LECOM-Bradenton vs. MSU-COM

[lvjd820]

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Hi all... I'm hoping some of you could provide some more opinions/experiences about MSU-COM and LECOM-Bradenton.

I'm leaning more towards MSU-COM because of the residency options in Michigan, general positive reputation, and curriculum of the school. However, I am a Florida resident so the tuition is the main aspect that makes me hesitate to make MSU-COM my final decision.

On that note, the pros for LECOM would be tuition and the fact that my family is fairly close by. However, I'm concerned about the entirely PBL-based curriculum and how the rotations are set up. One of the medical students I talked to told me that the students have to set the rotations up themselves. Could someone elaborate further about this?

Thanks in advance for all your responses!

 

[desiboy]

MSU-COM!!! Been open longer and a great education... Better Rep!!

 

[gatorfann14]

You dont have to set the rotations up yourself anymore. In fact you aren't allowed to do non LECOM rotations for the 3rd year anymore. 4th year is you deciding whether to do aways or just staying inside the rotations that lecom already has set up.

 

[dntke1518]

Hi all... I'm hoping some of you could provide some more opinions/experiences about MSU-COM and LECOM-Bradenton.

I'm leaning more towards MSU-COM because of the residency options in Michigan, general positive reputation, and curriculum of the school. However, I am a Florida resident so the tuition is the main aspect that makes me hesitate to make MSU-COM my final decision.

On that note, the pros for LECOM would be tuition and the fact that my family is fairly close by. However, I'm concerned about the entirely PBL-based curriculum and how the rotations are set up. One of the medical students I talked to told me that the students have to set the rotations up themselves. Could someone elaborate further about this?

Thanks in advance for all your responses!

MSU is a state funded school with a great reputation, the same probably can't be said for LECOM (not saying that it is my opinion). MSU would be the no-brainer choice for me hands down.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I'm leaning more towards MSU-COM because of the residency options in Michigan, general positive reputation, and curriculum of the school. However, I am a Florida resident so the tuition is the main aspect that makes me hesitate to make MSU-COM my final decision.

!

You do not have to go to school in Michigan in order to do residency in Michigan. Two separate identities altogether. So if you are only looking at MSU because you think you need to for residency? that is not necessary. Residency is based on board scores, where you interview, and who you match with. Really doesn't have a lot to do with where you go to school. BTW, LECOM has a great reputation for making professional physicians. You should not have a problem with either school you choose.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Unless MSU is giving you a scholarship I would find it hard to rationalize paying an extra 50k a year to live in an icebox.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You do not have to go to school in Michigan in order to do residency in Michigan. Two separate identities altogether. So if you are only looking at MSU because you think you need to for residency? that is not necessary. Residency is based on board scores, where you interview, and who you match with. Really doesn't have a lot to do with where you go to school. BTW, LECOM has a great reputation for making professional physicians. You should not have a problem with either school you choose.

It's the OPTI fad now, anyone who wants to make it into a competitive specialty can probably make it easier on themselves by going to a school that has the program.

 

[cabinbuilder]

It's the OPTI fad now, anyone who wants to make it into a competitive specialty can probably make it easier on themselves by going to a school that has the program.

I seriously doubt that.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I seriously doubt that.

Eh, I don't know about it either tbh. But hey since auditions are pretty much how most applicants for competitive specialties are chosen I guess it must be a little bit easier to attend a school with a lot of programs where you can audition. Idk if away rotations can change this or not since I'm not a medical student.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Eh, I don't know about it either tbh. But hey since auditions are pretty much how most applicants for competitive specialties are chosen I guess it must be a little bit easier to attend a school with a lot of programs where you can audition. Idk if away rotations can change this or not since I'm not a medical student.

I think you are confused as to how residencies work. MSUCOM is a medical school and while there are a few residencies affiliated with them (5) listed on the AOA website, there are 192 residencies total that are DO in Michigan. Going to a particular school does not in any way guarantee your spot in any residency in the same city or state. It comes down to board scores, class rank, rotations at the site, and your application. You essentially have to apply for any given residency program just like you have to apply to medical school. The only difference is while medical school admission is not guaranteed, most generally get into residency somewhere (or at least scramble) but just know that unless you are at the top of your class, it may not be at your first choice.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I think you are confused as to how residencies work. MSUCOM is a medical school and while there are a few residencies affiliated with them (5) listed on the AOA website, there are 192 residencies total that are DO in Michigan. Going to a particular school does not in any way guarantee your spot in any residency in the same city or state. It comes down to board scores, class rank, rotations at the site, and your application. You essentially have to apply for any given residency program just like you have to apply to medical school. The only difference is while medical school admission is not guaranteed, most generally get into residency somewhere (or at least scramble) but just know that unless you are at the top of your class, it may not be at your first choice.

And wouldn't you assume that it is easier to rotate at one of those sites as an MSU student since all of these programs fall under MSU's OPTI as opposed to a LECOM student who is on the other side of the country? Or are you saying that both students will be able to have the ability to do extended away rotations their 4th year in particular residency programs they may want to enter? Such as Optho or Derm?

 

[cabinbuilder]

And wouldn't you assume that it is easier to rotate at one of those sites as an MSU student since all of these programs fall under MSU's OPTI as opposed to a LECOM student who is on the other side of the country? Or are you saying that both students will be able to have the ability to do extended away rotations their 4th year in particular residency programs they may want to enter? Such as Optho or Derm?

Therein lies the dilemma. Of course MSU students would generally rotate within their OPTI, just like LECOM students rotate within their OPTI as well - in fact we has specific hospitals that had to be filled by LECOM students for the CORE rotations. That's part of the deal. However, it really comes down to what you type of residency you are looking at. Since you are a pre-medical person there is no way that you can absolutely be sure as to what residency you will actually end up doing. My point is that medical school is hard enough, you should go where you will have the best peace of mind and most support. I can't speak for MSU since I didn't go there but LECOM (at least when I went) had plenty of opportunities as a fourth year to do away rotations. You had to set them up yourself but they didn't tell you that you couldn't. That's the whole idea behind doing an elective rotation in whatever you want. I had fellow student in my class who did their entire 4th year in a different state. I personally did away rotations in Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Fairbanks, AK. Not every OPTI has a residency program for every field so it is silly to try to gauge your medical school admission choice based on a potential residency choice 4 years later.

Just remember that just because you rotated there does not mean you go to the beginning of the line at match time. It's about the entire package, your scores, your rank, and your personality.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Of course I completely agree, I was frankly only delving because the topic of OPTI and whether they should be a reason for considering medical schools has become a reoccurring point.

 

[DrMediterranean]

Hi all... I'm hoping some of you could provide some more opinions/experiences about MSU-COM and LECOM-Bradenton.

I'm leaning more towards MSU-COM because of the residency options in Michigan, general positive reputation, and curriculum of the school. However, I am a Florida resident so the tuition is the main aspect that makes me hesitate to make MSU-COM my final decision.

On that note, the pros for LECOM would be tuition and the fact that my family is fairly close by. However, I'm concerned about the entirely PBL-based curriculum and how the rotations are set up. One of the medical students I talked to told me that the students have to set the rotations up themselves. Could someone elaborate further about this?

Thanks in advance for all your responses!

MSU for sure if you can get a scholarship (which lowers the tuition to almost in-state levels). If I was in Florida though and didn't get that big scholarship I would probably go for LECOM.
Is MSU a better school (not counting personal factors) ? Definitely.
Is MSU the better school for YOU? This is something you must decide. I personally wanted to stay close to my family, that's why MSU worked for me. Do you want to stay close to your family? Do you want to stay in Florida? Where will you be most comfortable and reach your full potential? I think these are much more relevant questions rather than which DO school is better.

But seriously, the difference in tuition is NOT worth it imo.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Of course I completely agree, I was frankly only delving because the topic of OPTI and whether they should be a reason for considering medical schools has become a reoccurring point.

I would say no, see post above this one. Every medical school is part of an OPTI, it really doesn't play a part in anything that pertains to you. There are so many more reasons as to why you choose a school. IMO OPTI choices should not be one of them. Your personal happiness, ability to succeed and overall cost in the end should be more pertinent to your decision.

 

[drgioiadds]

MSU for sure if you can get a scholarship (which lowers the tuition to almost in-state levels). If I was in Florida though and didn't get that big scholarship I would probably go for LECOM.
Is MSU a better school (not counting personal factors) ? Definitely.
Is MSU the better school for YOU? This is something you must decide. I personally wanted to stay close to my family, that's why MSU worked for me. Do you want to stay close to your family? Do you want to stay in Florida? Where will you be most comfortable and reach your full potential? I think these are much more relevant questions rather than which DO school is better.

But seriously, the difference in tuition is NOT worth it imo.

The OP stated that he/she was concerned with PBL. MSU is not PBL and I think the curriculum is laid out very logical now with more time off to study for boards. Summer Anatomy, OMM, Radiology, Fall - BMS, Spring---systems.

 

[donkeykong1]

Go to MSU and don't look back.

 

[FutureDoctorrrr]

MSU hands down!!

 

[lvjd820]

Thanks so much for everyone's input so far.

I'm having a hard time deciding where would I feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if it's because the day I visited Bradenton was one of those off days where barely any students were on campus (unless it's always like that), and the ones that were there didn't seem genuinely happy to be there even though they were leading the tour. Anyone want to tell me a different experience? And, of course, MSU is just far... but I still felt a sense of community among the students.

Although I don't know what specialty I want to pursue yet, I do want to be able to have the option to prepare myself for a "competitive" residency/specialty. Do any of you feel that the availability to do research in an medical school is an important factor in that aspect? I mention this because it seems that MSU has more research opportunities than LECOM-Bradenton.

 

[gators21]

If you have any questions about lecom-b you can pm me and ill try and answer.
Lecom is not the best place for research. There are opportunities, you just might have to do a little searching or be willing to drive to st pete. Our faculty will help you find something too.

 

[gatorfann14]

What day of the week was your interview? I think LECOM has a great feel among the students. There only about 5-10 people in my class I don't know well enough to call to go out or go golfing with and thats out of 200. The research thing depends on what you want to do. If you are looking to match a competitive ACGME residency then you bet its important, but if you just want an internal med residency and you don't care if its ACGME or AOA then it doesn't really matter. Research isn't hard to get though. In my last PBL group of 8 people 3 people wanted to start doing research and all 3 have positions lined up for the summer. They had to line them up themselves, but I know even from my time at UF(one of the largest research universities) I still had to find someone to do research with on my own, so I would imagine its a near universal thing with some obvious exceptions. I think you definitely like MSU more and are looking for affirmation it is the right choice and I understand how you feel I was the same way with CCOM this time last year but in the end you(like me) have to decide if the extra cost is worth it like some other posters have said. If you choose MSU that is a great school and you will be ok, but if you choose lecom it is also a good school and you will still be ok.

Thanks so much for everyone's input so far.

I'm having a hard time deciding where would I feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if it's because the day I visited Bradenton was one of those off days where barely any students were on campus (unless it's always like that), and the ones that were there didn't seem genuinely happy to be there even though they were leading the tour. Anyone want to tell me a different experience? And, of course, MSU is just far... but I still felt a sense of community among the students.

Although I don't know what specialty I want to pursue yet, I do want to be able to have the option to prepare myself for a "competitive" residency/specialty. Do any of you feel that the availability to do research in an medical school is an important factor in that aspect? I mention this because it seems that MSU has more research opportunities than LECOM-Bradenton.

 

[p1acebo]

Victory for MSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

[zma21]

I can't imagine coughing up an extra $200,000 to go to MSU over Bradenton. But then again who am I to make such a claim..

 

[octupus]

Thanks so much for everyone's input so far.

I'm having a hard time deciding where would I feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if it's because the day I visited Bradenton was one of those off days where barely any students were on campus (unless it's always like that), and the ones that were there didn't seem genuinely happy to be there even though they were leading the tour. Anyone want to tell me a different experience? And, of course, MSU is just far... but I still felt a sense of community among the students.

Although I don't know what specialty I want to pursue yet, I do want to be able to have the option to prepare myself for a "competitive" residency/specialty. Do any of you feel that the availability to do research in an medical school is an important factor in that aspect? I mention this because it seems that MSU has more research opportunities than LECOM-Bradenton.

When I visited Bradenton, the students seem friendly, engaged, and happy. I can definitely see myself being a part of the student body. While I think MSU is a tougher school to get into (ie. better in some people's opinion), I personally wouldn't pay that much more to go there.

 

[octupus]

and not to mention your family and friends at in Florida too. For me, that makes it a no-brainer. but then again, that's just what I would do if I were you.

 

[MrNovember]

I didn't even apply to MSU because of the tuition. If it were me I would have to do HPSP there or something similar, because the extra 200k in tuition would become a lot more with interest accruing.

 

[MilitaryMed]

The school you go to is what you make of it.. but i would take what people saying about LECOM being a "good" school with a grain of salt. But again, it does produce highly qualified physicians in most instances. So go for it if you have the attitude, "Whatever med school I go to is what I make of it." If the difference in tuition is the only deciding factor, which deep down that's what it seems to be, I would shoot for MSU. Maybe you could get resident status after two years or something. You should be quite proud of your acceptance there.

 

[SAvoodoo]

The school you go to is what you make of it.. but i would take what people saying about LECOM being a "good" school with a grain of salt. But again, it does produce highly qualified physicians in most instances. So go for it if you have the attitude, "Whatever med school I go to is what I make of it." If the difference in tuition is the only deciding factor, which deep down that's what it seems to be, I would shoot for MSU. Maybe you could get resident status after two years or something. You should be quite proud of your acceptance there.

1) You can't get residency after 2 years, it doesn't work that way unfortunately.
2a) LECOM it has gotten me and my friends where we wanted to be. I only know 1 person who didn't match at their number 1 choice (yes small sample size but it shows that it really is what you make of it).
2b) If you're talking about the rules and regulations that are talked about constantly that's understandable, they're not that bad but for some people it's a deal breaker. I get that and if you decide it's not worth dealing with then more power to you.
3) Tuition difference of a few thousand is not a big deal and shouldn't factor in. tuition difference of 200,000 over 4 years is huge.

MSU is a great DO school but is it worth the extra debt? I don't believe so but i'm not the one deciding so how I feel isn't really relevant. If you're military (thank you for your service in 5 years) or have a rich uncle or something (lucky) then this entire argument is irrelevant and you should just pick what you like the best.

 

[DocGodfather]

I was just curious to know why MSU is so much higher with their OOS tuition, compared to other schools? Makes me almost not even bother applying next year if the difference is an extra $200K, though I am a Cali resident, so I don't know.

 

[DrMediterranean]

I was just curious to know why MSU is so much higher with their OOS tuition, compared to other schools? Makes me almost not even bother applying next year if the difference is an extra $200K, though I am a Cali resident, so I don't know.

Good question. I honestly don't know the answer to why it is THAT high, but I certainly can understand why it is higher for OOS students generally speaking, because it is a state-sponsored school with the sole mission of providing physicians to the state of Michigan (in-state applicants are generally more likely to stay and work there post residency). To anyone who wants to apply to MSU but is afraid of the tuition: don't be. If you get accepted, there is an OOS scholarship that people receive. I have plenty of friends at MSU, both in-staters and out of staters. I haven't met 1 person from out of state that pays that ridiculous tuition - everyone who I have met from out of state has a scholarship.

To the OP: If MSU hasn't sent you any information on a scholarship, I would contact them immediately and let them know you really want to go to the school but need some kind of assistance. I know that these mysterious scholarships really do actually exist! Tell them that you have multiple acceptances and it is your top choice, I think that may help. Good luck.

 

[user3]

Good question. I honestly don't know the answer to why it is THAT high, but I certainly can understand why it is higher for OOS students generally speaking, because it is a state-sponsored school with the sole mission of providing physicians to the state of Michigan (in-state applicants are generally more likely to stay and work there post residency). To anyone who wants to apply to MSU but is afraid of the tuition: don't be. If you get accepted, there is an OOS scholarship that people receive. I have plenty of friends at MSU, both in-staters and out of staters. I haven't met 1 person from out of state that pays that ridiculous tuition - everyone who I have met from out of state has a scholarship.

To the OP: If MSU hasn't sent you any information on a scholarship, I would contact them immediately and let them know you really want to go to the school but need some kind of assistance. I know that these mysterious scholarships really do actually exist! Tell them that you have multiple acceptances and it is your top choice, I think that may help. Good luck.

Wouldn't you venture to guess that there are plenty of out-of-state acceptees that were not offered said scholarship and didn't end up attending though? I mean, you only mention the OOS students you knew that enrolled there. That doesn't tell the whole story.

 

[DocEspana]

I think you are confused as to how residencies work. MSUCOM is a medical school and while there are a few residencies affiliated with them (5) listed on the AOA website, there are 192 residencies total that are DO in Michigan.

Could be wrong, but a causal search of, oh, about, *all of them* of them shows every single one listed on the AOA website is affiliated with MSU. If your count was right you were only 38.5x smaller than the actual number.

sure the OPTI stuff is a recent craze, but you also look at the match lists for these programs and you see that there is an absolute trend that the home school gets a spot almost every year in every competitive residency. You want a competitive residency it is *a* helpful thing to be from the school that sponsors a program in it. for example, you want to do urology you have an advantage if you're at UMDNJSOM, WVSOM, PCOM, MSUCOM or CCOM, as those 5 schools have 100% of the DO urology programs under their purview. Can someone like me (from a different school) get into these programs? Absolutely. But it is an absolute advantage to be from the home program*

*= alternatively, this is the most shockingly consistent statistical anomaly I've ever seen, with the home school pretty much always getting a spot. But it could be a number of biases at play including that a student from there is more likely to rotate there. But even then, it may not be favoritism, but it is still an odds on advantage to be from those schools just for that fact.

 

[poopyhead]

I was just curious to know why MSU is so much higher with their OOS tuition, compared to other schools? Makes me almost not even bother applying next year if the difference is an extra $200K, though I am a Cali resident, so I don't know.

I'm assuming state schools receive funding from state income (and other) taxes, so I guess the higher OOS tuition is to make up for not having "contributed" any taxes to that state.

 

[DocGodfather]

Good question. I honestly don't know the answer to why it is THAT high, but I certainly can understand why it is higher for OOS students generally speaking, because it is a state-sponsored school with the sole mission of providing physicians to the state of Michigan (in-state applicants are generally more likely to stay and work there post residency). To anyone who wants to apply to MSU but is afraid of the tuition: don't be. If you get accepted, there is an OOS scholarship that people receive. I have plenty of friends at MSU, both in-staters and out of staters. I haven't met 1 person from out of state that pays that ridiculous tuition - everyone who I have met from out of state has a scholarship.

I'm assuming state schools receive funding from state income (and other) taxes, so I guess the higher OOS tuition is to make up for not having "contributed" any taxes to that state.

I wonder if it would be worthwhile to write in secondaries that I'd want to practice medicine in Michigan after I graduate to get scholarships? I'd consider it, but chances would be more like 50/50 I would just come back to SoCal where everyone I know lives.

 

[lvjd820]

While OOS tuition for a state school is generally more expensive because of the whole state funding reason, I think MSU's amount comes down to the extra semesters that they've added to the curriculum. The first 2 years are ~$75,000 since there are 2 summer semesters of courses added. The last 2 years are ~$50,000.

Also, not all OOS get the scholarships that some of you have mentioned. I met one MSU student who didn't have the scholarship. And as I was just recently notified, I'm not getting any either (unless I get one not associated with the school)... I don't think adding that you want to practice in Michigan after you graduate would help. They review your stats/application all over again for those scholarships. However, the school mentioned that if you do end up doing residency in MI, you can get some tuition credit, but it still doesn't make up for the OOS difference.

 

[roast]

Dunno how people can say msu is better than LECOM Bradenton. Every performance graph I've ever seen for comlex I and II if u look all the way to the left you'll see LECOM Bradenton along with TCOM. Our board scores are better every yr. Pbl is awesome and I'd die if I had to sit in class being talked at for 6 hrs a day. Plus 200k I mean is this even a question? I wouldn't go there no matter how good it was nothing is worth spending that much more money for an education that at best is comparable.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Über bump, also PBL is not for everyone. Wish I knew whether it is for me.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Über bump, also PBL is not for everyone. Wish I knew whether it is for me.

This also worries me, which I say it's better not to gamble it and go with traditional. however, for the cost of msu, I'd take my chances with lecom.

Sent from my SCH-R910 using Tapatalk

 

[dntke1518]

Über bump, also PBL is not for everyone. Wish I knew whether it is for me.

I will continue to contribute to the bump...

Have you ever had PBL type stuff in class? I know that we had quite a bit in Physiology...

 

[DrMediterranean]

Could be wrong, but a causal search of, oh, about, *all of them* of them shows every single one listed on the AOA website is affiliated with MSU. If your count was right you were only 38.5x smaller than the actual number.