Hello everyone!
I’m currently facing a decision and would love your input—especially from OMS-III/IV students or alumni.
I’ve been accepted to LUCOM, and I’m waitlisted at KCUCOM (I selected no campus preference). From what I understand, waitlist movement at KCUCOM typically occurs starting early/mid-May, while LUCOM requires me to withdraw my seat by May 15th if I choose not to attend.
My main goal is to pursue a career in surgery, so I want to base my decision primarily on which school will best support that path—particularly when it comes to rotations, board prep, and ultimately matching into a surgical specialty.
Here’s my current breakdown of pros and cons for each school:
If anyone currently attending either school—especially those in clinical years—could share their first-hand experience with rotations, I’d greatly appreciate it. Particularly how well you feel your school prepared you for surgical specialties and whether there were opportunities for surgical subspecialty exposure during rotations.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
I’m currently facing a decision and would love your input—especially from OMS-III/IV students or alumni.
I’ve been accepted to LUCOM, and I’m waitlisted at KCUCOM (I selected no campus preference). From what I understand, waitlist movement at KCUCOM typically occurs starting early/mid-May, while LUCOM requires me to withdraw my seat by May 15th if I choose not to attend.
My main goal is to pursue a career in surgery, so I want to base my decision primarily on which school will best support that path—particularly when it comes to rotations, board prep, and ultimately matching into a surgical specialty.
Here’s my current breakdown of pros and cons for each school:
KCUCOM
Pros:- Long-established, reputable program.
- Kansas City campus: urban environment, which I prefer.
- Joplin campus: more rural but may offer less competition at rotation sites from other medical students.
- Student morale seems to range from medium to high.
- Tuition is ~$5–6K higher per year than LUCOM.
- Cost of living is higher (though still reasonable overall).
- Slightly lower board pass rates compared to LUCOM.
LUCOM
Pros:- Lower tuition and cost of living.
- Newer facilities that are well-equipped.
- High match rate and strong board pass performance.
- Active student organizations and professional development opportunities.
- Relatively new school with a shorter track record.
- Rural setting may limit some clinical exposure opportunities.
- Some concerns about strict academic policies and institutional culture.
If anyone currently attending either school—especially those in clinical years—could share their first-hand experience with rotations, I’d greatly appreciate it. Particularly how well you feel your school prepared you for surgical specialties and whether there were opportunities for surgical subspecialty exposure during rotations.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
