water in class

Summary: I am not eager to move to rural missourri but I love the program. Not that eager to also pay $90K to move to rural missourri. I do not have anyone in midwest, but then again it would only be for two years and I am sure I would make friends. On the flip-side, LECOM is closer to my entire support system and way cheaper. The rules are very strict and I read a lot of iffy things about LECOM on SDN (haha). But maybe I could get over the rules because it is so much cheaper.

AT Still deposit is due May 1 so looking like I will definitely deposit for that as it is my only acceptance. LECOM said I should hear within 2 weeks. I am debating whether I should deposit for LECOM, because I likely will not hear back from Touro or Kansas City by May 15. I just have a feeling I will be paying 2 deposits and if I get off the waitlist another. Id like to figure out if I should stick with A.T. Still even if I am offered LECOM so I avoid that deposit if it is not worth it.

LMK any advice! Thank you!!!