KCUMB v. OUHCOM

[High_protein_diet]

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Hello SDN,

I was fortunate to get into both KCUMB and OUHCOM and now I'm trying to make a decision about where to go. I'm an Ohio resident but I like to travel.

Kansas City seems like a really fun city. What do students like to do there? What are the pros/cons to being so close to the city? I've heard that it can be dangerous, but I've also read that campus has security and there's never been an issue. What do you like most/least about KCUMB? What is it like having such a large class size?

For OUHCOM, what is it like to be on campus with a large undergrad institution? Is OMM a large focus in the curriculum? What do you like most/least about OUHCOM?

Has anyone made this choice and if so, how did you pick?

thanks!

 

[Bokeh]

@lexierae494 @SandyCheecks They interviewed at each of the schools. Hopefully they can add some input.

 

[ananasmed]

I've heard great things about OU-HCOM from current students. For an Ohio resident especially, I think OU is a great choice and will offer you a lot of great opportunities. Cheaper tuition, too!

 

[user3]

OU all the way, I wouldn't even think twice.

 

[Stagg737]

I'm not sure who this zoidberg imposter is, but I go to KCUMB, so I'll weigh in.

Positives: I love the curriculum here. It's hard, but it's the same curriculum that has gotten RVU and TCOM the highest board scores in the country (by far) and it's definitely manageable. I've lived in 3 or 4 different cities and I like KC a lot. It's not as much fun as Chicago or New Orleans, but there's still a lot to do. The fan base for the Chiefs and Royals is awesome, not to mention Sporting KC which is awesome. Downtown and Westport have some great bar scenes, and there are some great mall/shopping areas around. My class has several teams participating in local soccer and volleyball leagues as well as multiple intramurals. The area near campus isn't the best, but having lived in Chicago and NOLA I don't think it's as bad as some people say it is and our security really is amazing. I've also been to Athens, and I can say I'd much rather be in KC. The large class size actually doesn't bother me. The professors are all still willing to answer questions 1 on 1, and are (mostly) very helpful. I send them questions in e-mails all the time and have not been ignored once. Our lab groups and certain classes are also taught in small groups, so when we need to learn stuff one on one (like diagnostic techniques or physical exams) we do. Plus we have a very collaborative class. People post study guides and help videos on our FB group all the time, and I regularly help/get help from my classmates. Also, our cafeteria is both cheap and amazing, haha. We also have some awesome dual degree programs (business/bioethics) and honors tracks (global med/military med) that aren't offered at most other schools.

Negatives: PEP weeks are gone, which means less breaks. Sometimes things are a little disorganized with communications. If you're instate for Ohio, then 13K less/year is a very nice incentive. For me the tuition would have been the same, so it wouldn't have mattered. Other than those I really don't have any negatives for KCUMB.

Personally, there is nothing about KCUMB that I would choose to replace with something from OUH. Not saying that OUH isn't a great school or that people don't have an awesome experience there. I'm just saying that if I had to go back and make that choice it would be a no-brainer for me.

 

[Bokeh]

I personally would take OU-HCOM. Everybody is going to root for their own medical school so you'll read people recommending one and others recommending the other. The fact is that you're going to receive an excellent education at both schools.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

KCUMB is a great school. OUHCOM is a great school.

You will be saving a ton of money at OUHCOM. If I was in your position I would go there in a heartbeat.

 

[babdoc]

I'd second Bokeh. I'm a KCUMB grad. Both schools have a good reputation. Medical school is a big investment; therefore, I'd likely recommend OU to keep your loans to a minimum. Unless you're going the military/Nat health service corps route, keep your loans to a minimum

 

[Harker Heights]

I'd vote for OU. Any public school where you're a resident is always a better choice.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

OU. Closer to family friends and its cheaper. Kcumb is great but if you're from Ohio oucom is the best choice.

 

[NontradCA]

26k isn't bad in the grand scheme of things. I wouldn't base it on that. If you're looking for a big city, Athens definitely is not it. There are lots of outdoor activities and a slew of cheap bars to get inebriated at.

I don't think being on the undergrad campus is of any significance at all. There is little to no interaction. Here's what I would consider the most as far as curriculum:

At OU, all of your lectures will be in a 3 way videocast between campuses. You will likely have professors from Athens giving lectures a third of the time. This may or may not be an issue to you.

OMM is a significantly small portion of the curriculum.

 

[Stagg737]

26k isn't bad in the grand scheme of things.

26K isn't that bad, but that's only for the first 2 years. It would be 52k over 4 years (~13k/year). Then add interest in and it will probably end up being 75-100k depending on how fast you pay it back. That is a significant amount.

To OP, I'm obviously very pro-KCUMB. However, med school, wherever you go, will be what you make of it. It's pointless to go to Harvard if it's not a good fit for you. Figure out what your priorities are and what you need to succeed and go where you can meet those needs for the cheapest. Money shouldn't be the primary factor, but when you can save significant amounts it's always worth considering. It ended up not being an issue for me since in-state tuition was 38k anyway 😕

 

[NontradCA]

26K isn't that bad, but that's only for the first 2 years. It would be 52k over 4 years (~13k/year). Then add interest in and it will probably end up being 75-100k depending on how fast you pay it back. That is a significant amount.

To OP, I'm obviously very pro-KCUMB. However, med school, wherever you go, will be what you make of it. It's pointless to go to Harvard if it's not a good fit for you. Figure out what your priorities are and what you need to succeed and go where you can meet those needs for the cheapest. Money shouldn't be the primary factor, but when you can save significant amounts it's always worth considering. It ended up not being an issue for me since in-state tuition was 38k anyway 😕

Actually the tuition increases for 3rd and fourth year at OUHCOM. Come at me bro.

 

[Stagg737]

Actually the tuition increases for 3rd and fourth year at OUHCOM. Come at me bro.

Huh, I missed the 3rd and fourth year tuition rates. Now I'm even happier I didn't apply there 😉

So then a 22k difference in tuition since years 3 and 4 at OUH would be 2k more (each) than at KCUMB, which could end up being 35-40kish after interest. Still a number worth considering though...

 

[NontradCA]

Huh, I missed the 3rd and fourth year tuition rates. Now I'm even happier I didn't apply there 😉

So then a 22k difference in tuition since years 3 and 4 at OUH would be 2k more (each) than at KCUMB, which could end up being 35-40kish after interest. Still a number worth considering though...

It's not a big deal when considering 4 years of your life. You can't get back time, and it's something that's not considered much in this profession.

 

[Stagg737]

It's not a big deal when considering 4 years of your life. You can't get back time, and it's something that's not considered much in this profession.

Right, which is why I said money shouldn't be a primary factor. If all other things are basically equal though, saving 20k+ can be a factor, especially after interest. Say you have that extra 20k when you finish residency at around 30 and decide to invest it all in retirement. If you retire at age 70 that 20k should become somewhere between 100-300k depending on how well it's invested. Take it the other way by paying an extra 20k for tuition and it turns into an extra 35-60k you will potentially owe. So 20k can definitely matter in the long run.

Of course, none of that matters if you're miserable anyway, which is why I said OP should figure out what really matters to him/her. If OP really wants to stay near family/in Ohio for all of med school and that is the biggest factor then stay there. Just an FYI though, KCUMB has 6 rotation sites in Ohio for 3rd and 4th years, so OP doesn't mind moving away for 2 years there's that as a thought.

Hello SDN,

I was fortunate to get into both KCUMB and OUHCOM and now I'm trying to make a decision about where to go. I'm an Ohio resident but I like to travel.

Kansas City seems like a really fun city. What do students like to do there? What are the pros/cons to being so close to the city? I've heard that it can be dangerous, but I've also read that campus has security and there's never been an issue. What do you like most/least about KCUMB? What is it like having such a large class size?

For OUHCOM, what is it like to be on campus with a large undergrad institution? Is OMM a large focus in the curriculum? What do you like most/least about OUHCOM?

Has anyone made this choice and if so, how did you pick?

thanks!

What are the most important factors for you in a med school? Knowing that would help people to give better advice.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Go to KCUMB because you've never heard of bomb Ohio BBQ.

 

[Strokezone99]

Go to KCUMB because you've never heard of bomb Ohio BBQ.

Alabama-Q by the University of Cincinnati. Get hip.

 

[basketballgirl1]

Hello SDN,

I was fortunate to get into both KCUMB and OUHCOM and now I'm trying to make a decision about where to go. I'm an Ohio resident but I like to travel.

Kansas City seems like a really fun city. What do students like to do there? What are the pros/cons to being so close to the city? I've heard that it can be dangerous, but I've also read that campus has security and there's never been an issue. What do you like most/least about KCUMB? What is it like having such a large class size?

For OUHCOM, what is it like to be on campus with a large undergrad institution? Is OMM a large focus in the curriculum? What do you like most/least about OUHCOM?

Has anyone made this choice and if so, how did you pick?

thanks!

Hello I am an OUHCOM MS1 and I would say OMM is a big focus in the curriculum. I love everything about the school especially how nice everyone is and how much patient experience we get. As a first year I get to see patients pretty much every week whether its through CCEs or Clinical Skills. I really feel like we are prepared for patient interaction. I have no complaints about the school. Med school is hard no matter where you go but the support isn't everywhere. Good luck!

 

[lexierae494]

Sorry I haven't replied to this sooner! If you haven't made your decision, I can tell you I have been accepted to both schools as well and I am strongly leaning towards kcumb. I think both were great, and as an OH resident, OU is cheaper for me as well. However, I loved the structure of tbe new curriculum at kcumb. I think reviewing the material twice essentially before step 1 boards will be extremely beneficial. I also am ready to have an experience out of Ohio as I attended undergrad there as well. I think that Kansas City will provide a new opportunity in a large city outside of my home Cincinnati. Message me if you'd like! We can chat!

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Sorry I haven't replied to this sooner! If you haven't made your decision, I can tell you I have been accepted to both schools as well and I am strongly leaning towards kcumb. I think both were great, and as an OH resident, OU is cheaper for me as well. However, I loved the structure of tbe new curriculum at kcumb. I think reviewing the material twice essentially before step 1 boards will be extremely beneficial. I also am ready to have an experience out of Ohio as I attended undergrad there as well. I think that Kansas City will provide a new opportunity in a large city outside of my home Cincinnati. Message me if you'd like! We can chat!

Dang. KCUMB must have left a great impression on you!

 

[lexierae494]

It really did! Both schools really were great, but just in weighing the pros and cons of both has led me to believe that KCUMB will personally be a better place for me.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

It really did! Both schools really were great, but just in weighing the pros and cons of both has led me to believe that KCUMB will personally be a better place for me.

Looking forward to seeing you and Altered on campus next year!

 

[delawarepremed]

Can you see yourself practicing in Ohio? If the answer is no, then go to KCUMB because OUHCOM will make you sign an agreement upon matriculation that you have to practice in Ohio for at least five years after completing residency.

 

[delawarepremed]

Can you see yourself practicing in Ohio? If the answer is no, then go to KCUMB because OUHCOM will make you sign a contract upon matriculation that you have to practice in Ohio for at least five years after completing residency.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Can you see yourself practicing in Ohio? If the answer is no, then go to KCUMB because OUHCOM will make you sign an agreement upon matriculation that you have to practice in Ohio for at least five years after completing residency.

I believe that was for OOS applicants only.

 

[lexierae494]

I believe that was for OOS applicants only.

I thought the same thing. Only OOS applicants sign the contract.

 

[user3]

Can you see yourself practicing in Ohio? If the answer is no, then go to KCUMB because OUHCOM will make you sign an agreement upon matriculation that you have to practice in Ohio for at least five years after completing residency.

From what I have heard, the contract only applies after you have finished all of your residency training, and even then it can be "bought out" of for around $50k.

 

[AlteredScale]

From what I have heard, the contract only applies after you have finished all of your residency training, and even then it can be "bought out" of for around $50k.

I have a close friend going there now. There are certain residencies that allow you to serve your time with the 5 year contract, pretty sure one of them is if you do PC at cleveland clinic south pointe.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Why in the world is Delaware handing out advice...?

Who you think you are...

Vs. what others view you as on SDN...

But I dont think it matters... pretty sure he has me on his ignore list heh.

 

[DloopF2]

^^^ so hilarious. spot on!!