LECOM vs. VCOM Post-Bacc Program

[adamst1227]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have just gotten my acceptance letters for LECOM's and VCOM's post bacc programs and I think that I have generally heard that both programs are good, but I wanted to know from anyone who has been in either program about their experiences and how strict they are in their requirements to matriculate into their med schools the following year. I have a 21 mcat, which I feel must have been ok since I got into both programs, but idk if they'd expect me to retake again or if they would consider taking me with my current score provided I perform well in the program. I know LECOM says 23 is a requirement for the guaranteed acceptance and I know VCOM says 24, but are there any exceptions to these scores provided I do well in the program, has anyone personally gotten into these DO schools with scores lower than these requirements? I'm trying to decide which one I'm going to send my deposit into, but the biggest factor for me I think is which one gives me the best chance of getting in after I complete their program. If anyone can give me some insight I'd appreciate it, thanks.

 

[Dr Yiot]

you will have to retake the MCAT for both programs unfortunately. If you want to ask call, they are very helpfull and will answer your questions honestly.

As for LECOM's post bacc, you need a 3.0 in the program. and a 23 (might be going to a 24) to gain acceptance. there is a very good chance of that and there are a lot of kids in my class who did the program and are doing well in med school. you have a very high chance of gaining acceptance, provided you fullfill the requirements.

 

[DrMeows]

Retake the MCAT. DEFINITELY.

I was accepted to both post bacc programs a couple years ago with a similar score and was informed to retake. There is no question. It's march and it will be most definitely frowned upon if you don't at least attempt improvement.

 

[KCOM2015]

I'm surprised this is even a point of contention. VCOM all the way for SO many different reasons.

 

[DrMeows]

I'm surprised this is even a point of contention. VCOM all the way for SO many different reasons.

LOL I would actually agree with you solely based on what I know about both med problems, but I never went to either so I didn't comment on that part.

 

[vtfuturedoctor]

Do you know how many students are in the post bacc class and how many go to VCOM/accepted to other schools? Also is there a glide year or do you matriculate right into the fall medical school class if you meet their requirements and raise your MCAT score? Thank you!! I am still waiting for a response from VCOM!

 

[Mosonik]

Do you know how many students are in the post bacc class and how many go to VCOM/accepted to other schools? Also is there a glide year or do you matriculate right into the fall medical school class if you meet their requirements and raise your MCAT score? Thank you!! I am still waiting for a response from VCOM!

Which med program would you rather matriculate into? I ask because both post-bacc's have a reputation for getting their graduates into their affiliated programs in particular

 

[cabinbuilder]

you will have to retake the MCAT for both programs unfortunately. If you want to ask call, they are very helpfull and will answer your questions honestly.

As for LECOM's post bacc, you need a 3.0 in the program. and a 23 (might be going to a 24) to gain acceptance. there is a very good chance of that and there are a lot of kids in my class who did the program and are doing well in med school. you have a very high chance of gaining acceptance, provided you fullfill the requirements.

I did LECOM's post bacc program. It's a great program and is taught by the same professors as medical school. It's a truncated version of the same material. On e of my friends did post-bacc with me and she was accepted with an MCAT of 17 BUT....... she had a documented learning disability and was tested orally and got nearly 100% of every oral exam she was given. She did well and is an FP now.

 

[hallowmann]

I recently got in to both programs for next year... just wondering why pretty much everyone has swayed toward VCOM's program. Does anyone know of the specific issues that LECOM students have had with the school? I'm personally leaning a little more toward going to LECOM's program because its more established, cheaper, and will get me in provided I perform well.

The thing is, no matter which program you go into, make sure you do well. By that, I mean make sure you're in the top 1/4 or 1/3 of the class. I know people who were on the border at the LECOM post-bac and they were banking on doing better second semester. They didn't. That semester is harder apparently.

If you treat it like med school, you'll be fine at either program. Obviously if you prefer one DO school over the other, then that would be a good reason to base your preference on, but other than that, both programs send a good number of students to the DO school. Just make sure you do well. Getting <3.0 on a med school post-bac will kill your chances at any US medical school.

 

[Doc_Ock]

By all accounts the 3.0 at LECOM is wayyyyyyyyyyyy harder than it sounds. 3-4 hour tests over multiple subjects with no breaks. Professors seem to be hit and miss too. In 2011 there was a ridiculous biochem prof who wound failing like 2/3 of the class. He was eventually fired but for the students it was tough s***

 

[Supermanwife]

Hi, Any recent opinions from recent graduates or those that are in the program?

 

[kelminak]

I did LECOM's post bacc program. It's a great program and is taught by the same professors as medical school. It's a truncated version of the same material. On e of my friends did post-bacc with me and she was accepted with an MCAT of 17 BUT....... she had a documented learning disability and was tested orally and got nearly 100% of every oral exam she was given. She did well and is an FP now.

Was there any sort of entrance agreement when you did it? Also, do you apply to the school before you start the post bacc so that you can do an interview and start med school the next year?

By all accounts the 3.0 at LECOM is wayyyyyyyyyyyy harder than it sounds. 3-4 hour tests over multiple subjects with no breaks. Professors seem to be hit and miss too. In 2011 there was a ridiculous biochem prof who wound failing like 2/3 of the class. He was eventually fired but for the students it was tough s***

Were you personally in this program?

Hi, Any recent opinions from recent graduates or those that are in the program?

You're in every post bacc thread. We're gonna be friends on here. 🙂

 

[cabinbuilder]

I actually did not apply to the post bacc program. I was matriculated and struggled first semester. I was put into the post bacc program by the dean to get me up to speed with the material under the condition that I passed everything. I did and never had an issue again.

 

[Buckeye_913]

Hi, Any recent opinions from recent graduates or those that are in the program?

I have not done either post bacc program, but I did interview at both schools this cycle. In the end I have determined VCOM to be a much better fit for myself. I had a huge turn off from LECOM.
Some of the reasons why include:
No food or drinking anywhere except in the cafeteria
Lectures are not recorded
To me the people didn't look as happy as they were at VCOM.
LECOM is a small school where as VCOM is affiliated with larger universities in the area that provide greater opportunities in research and student life.
Of course it is all a matter of opinion, but I feel it is pretty important to visit both schools if possible. After all if you are going to be spending 5 years there you want to know what you're getting yourself into.