So the program's over and most if not all of the class should know where they stand at around this point. I've neglected this thread for a while so I'll try and answer some questions that were posed though I think Docdonny is pretty spot on in his perspective.
PCOM's Cert program or 1st year of their MBS is pretty analogous to LECOM's and the main difference is how the administration and the school itself views their graduate program. If given the choice between the PA campus and GA campus prior to the expansion of class size at GA, I would definitely go with the PCOM PA campus due mainly to their far larger class size (220+?). The MBS class size for both campuses are roughly the same leaving one to only wonder how many GA was willing to accept back into their own school if their class size (before expansion) was only 80-90 students. I think the #s that were tossed around in past PCOM threads was about 8-10 back into GA from their MBS program and 15-20 from both 1st and 2nd year MBS students at PA campus. Another way to look at it is, with LECOM you theoretically have one solid established school that will accept you if you are successful. With PCOM, you have alot more of the "maybe" factor. They do interview late but PCOM's name carries some weight with many of the other DO schools so you can decide for yourself which is more important, having one school accept you for sure or having an improved chance of getting accepted in general.
As for LECOM, like Docdonny has said, your future is largely in your own hands. The cutoffs are explained on orientation day and though there may be some slight negotiation on the GPA side, the required MCAT is set in stone. The only thing that can be "negotiated" on the MCAT end is the date at which that score is required. The price between the two programs are roughly comparable for tuition but I would find it hard to believe that you can find a cost of living cheaper than that in Erie. Another point that potential post-bacc students might consider when looking at both programs is PCOM requires a certain # in each section as a minimum (you can ask an admissions counselor for what that is) which may or may not influence your decision to attend either school.
Since the program's over, stats on where everyone will be ending up should be circulating soon after final grades are signed off on by the PD. The difficulty of the program is really subjective but regardless of the individual, I can safely say it requires a substantial amount of effort. If you're capable of processing information that you read/hear easily and have the ability to retain, analyze, apply and regurgitate information at a moment's notice, then the time required to study will dramatically decrease compared to the average student (neagrac comes to mind).
The difficulty is often two-fold or three-fold for most incoming students in that a) their study habits were lacking/inefficient, b) simply not used to analyzing and applying concepts/specifics to hypothetical clinical scenarios, c) lack of focus and determination. This is strictly my own opinion so everyone can choose to disagree or agree. My own advice for this program is hit the ground running on day 1 and avoid digging yourself that hole from the start. Aim to always excel but if **** hits the fan, be realistic and delegate your time wisely in strategizing future plans to succeed.
I also wanted to make this clear and this is also my own opinion (disclaimer). This program is not meant to educate you so much as to demonstrate that you are capable of handling medical school. That said, I could not be happier with my result after completing the LECOM program and I think that applies for quite a few of my classmates as well.