KCU (Kansas City) vs. ACOM

[nontrad_premed]

Hi all, I got accepted to both DO schools and would like input in deciding where I should attend. I am interested in research and would not want to count out more competitive specialties (I would likely never want to do orthopedic surgery, though). Both are far away from home so that's not something to consider.

---

KCU-Kansas City
pros:

• Established, founding 5 DO school
• school community and faculty seem supportive and happy
• LCOL area - we would likely want to purchase a home
• Connected to a few hospitals relatively close
• Good mix of city/rural
• a TON of fun things to do in the area
• P/F grading, internal rankings (I believe)
• NON MANDATORY ATTENDANCE for most lectures. All are posted online
• tests only on Fridays

cons:

• ~$50,000 tuition
• I've heard the curriculum is rigorous compared to other schools
• no bench lab for research iirc, will have to reach out externally for research opportunities

ACOM
pros:

• a lot of board prep materials provided starting OMS I (UWorld, Pathoma, First Aid, COMBANK)
• rotations sites well established with ACOM, trauma 2 facility with expansive resources
• school community and faculty seem supportive and happy
• LCOL area - we would likely want to purchase a home
• bench lab on campus for research
• great simulation lab
• can wear scrubs to class

cons:

• ~$55,000 tuition
• LETTER GRADING
• semi-mandatory classes?
• mainly rural
• flights back home are 2-3x the cost
• newer DO school

I'm probably forgetting some points but here is the gist. Thank you for your input!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Real McCoy]

I would try to talk with current and past students from each institution to determine what the research experience is like on each campus as that seems to be an important factor for you.

 

[chilly_md]

I feel the cons for ACOM for you personally are worse. Sounds like you’d enjoy KCU being near a big city (while still being cheap). And P/F and online lectures usually sets people up for better success.