NYCOM vs UNECOM vs CCOM

[Tanner82]

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So before the influx of xcom vs xcom overwhelm the pre-osteo thread, I thought I would post my options relatively early. Just looking for some different opinions/viewpoints from people about the pros and cons of each school. It is such a monumental desicion!!!!!! I guess I'm lucky to even have this desicion to make, but still. I went from stressing about getting accepted to stressing about where to go in 1 week.

 

[belichek]

u might want to check the tuition costs, that might enhance ur decision. I think Chicago would be the best expierience (i.e. best training). UNE, although nice, is in the middle of nowhere, and NYCOM is in long island which i think is congested. Chicago is the second best city in the US behind Boston, so if i were I would choose chicago. ( think the tuition ranks Chicago>UNE>NYCOM

gl

 

[IUgrad]

LOL I don't have any advice, but I know how you feel. I started out in this process pretty confident about where I wanted to go, but two schools really surprised/impressed me. I am now almost completely split... There are things that I LOVE about all three schools where I was accepted.

I made an Excel spreadsheet with a bunch of different categories, i.e., location, match list, curriculum, students, etc. where I both listed what I knew and rated on each out of 10. I'm still not any closer to deciding, but it did help me organize my thoughts a bit. At least now I'm starting to somewhat logically weigh out my options and notice what really matters to me out of all the intangibles.

I'm glad we have a month to decide...

 

[Tanner82]

I made an Excel spreadsheet with a bunch of different categories, i.e., location, match list, curriculum, students, etc. where I both listed what I knew. I'm still not any closer to deciding, but it did help me organize my thoughts a bit.

lol me too

 

[Playmakur42]

.

 

[ShyRem]

I guess I don't consider UNE to be "in the middle of nowhere" (besides, Portland is 20 minutes away, and Boston is an hour and a half tops on the train). On the other hand, I consider NYCOM and CCOM to be in the "middle of the city".

I agree with Playmakur - the choices are very personal (for example I couldn't afford to live in NYC with a family, didn't want to raise my kids in Chicago, didn't want to deal with gridlock commuting to the suburbs). So really asking our opinion isn't very helpful to you unless we know your parameters. What are you looking for? What's important to you? Where have you come from? What are you looking to experience? All three will give you a good education.

 

[belichek]

I guess I don't consider UNE to be "in the middle of nowhere" (besides, Portland is 20 minutes away, and Boston is an hour and a half tops on the train). On the other hand, I consider NYCOM and CCOM to be in the "middle of the city".

I agree with Playmakur - the choices are very personal (for example I couldn't afford to live in NYC with a family, didn't want to raise my kids in Chicago, didn't want to deal with gridlock commuting to the suburbs). So really asking our opinion isn't very helpful to you unless we know your parameters. What are you looking for? What's important to you? Where have you come from? What are you looking to experience? All three will give you a good education.

Im from NH,(30min north of boston) so i know what NE is like, and let me tell you, UNECOM is in the middle of nowhere. And NYCOM is not in "the city" its in old westbury long island which is about 45min from the city by car(due to the ridiculous New York traffic) and 25min from penn station if u take the Long Island RR.

 

[Tanner82]

Does the school have a group that watches reruns of Full House? How close is the school to Bob Saget's house?

Probably my #1 and #2 factors, respectively

 

[ShyRem]

belichek, it all depends on your perspective. I'm from Colorado, and if there's a city within 150 miles, it's not the middle of nowhere.

It all depends on your point of view. As I said before, "I consider" NYCOM to be in the middle of a city. I suppose I view "I consider" to precede a statement of opinion.

😉

 

[belichek]

belichek, it all depends on your perspective. I'm from Colorado, and if there's a city within 150 miles, it's not the middle of nowhere.

It all depends on your point of view. As I said before, "I consider" NYCOM to be in the middle of a city. I suppose I view "I consider" to precede a statement of opinion.

😉

u didnt say NYCOM was in the middle of "a" city you said NYCOM is in the middle of "the" city. When people say "the city" they refer to New York City, usually in referance to manhatan. So to say that NYCOM is in the middle of "a" city(I guess u meant old westbury,which is really more of a town than a city) is true, but thats not what you initially said. 😉 Regardless, if it were me I would choose either CCOM or UNECOM.

 

[ShyRem]

Wow. Who knew geography in NYC was so complicated? Most folks I know who aren't from New York City area just consider Manhattan, Long Island, etc. all to be part of "the city". Probably because it all blends in together (or seems to for those of us not used to that area). I hate to admit I never heard of "Old Westbury".

Then again, I've only met one other person who knew my hometown in Pennsylvania - and that's because they also grew up in that area. Funny how we just assume most folks view the geography familiar to us in the same way we do.

Anyway, still waiting for the OP to give some direction as to their parameters for their "best fit". Tanner?

 

[DocInProgress]

u didnt say NYCOM was in the middle of "a" city you said NYCOM is in the middle of "the" city. When people say "the city" they refer to New York City, usually in referance to manhatan. So to say that NYCOM is in the middle of "a" city(I guess u meant old westbury,which is really more of a town than a city) is true, but thats not what you initially said. 😉 Regardless, if it were me I would choose either CCOM or UNECOM.

Yeah, I'm from NY and when we, NYers, mention the word "city", it usually refers to Manhattan (ie: I'm going to the city tonight = I'm going to Manhattan tonight). So technically, belichek is correct in saying that NYCOM is 45 minutes away from the city (of NY).

 

[jp104]

Old Westbury is pretty much a suburb complete with malls/Target/Walmart etc.

As a native New Yorker, the only parts that I consider "the city" is the geographical area covered by the 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island.

Long Island is it's own entity 🙂

 

[Tanner82]

Anyway, still waiting for the OP to give some direction as to their parameters for their "best fit". Tanner?

See... that is what I'm trying to figure out. I really don't know... but this is how I see each school

(1) Cost- Relatively equal for each school. (37K vs 42k vs 40k)- Really seems like a drop in the bucket in the scheme of things (total loans >200k)

(2) Location- Probably interrelated to a lot of different factors... but wouldn't mind living in Downers Grove, Old Westbury, or Biddeford. The cost of living in NYCOM is a lot more than the other two. Would like to stay close to my family (in NY) but its not a top priority.

(3) Programs- Not sure about NYCOM's PBL, and the mandatory attendence really doesn't appeal to me (if I discover my studying method is independent). I like the anatomy setup that UNECOM has and CCOM's curriculum looks good as well. Also I'm not sure about system vs block scheduling? I know what they are but I don't know which is better for me!

(4) Prestige- NYCOM and CCOM seem to be a little bit more competitive. They rotate at some great hospitals and match a high # of students into good/competitive residencies. UNCEOM seems to be very primary care, rural medicine focused. Of course they do match a handful into specialties etc. Again, I see pros and cons for each style and I'm not sure which one I would really like. I go to a small, private, liberal arts school now and I love the small community type feeling. But I wouldn't want to limit my opportunities when trying to match. At this point I'm really unsure about what exactly I want to do. Sometimes I think ANES, EM, IM, FP... so really I'm all over the place. Nonetheless I think CCOM and NYCOM are older, more established med schools but UNECOM will still give me a good education.

- So those are just a few factors I'm trying to work out. But I guess ultimately, I need to find out what I want. The problem is I Don't Know! How do you know what is right for you before you go through it? I guess I'm at the point where I should research these factors a little bit more (especially curriculum styles) and try to find out which one is right for me...
Anybody want to share how they went about doing this or how they are going about doing this? Maybe you just know yourself better and maybe I'm just overanalyzing this too much. But man... what a huge desicion and December 14th is right around the corner!

 

[Tanner82]

Old Westbury is pretty much a suburb complete with malls/Target/Walmart etc.

As a native New Yorker, the only parts that I consider "the city" is the geographical area covered by the 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island.

Long Island is it's own entity 🙂

lol as a New Yorker that's how I see it too 👍

 

[rgerwin]

I just have to chime in, as someone who grew up in Downers Grove, it is NOT Chicago. Those first 2 years(I don't know anything about rotations) are in the height of suburbia. Nothing wrong with that, I just never understand these arguments which include not wanting to live in Chicago. It's funny when I remember being extremely bored all the time growing up, and wishing I lived in the city.

 

[rgerwin]

Also, I go to UNECOM and live in Portland. It's about a 35 min. drive, but I hardly ever mind it. It's a nice time to detox, and Portland is super cute. So, you don't have to live in Biddeford.

 

[Onstarr]

I am from NYC..
and I don't mind UNE at all...
The people, cost of living, seafood & beer is amazing in Maine.

from time to time I do miss "the city" (noone gets "the city" thing here btw.. they think the city means - Boston... pssh ) but Portland is really unique.. (and it really only takes 20mins if you live in Biddeford) Kennebunk is a fun place to hang out too. Personally, I really can't see myself studying anywhere else besides on right on the tranquil beach setting/beautiful coast of Maine. Our class size (118 i think) was a big choice for me as well. I hear other schools have 160+ students for MSIs?

if you are a more of a city person - chicago/nycom is best bet. the LIRR/roosevelt field will probably be your best friend in LI. IMHO, NYC's fun factor tops both schools but... as a med student... you really don't have too much time.. I guess its good to have the option though, for those days you DO have time.

if you are more of an outdoor person - UNE is the place for you. Not to mention the anatomy program here was excellent - (really fast paced/challenging but definitely set a good foundation for our other courses)

In the end... the choice is up to you. I would make the choice where it'll will be best for you academically. Good luck

 

[supersash]

tanner--lots of people at NYCOM live in houses with a couple other students and pay around $500 a month in rent, if that makes you feel better 🙂 there are certainly other more costly options, which may be important to investigate, esp. if you have a family or significant other moving with you.

the mandatory attendence is still basically a joke at this point, bc u can click in and leave, or have a friend click for you.(we use little remote control clickers)

i think one of the best aspects of the curriculum at NYCOM (in LDB at least), is that we get pretty solid powerpoint print outs from the professors, which are helpful when studying. theres only a handful of professors (so far) that you have to do alot of outside research for.

but thats just me. theres so many different things to think about when choosing, good luck!

 

[Tanner82]

Yeah 19 days till 12/14 and I'm still really struggling with this desicion. I think I've mostly narrowed it down to NYCOM vs CCOM (even tho I haven't been accepted to NYCOM yet). Here are the big factors I'm considering and my thought process for each.

Cost is comprable for both. +/- 10k in the scheme of things isn't really that big of a deal to me.

Class size is a big plus for ccom, I feel like I'll be somewhat lost in a 300 student crowd at NYCOM

Not really sure what to make of the clinical education of both. They both seem good. Chicago and NYC are both filled with great hospitals and both schools emphasized that their students are well prepared for rotations. NYCOM has the robot and mock patients, which is nice.

To me, the better curriculum is NYCOM's, especially since they give you a lot of time to study for boards (which CCOM seems to lack). But from what I hear about NYCOM, the administration changes things

Location goes to NYCOM just because it is close to my family and friends. That being said LI is really go-go-go. Not that much of a city guy, but honestly my head is going to be in the books for 2 years and then in the hospital/books for another 2. My fiance (hopefully, let you know for sure after x-mas) and our 2 dogs are going to make the move with me. Elementary school teaching jobs are ridiculously hard to come by on LI, but relatively easy to get in the city. She would obviously prefer not to work in brooklyn/queens but going to LI may force her to. Living in downers grove would provide her with jobs in better school districts. so that's my line of thinking there...

So I think at this point I still am really unsure. Anything I am missing? Or if anyone has any suggestions, they would be much appreciated.

 

[EEL08]

Well if it matters to you NYCOM has required attendance right? If CCOM is like AZCOM then they don't generally have required attendance. Has your fiance said if she prefers one or the other? In reference to the teaching thing, it definitely sounds like CCOM would be the way to go. There are a lot of great school districts in the general vicinity of Downers Grove. I should know, they often beat us in JETS competitions in high school. 😳

 

[mdille2]

Tanner,
At CCOM we have mock patients as well. I just finished my first quarter, and we have had 2 patient experiences. The first was with a group, (history taking), then the second was alone. We have exam rooms that we do all of our interviews and exams in. I did not learn about this at my interview either, but it really is an important part of our curriculum that probably should be discussed. Plus at CCOM we are required to do work with actual patients through an individual doctor or at a clinic. We do histories and/or physicals then present to the docs or residents. This begins our second quarter. We are required to do this once a quarter. Good Luck with your decision! Just ask if you have any other questions.

Marcia

 

[Tanner82]

Tanner,
At CCOM we have mock patients as well. I just finished my first quarter, and we have had 2 patient experiences. The first was with a group, (history taking), then the second was alone. We have exam rooms that we do all of our interviews and exams in. I did not learn about this at my interview either, but it really is an important part of our curriculum that probably should be discussed. Plus at CCOM we are required to do work with actual patients through an individual doctor or at a clinic. We do histories and/or physicals then present to the docs or residents. This begins our second quarter. We are required to do this once a quarter. Good Luck with your decision! Just ask if you have any other questions.

Marcia

Thanks, yeah they didn't mention that at all in the interview. I think this is really important for preparing you for clinicals. Is it true that they don't give you a lot of time to study at the end of 2nd year?

 

[Tanner82]

Well if it matters to you NYCOM has required attendance right? If CCOM is like AZCOM then they don't generally have required attendance. Has your fiance said if she prefers one or the other? In reference to the teaching thing, it definitely sounds like CCOM would be the way to go. There are a lot of great school districts in the general vicinity of Downers Grove. I should know, they often beat us in JETS competitions in high school. 😳

She definitly would prefer suburban elementary teaching! I know there are a lot of good school districts, but the question is how difficult is it to get a job in one?

 

[mdille2]

Thanks, yeah they didn't mention that at all in the interview. I think this is really important for preparing you for clinicals. Is it true that they don't give you a lot of time to study at the end of 2nd year?

I haven't heard that, and I think our scores seem to be pretty good compared to other schools, so you would think that our students find time to study. I am just a first year so I hate to answer that question, but I can ask around and let you know tomorrow.

Marcia

 

[Beau Geste]

Tanner - do you still have time to just visit the campuses you are interested in or is that too much $$$$ at this point?

 

[Tanner82]

Tanner - do you still have time to just visit the campuses you are interested in or is that too much $$$$ at this point?

well with the final stretch of the semester coming up I don't think I'll be able to make it out to chi-town. I think I got a god feel for the area and school though.

 

[Beau Geste]

well with the final stretch of the semester coming up I don't think I'll be able to make it out to chi-town. I think I got a god feel for the area and school though.

 

[mdille2]

Tanner,
CCOM does not give "time off" to study, but the schedule for the last quarter is a lot less intense as well as less credit hours. The quarter ends in mid may, then take the exam in June. I think our students are well prepared however it is that they prepare.

Marcia

 

[Tanner82]

Tanner,
CCOM does not give "time off" to study, but the schedule for the last quarter is a lot less intense as well as less credit hours. The quarter ends in mid may, then take the exam in June. I think our students are well prepared however it is that they prepare.

Marcia

thanks, I appreciate you getting back so quick