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LECOM Bradenton MMS vs. Ross MedOrigin: Academic Preparation, Progression, and Attrition
I have been accepted to LECOM Bradenton’s MMS program beginning July 2027 and also have the option of starting Ross University’s MedOrigin program in January 2027. I would appreciate informed perspectives, particularly from students who have completed either pathway.
For context, my undergraduate GPA was 3.4/4.0, my premedical post-baccalaureate GPA was 2.67/4.0, and my highest MCAT score across multiple attempts was 487. I recognize that these numbers raise legitimate concerns about my academic preparation.
My understanding from discussions with LECOM is that the MMS does not require the MCAT and that progression to the DO program is based on performance within the MMS. I was told that the dean extends offers during the program and that students earning above approximately 3.5 generally receive admission. My acceptance letter separately outlines eligibility for an early interview at a 3.0, subject to additional requirements. I understand that interview eligibility and an admission offer are different, and I would welcome clarification from recent students about how this works in practice.
Assuming successful progression without delays, the timelines I am considering are:
My central concern is entering medical school with the preparation and support needed to remain in the program and graduate. For those with firsthand experience:
The MMS program is 9 months long and commences July 2027; Ross, on the other hand, commences January 2027 and last for 16 weeks.
My main concern with the MMS program is how likely is it to progress to the DO program after completing it? The last thing I would would want for myself is having a master's degree but no medical school seat in sight.
With Ross, the challenges are not making it into medical school, but making sure that I finish. From what I have heard, the attrition rate at caribbean schools is higher and it is significantly more challenging to match into residency as an IMG. I know that majority of caribbean grads match into IM, FM or Peds, but even then it is still more challenging than U.S M.D./D.O.
Do you believe that I would be saving time by going to Ross? Graduating in 2031 and matching that same year? Also even after completing basic sciences on the islands, I'd have to make it through the comp, which I heard fails a majority of people.
If I fail the MMS program, then it would be the end of the line except much further down the line than Med Origin.
I ought to also mentioned that I previously took MERP, which I almost passed but didn't; I narrowly missed the threshold by a very thin margin.
I have been accepted to LECOM Bradenton’s MMS program beginning July 2027 and also have the option of starting Ross University’s MedOrigin program in January 2027. I would appreciate informed perspectives, particularly from students who have completed either pathway.
For context, my undergraduate GPA was 3.4/4.0, my premedical post-baccalaureate GPA was 2.67/4.0, and my highest MCAT score across multiple attempts was 487. I recognize that these numbers raise legitimate concerns about my academic preparation.
My understanding from discussions with LECOM is that the MMS does not require the MCAT and that progression to the DO program is based on performance within the MMS. I was told that the dean extends offers during the program and that students earning above approximately 3.5 generally receive admission. My acceptance letter separately outlines eligibility for an early interview at a 3.0, subject to additional requirements. I understand that interview eligibility and an admission offer are different, and I would welcome clarification from recent students about how this works in practice.
Assuming successful progression without delays, the timelines I am considering are:
- Ross: Begin MedOrigin in January 2027, finish basic sciences around December 2028, proceed toward USMLE Step 1, and potentially graduate in 2031.
- LECOM: Begin MMS in July 2027, matriculate into the DO program in fall 2028 if admitted, and potentially graduate in 2032.
My central concern is entering medical school with the preparation and support needed to remain in the program and graduate. For those with firsthand experience:
- How effectively does each program prepare students with weaker academic backgrounds for medical school?
- What proportion of entering students progresses into the DO or MD program, and how do those students perform afterward?
- How accessible and effective are academic support and remediation?
- Would the potential one-year head start at Ross meaningfully outweigh the advantages of pursuing the LECOM pathway?
The MMS program is 9 months long and commences July 2027; Ross, on the other hand, commences January 2027 and last for 16 weeks.
My main concern with the MMS program is how likely is it to progress to the DO program after completing it? The last thing I would would want for myself is having a master's degree but no medical school seat in sight.
With Ross, the challenges are not making it into medical school, but making sure that I finish. From what I have heard, the attrition rate at caribbean schools is higher and it is significantly more challenging to match into residency as an IMG. I know that majority of caribbean grads match into IM, FM or Peds, but even then it is still more challenging than U.S M.D./D.O.
Do you believe that I would be saving time by going to Ross? Graduating in 2031 and matching that same year? Also even after completing basic sciences on the islands, I'd have to make it through the comp, which I heard fails a majority of people.
If I fail the MMS program, then it would be the end of the line except much further down the line than Med Origin.
I ought to also mentioned that I previously took MERP, which I almost passed but didn't; I narrowly missed the threshold by a very thin margin.
