LECOM - Erie Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[KG216]

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Grow up, please.

I surely hope that wasn't directed towards me, fellow NY'er!😀

 

[nys311637]

Hahaha, nope... just before you!

 

[JRod72]

My sincerest apologies Mr Bleeker... I had no clue that my comments make you antsy in your pantsy... But what tickles my pickle is the manner in which you dismiss other people's claims or ideas as irrelevant or inappropriate, While on the other hand, your ideas are deemed relevant. Relax hombre... be cool, wax on wax off. I don't really like to read people but let me tell you this. I know exactly what type of person you are. That accent you've tried so desperately to shed: pure West Virginia. What is your father, dear? Is he a coal miner? Does he stink of the lamp? You know how quickly the boys found you... all those tedious sticky fumblings in the back seats of cars... while you could only dream of getting out... getting anywhere... getting all the way ttt...to....to lecom!

HMMMmmmm?! I hope you are quoting a movie because you totally lost me there!!!!

I have it figured out! The beginning was very Dr. Seuss....."antsy in your pantsy" and "what tickles my pickle" sounds like "I will not eat green eggs and ham Sam I am". Then you went to 1984 Karate Kid, "Wax on, wax off Daniel son". Then you went into the CSI Miami character Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso) "with That accent you've tried so desperately to shed: pure West Virginia" YEEEAAAAAAA. But the final aspect was correct, KG216, 100% Hannibal Lecter! "ttt...to....to lecom!" could have been from "ttt...to...today junior" from Billy Madison.

Helpful no...amusing yes!!

 

[jjmad1201]

My sincerest apologies Mr Bleeker... I had no clue that my comments make you antsy in your pantsy... But what tickles my pickle is the manner in which you dismiss other people's claims or ideas as irrelevant or inappropriate, While on the other hand, your ideas are deemed relevant. Relax hombre... be cool, wax on wax off. I don't really like to read people but let me tell you this. I know exactly what type of person you are. That accent you've tried so desperately to shed: pure West Virginia. What is your father, dear? Is he a coal miner? Does he stink of the lamp? You know how quickly the boys found you... all those tedious sticky fumblings in the back seats of cars... while you could only dream of getting out... getting anywhere... getting all the way ttt...to....to lecom!

hahaha CLASSIC!!!!

 

[Peaceonearth]

Hahaha, nope... just before you!

Sorry, I guess you don't find my silence of the lambs rant amusing...but trust me Im not trying to be rude... Im just trying to lighten up the mood a little. This whole process could be quit stressful and a little humor wouldn't hurt anyone... would it?

P.S. I pm Bleeker and everytink is coo!

 

[Peaceonearth]

hahaha CLASSIC!!!!

Thanks man... I try... lol

 

[Peaceonearth]

HMMMmmmm?! I hope you are quoting a movie because you totally lost me there!!!!

I have it figured out! The beginning was very Dr. Seuss....."antsy in your pantsy" and "what tickles my pickle" sounds like "I will not eat green eggs and ham Sam I am". Then you went to 1984 Karate Kid, "Wax on, wax off Daniel son". Then you went into the CSI Miami character Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso) "with That accent you've tried so desperately to shed: pure West Virginia" YEEEAAAAAAA. But the final aspect was correct, KG216, 100% Hannibal Lecter! "ttt...to....to lecom!" could have been from "ttt...to...today junior" from Billy Madison.

Helpful no...amusing yes!!

Nothing gets by you Jrod

 

[bleeker10]

When I first read that, I was thinking "WTF". I've never seen that movie so obviously I've never heard the quote. Then I saw it was from a movie and I had a laugh. Things are cool with me. I was just saying that pre-meds (myself included) get hung up on insignificant details about med schools that have no effect on their education. It's similar to the "concerns about LECOM" thread from a year ago. Somebody on here was complaining about the dress code and no food/beverage policy and how it was a downer for the school. The dress code is cool to me. I like dressing up and it doesn't bother me anymore. Plus you get to see the girls dressed up rather than being in sweat pants. Focus on the 3rd and 4th year rotations, not whether you can eat in class.

 

[bri53]

does anyone know if they send rejection through the status page, email, or snail mail? thanks.

 

[Slane]

does anyone know if they send rejection through the status page, email, or snail mail? thanks.

Seems like they send everything decision-based through snail mail - Acceptances, wait-lists, and rejections.

 

[JRod72]

This question is for those who live in Erie....Lets talk snow!!!! I have a rear-wheel drive sports car and I am concerned about my ability to get around. My goal is to live as close to campus as I can so I can walk if I need to but how much trouble would it be for me. My options are to keep my car and walk when I need to or buy a new car that is more winter friendly (4x4 monster truck).

Any ideas?

 

[forrealz]

look into what sort of housing is available around there, if you want to rely on walking. Everybody I know in Erie drives trucks and suvs. I mean you would need to go to other places besides school too, you would definitely need a safe car. why does it snow like hell up in Erie!! 😡

 

[Slane]

I live just south of Erie, and I have no problems in my FWD Toyota Matrix once I get my snow tires on. You'll definitely have issues in a RWD sports car though, regardless of whether you put snow tires on or not, but I don't think you have to give it up for a monster truck 😛 There are plenty of sporty cars with AWD that'll perform well in the snow (Subaru Impreza/Legacy, many Audi's, some BMW's, etc.) Lake effect snow is a pain in the butt, but you get used to it pretty quick. If you plan on driving a lot, I'd advise you to look for a place that offers a garage or carport. Digging your car out of a foot or two of snow is really a craptastic way to start off your day.

Oh, and it usually doesn't take the plow crews too long to get a handle on the roads here, the main ones at any rate. I know our local crews will pre-salt roads if they expect a lot of snow, so they're usually only borderline impassable for the first couple of hours or so.

 

[nys311637]

Sorry, I guess you don't find my silence of the lambs rant amusing...but trust me Im not trying to be rude... Im just trying to lighten up the mood a little. This whole process could be quit stressful and a little humor wouldn't hurt anyone... would it?

P.S. I pm Bleeker and everytink is coo!

LOL, very good... yeah, had not seen the movie... glad all is well! 🙂

Agreed... we all get so serious and crazy on this!!

 

[bleeker10]

look into what sort of housing is available around there, if you want to rely on walking. Everybody I know in Erie drives trucks and suvs. I mean you would need to go to other places besides school too, you would definitely need a safe car. why does it snow like hell up in Erie!! 😡

I would say 90% of the vehicles on campus are cars. RWD won't work in the snow. In order to get any sort of traction, you would need to put sandbags in the trunk of your car to weigh it down. From what I hear, the snow by the lake isn't too bad but by campus it's real bad. I have also heard that the plow crews in Erie aren't that great. My roommate has lived in Erie most of his life and he says to expect to take 2-3X longer to get to school. If you are looking to live close to school, check out Laurel Ridge and Laurel Springs. They are right next to school. You will need to get on a waiting list bc they are really popular. Another option is Scenery Hills. Its about two blocks from school on W. Grandview but they have garages.

 

[KG216]

This question is for those who live in Erie....Lets talk snow!!!! I have a rear-wheel drive sports car and I am concerned about my ability to get around. My goal is to live as close to campus as I can so I can walk if I need to but how much trouble would it be for me. My options are to keep my car and walk when I need to or buy a new car that is more winter friendly (4x4 monster truck).

Any ideas?

Hmm well I live in Buffalo, which is pretty similar in terms of snow. While you can attempt to bring your car, it could get ugly 😱. Sounds like maybe a mustang? A regular front wheel drive car will be fine...SUV/Trucks are good as well. No matter if it is 4X4 or not, the main factor is how patient and careful you are. Can't tell you how many people think a 4X4 is a license to drive like a jerk in the snow, but they learn eventually! If you love your car, I'd say bring it and walk. Or- a lot of people I know, including myself in the past, have had cars that either had body kits on them or were rear wheel drive and would store their car for the winter and get a regular old car for the winter (aka winter beaters)... I'm sure whatever you pick will work for you!

 

[doggydog1]

Does anyone know if there is a publication that has the ranking of the COMLEX score by school?

 

[Slevin]

I interviewed Aug 25 and I think that was the first group so I don't think October is too late at all.

I interviewed in March during my interview cycle. I actually didn't submit my app until Jan of that year and BAM 2 years later I'm a second year... life is ok

 

[Slevin]

How does this make you feel negative about the school? Honestly I think all of you are complaining about a minute problem. If I was in your situation, I would've paid the deposit and if I got in somewhere else I liked better than I would've just withdrawn. It's only $1500.

Agreed. This isn't a new policy, this was in place 2 years ago when I interviewed. Like it or not most DO schools have this policy, not just LECOM. LECOM neither cares if you take the seat offered to you or not. If people don't like the policy don't apply or don't take the seat, but if it's the only acceptance you get and you turn it down it'll suck to be you

For all of those who will be joining me at LECOM, Welcome.

 

[Peaceonearth]

Does anyone know if there is a publication that has the ranking of the COMLEX score by school?

Even if you do find the ranking, it will be misleading because most schools will ask some students to dropout and some to delay takin the exam till they score high enough on the practice exam. It seems that every school that I have interviewed at claims that they score higher on the boards than the national average..... and Im like WTF? there has to be one school scoring below the national average...right? then I figured out by doing some rational analysis, that they conveniently leave out the scores of students who did not take the exam or failed the practice exams and hence the inflated average score....there should be another score... the realistic score...(take the total score of all the students who took the exam/ total number of studnets that attended the school on day 1) this number will be more reflective of the quality of education and the quality of studnets that the school accepts. I have heard from many posts that it doesnt matter which school you attend during the first two years...yada yada yada... bs. The fact of the matter remains that it does....some schools do not provide students with the tools that other schools provide... for example... some schools provide audio and video lecture streaming, while others do not... some have an open door policy with regards to their teaching staff...some do not...... some schools have tons of electives...some do not.... I am not trying to make it look bad for students who do not have many options... but if you do have options.... investigate before you matriculate.

 

[Peaceonearth]

Agreed. This isn't a new policy, this was in place 2 years ago when I interviewed. Like it or not most DO schools have this policy, not just LECOM. LECOM neither cares if you take the seat offered to you or not. If people don't like the policy don't apply or don't take the seat, but if it's the only acceptance you get and you turn it down it'll suck to be you

For all of those who will be joining me at LECOM, Welcome.

Not that your sentence makes any sense😛(lol, jk), but I will go out on a limb and assume you meant that Lecom doesn't care if you accept their offer😀. If that was really the case then why the heck would they have a deposit deadline? I'm sure that lecom wants to fill its class with the most highly qualified applicants. But they implemented this policy to filter out those who are using lecom as a fall back option...Because they fear that students will attend another school if given the oppurtunity. So rather than have a refundable deposite policy... they would rather bite you in the a**. I mean by god... its only September! at least give me the amount of time that you stated you will give me in the AACOM information... am I the only one who regrets wasting their time?

P.S. Good luck with MSII!

 

[bleeker10]

Not that your sentence makes any sense😛(lol, jk), but I will go out on a limb and assume you meant that Lecom doesn't care if you accept their offer😀. If that was really the case then why the heck would they have a deposit deadline? I'm sure that lecom wants to fill its class with the most highly qualified applicants. But they implemented this policy to filter out those who are using lecom as a fall back option...Because they fear that students will attend another school if given the oppurtunity. So rather than have a refundable deposite policy... they would rather bite you in the a**. I mean by god... its only September! at least give me the amount of time that you stated you will give me in the AACOM information... am I the only one who regrets wasting their time?

P.S. Good luck with MSII!

Ok dude I guess you aren't over the conversation again. Do you have proof of this statement? If so I would like to see it. You have no clue why LECOM implemented this policy so stop spouting off to everyone like you do. We get it. You don't like LECOM so stop posting in here. If you aren't gonna go to the school then you really have nothing positive to contribute to this thread

 

[JRod72]

Ok dude I guess you aren't over the conversation again. Do you have proof of this statement? If so I would like to see it. You have no clue why LECOM implemented this policy so stop spouting off to everyone like you do. We get it. You don't like LECOM so stop posting in here. If you aren't gonna go to the school then you really have nothing positive to contribute to this thread

I AGREE!!!!!!

I am very happy about being accepted to LECOM and I personally think that it is the best school for me. If it is not a good fit for you....COOL!!! Start posting in your college of choice's thread. Let those who wake up every morning with a smile about LECOM have their day!!!! Do you piss on wedding cakes too?!!!!!

 

[xtina0]

Hey, for everyone who interviewed at lecom and got the Internship and residency matches sheet, why does the first page say allopathic internship and residencies. Is it because thats for student who choose to take USMLE? Also isn't internship the first year of residency, why does the sheet list internships and residencies, aren't all first year residencies called internships??? Maybe I'm just missing something.

 

[bleeker10]

Hey, for everyone who interviewed at lecom and got the Internship and residency matches sheet, why does the first page say allopathic internship and residencies. Is it because thats for student who choose to take USMLE? Also isn't internship the first year of residency, why does the sheet list internships and residencies, aren't all first year residencies called internships??? Maybe I'm just missing something.

The allo residencies and internships are listed separately from teh osteo ones to delineate where the students were placed. Most of the student probably took the USMLE, but it is not required for every program. It just depends on what each program wants out of its applicants. Also, some residencies, like Ortho, have the internship year linked into the 5 year residency so in that case it would be considered an internship and residency combo. Others, like Rads, have you do a traditional internship somewhere and then start at the program as a PGY-2 so the residency and internship are separate. That person could do an internship at Y program in a certain city and then do residency at Z program in a different city. Hope this helps

 

[bleeker10]

Also, for anyone interviewing if you would like to talk to a current student in person about LECOM, let me know. I can try to see when you are interviewing and if I have time to meet up with you. Sunday nites are usually out of the question because we have quizzes and tests on Mondays. Just shoot me a PM

 

[Slevin]

Not that your sentence makes any sense😛(lol, jk), but I will go out on a limb and assume you meant that Lecom doesn't care if you accept their offer😀. If that was really the case then why the heck would they have a deposit deadline? I'm sure that lecom wants to fill its class with the most highly qualified applicants. But they implemented this policy to filter out those who are using lecom as a fall back option...Because they fear that students will attend another school if given the oppurtunity. So rather than have a refundable deposite policy... they would rather bite you in the a**. I mean by god... its only September! at least give me the amount of time that you stated you will give me in the AACOM information... am I the only one who regrets wasting their time?

P.S. Good luck with MSII!

They have a deposit deadline so they can figure out how many people actually are committed to coming to LECOM vs who just applied to use it as a backup school. You applied, you were offered a seat and they want to know if you want it, really want it. If you do then you'll pony up the cash, if not then you won't.

MS II is a pain but it'll be over soon

 

[Slevin]

Also, for anyone interviewing if you would like to talk to a current student in person about LECOM, let me know. I can try to see when you are interviewing and if I have time to meet up with you. Sunday nites are usually out of the question because we have quizzes and tests on Mondays. Just shoot me a PM

Ditto for me... but I don't know Bleeker 😛

 

[xtina0]

The allo residencies and internships are listed separately from teh osteo ones to delineate where the students were placed. Most of the student probably took the USMLE, but it is not required for every program. It just depends on what each program wants out of its applicants. Also, some residencies, like Ortho, have the internship year linked into the 5 year residency so in that case it would be considered an internship and residency combo. Others, like Rads, have you do a traditional internship somewhere and then start at the program as a PGY-2 so the residency and internship are separate. That person could do an internship at Y program in a certain city and then do residency at Z program in a different city. Hope this helps

Thanks that clears it up🙂. I just want to make sure I could get residency in the New York City area If I go to Erie. I'm assuming in another four years when I graduate there will be more hospitals affiliated with LECOM for both rotations and residencies.

 

[engineeredout]

Ditto for me... but I don't know Bleeker 😛

Ditto for me... and I'm better than Bleeker.

 

[bleeker10]

Ditto for me... and I'm better than Bleeker.

You may be better than me, but the coffee machine in the cafeteria owns your ***** haha.

 

[Slevin]

You drink that putrid stuff... I can't stand anything that comes out of it

 

[Cruel Entropy]

Is anyone interviewing on 9/25?

 

[fattymangox03]

I interviewed at DMU last week and the med students said that about 50-60% of the incoming class are married, and some have kids as well.

More than half coming in with a spouse?! Is it just me or is this percentage pretty high? What is it like at LECOM? I expect there will be students with families but is it more than half of the class..? What is the average age of students?

 

[fattymangox03]

Are classes (both LDP and PBL) graded or pass/fail?

 

[engineeredout]

You may be better than me, but the coffee machine in the cafeteria owns your ***** haha.

One of these days I'm going office space on that thing.

Are classes (both LDP and PBL) graded or pass/fail?

Graded. 90+ = A, 80 - 89 = B. 70 - 79 = C. Below C = fail.

 

[bleeker10]

I interviewed at DMU last week and the med students said that about 50-60% of the incoming class are married, and some have kids as well.

More than half coming in with a spouse?! Is it just me or is this percentage pretty high? What is it like at LECOM? I expect there will be students with families but is it more than half of the class..? What is the average age of students?

There are some married ppl in our class but I wouldn't say that more than 25-30% of our class is married. There are quite a few in relationships and/or engaged though. I'd say the average age is around 25-26. The ages range from 21 (just turned) to the mid-50's.

 

[fattymangox03]

One of these days I'm going office space on that thing.



Graded. 90+ = A, 80 - 89 = B. 70 - 79 = C. Below C = fail.

There are some married ppl in our class but I wouldn't say that more than 25-30% of our class is married. There are quite a few in relationships and/or engaged though. I'd say the average age is around 25-26. The ages range from 21 (just turned) to the mid-50's.

thanks!

 

[DocHomer]

Is anyone interviewing on 9/25?

I had an interview scheduled for 9/25 but I just withdrew my application. If anyone is interested in interviewing on an earlier date than you had planned, there is an opening.

Good luck.

 

[JanikeyDoc]

Does anyone know what the interview acceptance rate at this school is? I was hearing some schools interview very large numbers of applicants, as many as 4 interviews to 1 seat in the class.

 

[DocHomer]

Does anyone know what the interview acceptance rate at this school is? I was hearing some schools interview very large numbers of applicants, as many as 4 interviews to 1 seat in the class.

This is the US News data, but I think it includes stats from the Bradenton campus as well.

6563 applied, 1387 interviewed, 921 were accepted, 436 enrolled

 

[JanikeyDoc]

This is the US News data, but I think it includes stats from the Bradenton campus as well.

6563 applied, 1387 interviewed, 921 were accepted, 436 enrolled

Any numbers of waitlists? I was wondering how many of those 921 were accepted off of the waitlist. Some schools that accept 70 percent of interviewed candidates usually take a large percent of students from a wait list.

 

[fattymangox03]

i'm trying to decide between LDP, PBL-Erie, and PBL-Seton Hill.

--so, as i understand it, LDP is the regular med school setup with required attendance for lectures all week. but with PBL, you only have class the few times a week for the discussions, but otherwise, there are no other classes (except for anatomy in the beginning of the yr)? what about labs? omm? what if you're having a hard time grasping the material; are there office hours and study groups for students?

--i've also read in past posts that PBL does not have a dissection unit, only LDP students have a chance to do so. although there is a virtual set-up for the unit for PBL students. would this be a huge disadvantage to PBL pathway?

--in choosing either of the pathways, does it have any affect on your third and fourth yr rotations and residencies?

--are there opportunities to switch LDP to PBL and vice versa, or is it pretty much set in stone for 2 yrs?

--what is seton hill campus like? is it just the PBL students, or are there other health professional programs on campus as well? how many students are there in seton hill? is there also a teaching hospital on site?

sorry for all the questions.. my interview is coming up and i'm getting a bit antsy!

 

[DocHomer]

Any numbers of waitlists? I was wondering how many of those 921 were accepted off of the waitlist. Some schools that accept 70 percent of interviewed candidates usually take a large percent of students from a wait list.

Sorry, I don't have any numbers for that. You can call the schools and find out.

 

[Peaceonearth]

Ok dude I guess you aren't over the conversation again. Do you have proof of this statement? If so I would like to see it. You have no clue why LECOM implemented this policy so stop spouting off to everyone like you do. We get it. You don't like LECOM so stop posting in here. If you aren't gonna go to the school then you really have nothing positive to contribute to this thread

I don't think its my job to have a positive or a negative contribution to any school's image, but on the other hand I think that it is my responsibility to present any viewer of this thread with impartial and factual information. I wish someone would have posted about this issue before I interviewed. So, I have no hidden agenda Mr. Bleeker, I post with frankness and candor in order to serve my SDN brethern with possibly helpful information. 😀

 

[Peaceonearth]

I AGREE!!!!!!

I am very happy about being accepted to LECOM and I personally think that it is the best school for me. If it is not a good fit for you....COOL!!! Start posting in your college of choice's thread. Let those who wake up every morning with a smile about LECOM have their day!!!! Do you piss on wedding cakes too?!!!!!

Lol!!! Jrod jrod jrod.... why must you jump to conlcusions? why wold anyone in their right mind pi** on a wedding cake? I guess im not invited to your wedding.😛 Anyway, sorry if upset you, but I really thought Lecom was a great school. You should be proud to be attending, and an SDN post should not affect how you feel about your school. Good luck, and cheer up sport. 🙂.... and if you could get 10 people to vote me out of this thread I would concede,thats a promise!

 

[bleeker10]

i'm trying to decide between LDP, PBL-Erie, and PBL-Seton Hill.

--so, as i understand it, LDP is the regular med school setup with required attendance for lectures all week. but with PBL, you only have class the few times a week for the discussions, but otherwise, there are no other classes (except for anatomy in the beginning of the yr)? what about labs? omm? what if you're having a hard time grasping the material; are there office hours and study groups for students?

--i've also read in past posts that PBL does not have a dissection unit, only LDP students have a chance to do so. although there is a virtual set-up for the unit for PBL students. would this be a huge disadvantage to PBL pathway?

--in choosing either of the pathways, does it have any affect on your third and fourth yr rotations and residencies?

--are there opportunities to switch LDP to PBL and vice versa, or is it pretty much set in stone for 2 yrs?

--what is seton hill campus like? is it just the PBL students, or are there other health professional programs on campus as well? how many students are there in seton hill? is there also a teaching hospital on site?

sorry for all the questions.. my interview is coming up and i'm getting a bit antsy!

1) The only time PBL students attend anatomy lectures are when we do radiology or have a forum and a quiz. Otherwise they are not in the lecture hall with us. They do have to attend histo, embryo, h&p, opp, and any special lectures with all pathways. Also ISP attends all the anatomy lectures and gross labs. If you are having problems, you can go to the teachers, other students, study groups, get tutors, etc. The school will find a way to help you out.

2) PBL has virtual dissection which means they have pictures of body parts and they have to identify each segment. There is more to it than that but you get the jist. The PBL students take the same written anatomy tests as everyone else, but their lab practicals are different. The virtual dissection encourages self instruction. All the PBL students I know study on their own for at least 7-8 hours a day since they don't have lecture

3) AFAIK, PBL vs. LDP vs. ISP has no bearing on rotations or residency. I've heard PBL students have higher board scores but that could just be a rumor. Plus when there are over 170 LDP and less than 50 PBL, its easy to see where a few high board scores can affect the PBL averages a lot easier than LDP

4) You can switch pathways as long as there are spots open and you do well. I know someone who switched to PBL about 4 weeks into anatomy. My roommate wants to switch from LDP to ISP but has to wait until after anatomy since ISP takes anatomy with us.

5) I don't know much about the Seton Hill campus. There is a PA program there and the med school is on the undergrad campus. Seton Hill is strictly PBL and currently has 100 students that matriculated

 

[fattymangox03]

Thanks, bleeker!

 

[JRod72]

Lol!!! Jrod jrod jrod.... why must you jump to conlcusions? why wold anyone in their right mind pi** on a wedding cake? I guess im not invited to your wedding.😛 Anyway, sorry if upset you, but I really thought Lecom was a great school. You should be proud to be attending, and an SDN post should not affect how you feel about your school. Good luck, and cheer up sport. 🙂.... and if you could get 10 people to vote me out of this thread I would concede,thats a promise!

I wouldn't vote you out!!! You are the spice in the chicken! ( I thought you would enjoy that!!) Just pointing out your negative spin on one aspect of the admissions process. It is true that for some people $1500.00 is a deal breaker yet to others it is just a small step toward a big dream!!! It seems as though that you can't let it go. I'm just saying, go to your happy place and let it go...😀

Hey, where are you going to attend medical school at? I want to know who is getting Dr. Spice !!!!! I may need you later for consults, you defiantly see things in a different way!!! That may give you an edge over some cookie cutter doctors!!

 

[Lewist02]

This question is for those who live in Erie....Lets talk snow!!!! I have a rear-wheel drive sports car and I am concerned about my ability to get around. My goal is to live as close to campus as I can so I can walk if I need to but how much trouble would it be for me. My options are to keep my car and walk when I need to or buy a new car that is more winter friendly (4x4 monster truck).

Any ideas?

You definitely don't need an SUV of any kind to get around. I'm from Rochester, NY and we get similar, if not worse snow, than Erie. I drive a Saab Convertible year round, and as long as you have snow tires of some kind (preferably studded), you will get around Erie just fine.