This is a great question, and its one I'm sure many people who think about DCOM ask. My answer....No, its not a gamble. My simple reason behind it, which doesn't do you much good, is you have to see it, breath it, and live it to understand why I, and my classmates, feel so passionate and CONFIDENT in DCOM. I can also tell you most people who only interview there, see and feel exactly what I am talking about - ask any of them here on SDN, even those who turned DCOM down. This starts, first and foremost, with Dr. Stowers and the faculty and staff he brought in. Our faculty has the experience, and connections, to help us out as much as possible. And I can tell you, from first-hand knowledge, that many of the faculty have never been so happy, or have had as much fun (which is very, very important), as they are at DCOM, including those who have been teaching for over 10, 20, and even 30 years - and it shows. Then, when you bring the resources DCOM has into the picture, it is easy to see why I feel this way. I KNOW the training that we are going to receive is going to make us, not into good doctors, but GREAT doctors, and I believe that with all my being.
Another thing, about any school one may choose to go, is they have the ability to have elective rotations, where they can go anywhere and do anything. If these are used wisely, then one can make all of the connections they need to help their chances of getting the residency they want.
But here's the catch (yeah, you knew it was coming 🙄), none of this means crap if the student does not use these resources effectively, and more importantly, does not work their tail off. No name or match list will help you in the least. Hoss is 100% correct, it is the student who determines their match, not the school. I can be a complete numbnut from Harvard, but that name in of itself will not guarantee my desire to be, say, a plastic surgeon. It is always up to the student to do their part in order for the school to fulfill its part. You can't have one without the other.
So here is my advice to anyone applying to medical school. IMHO, the most important factor about deciding on a school is not money, match lists, or location, but the place that fits you most. You want to go to that feels right b/c you will be happier and LEARN BETTER there than anywhere else. And that is what will determine, not only your residency, but your quality of patient care....and that is what counts more than anything else. If that school is DCOM, welcome aboard, if not, cool...there is nothing wrong with that and I wish you the best. I hope you kick a$$ at your school. For me, DCOM was the best fit and I have never regretted turning down the schools I did. I've had the time of my life so far and I have changed for the better b/c of being here.
I wish you the very best on all of your interviews!!! Good luck!!!
I saw you are interviewing at DCOM. When are you scheduled?