Need some decision help! LECOM vs WVSOM

[KaioKaizen]

So unfortunately I had a deferred decision from my top choice MD school this Monday, so I'm stuck having to pay a deposit to one of my DO schools for security. Question is, which one? I've been contemplating pros and cons and am still having difficulty determining which one I'd truly want to attend if it came down to it.

I've read some past threads about WVSOM vs LECOM-E, but they're pretty outdated and I'd like some current opinions or perspectives on both of the schools

Similarities
- both DO schools
- both 6 hours/approximately same distance from home
- both COL approximately equal
- similar attrition rates

LECOM-E
+ in state (Medicaid/other benefits)
+ cheaper tuition (~$35k a year)
+ impressive COMLEX pass rate (consistently higher than national average: COM Comlex Pass and Graduation Match Rates - LECOM Education System)
+ virtually 100% total match rate (impressive ACGME match rates as well: https://lecom.edu/content/uploads/2019/06/Match-Report-2019.pdf)
+ Erie has a decently large population (90k)
+ rotations done at LECOM sites, plenty of areas to choose from
+/- 4 different pathways (Lecture-based and PBL are the only ones of note)
- campus is a single building, gym is small and distant
- pre-dissected cadavers
- mandatory lecture attendance
- mandatory business dress code
- no food or drink in lecture (no coffee, bruh)
- it's Erie, brick out there in the winter

WVSOM
+ campus is absolutely beautiful (old military campus, large space, lots of greenery, new buildings
+ brand new cadaver lab with unique ventilation system to air out the smell
+ actually allowed to dissect cadavers (6 people/cadaver IIRC?)
+ no dress code
+ no limitations on lecture attendance or food or drink
- primary care rotations are stressed throughout rural WV
- more expensive tuition unless you're IS (~$50k a year, amounts to almost 100k more overall after interest)
- Lewisburg, WV is tiny (4k)
- abysmal COMLEX pass rate (lower than national average, dropped to 85% last year: https://www.wvsom.edu/sites/default/files/u203/National Board pass rate website_102819.pdf)
- match is primarily in primary care specialties

After making this list, I'm definitely gearing more toward LECOM-E, but I want to know everyone else's thoughts. I also have an interview at DMU coming up, so I'd scrap this entire comparison if I get in.

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[Kardio]

Mandatory attendance is pretty awful, but I think I'd go with LECOM anyway. Seems like you're saying the clinical years and graduate outcomes are stronger.

 

[future_doctor_14]

Personally for me, board pass rate and match lists are very important in making a decision. Even though LECOM has some pretty absurd rules and brutal winters, I think it'd be the best option in regards to your outcome for match

 

[libertyyne]

A few things.
Match rate statistics are not a standardized measure. Schools tend to game this. Same applies to board pass rates.
Not having to dissect a cadaver would actually be a plus point. For the most part cleaning out fat from dissections is not very high yeild in terms of experience or outcome.
100 k is a lot of money.

 

[TheDataKing]

LECOM-E has a better reputation despite the mandatory archaic rules. I'd be worried about WVSOM's board pass rates

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I would say LECOM-E and do the self guided pathway, whichever one that is.