PCO vs. NECO

[semyer]

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Hi everyone! I was accepted to both PCO and NECO a little over a month ago and put my deposit down on both because I got my acceptances at different times and also because I am possibly the most indecisive person ever. I really liked both schools at my interviews so I am having trouble making a decision. I liked the sound of PCOs clinical experience better- sounds like you get more experience earlier. I was also impressed with their clinic and the practice room with all of the equipment in it needed for exams at the school. PCOs campus was beautiful and overall I had a great experience there on my interview day. I liked NECO a lot as well. I think their clinical is a lot different (have many small clinical sites), but it also has its benefits. I was a little worried when I saw the room at the school with the equipment in it- it was pretty small without much equipment, whereas PCO had like 20 of each piece of equipment. (sorry I don't know all of the equipment names yet but if anyone has been to the schools I am sure they will know what I am talking about). My plus for NECO is living in Boston, rather than outside of Philly (I am from about an hour from PCO, but being close to home doesn't weigh in much on my decision). Also on my interview day at NECO they took us right into the president's office and we met him- this left a large impression on me. Another thing I am considering is price- tuitions aren't significantly different, but living is much cheaper at PCO and PCO gave me a small scholarship. I realize this decision is ultimately up to me but if I could hear from anyone trying to make a similar decision or has experience at either school that would be great! Thanks!

 

[steviey2493]

Hey! Is there any way you could PM me about scholarship info!

I had this decision also. I chose PCO on the money and a bit more convenient. I absolutely loved NECO, beautiful school, super nice staff, love Boston. I'd love to attend there! But living there is anywhere from $100-300 more a month. You also have to use public transportation, PCO I can have a car to drive every morning to class, the store whenever, or into Philly for activities. If my family had some money to help me out I would pick NECO. But, my mom was laid off so that's not much of an option! Both are older, well known schools, so you can't go wrong with either. Do you want to live in Boston at a beautiful school for more money taking public transportation? Or be able to have a car decently close to home at the oldest accredited school and save money? Good luck!

 

[General Tso66]

Hi, disgruntled 1st yr PCO student here. I saw your post as I was wishing I had gone to NECO instead. PCO is too big--160 students is simply too many to get an appropriate medical education. I feel like this is the "big box store" (walmart, target) version of optometry schools, where quantity trumps quality, only there's no significant price savings.

 

[Digitalized]

Hi, disgruntled 1st yr PCO student here. I saw your post as I was wishing I had gone to NECO instead. PCO is too big--160 students is simply too many to get an appropriate medical education. I feel like this is the "big box store" (walmart, target) version of optometry schools, where quantity trumps quality, only there's no significant price savings.

I'm glad to see that more people are starting to weigh in. Yes, the PCO class is too big for the facilities and the amount of professors. I'm not in the first year, but I also have been disgruntled throughout my time here. There needs to be more personalized attention from faculty and some of the facilities desperately need to be updated. The price tag is much too high. There are some great doctors here, sure, but overall I have been let down. Also, the curriculum is really rushed so that students can do their externships sooner, but quality starts to lessen when things are rushed. I have seen evidence of this. I also wish that I had gone elsewhere. As for the quality of NECO, I can't speak. But my best advice would be to try to always talk to as many current students as possible to try to get a real feel for a place. Also, always ask schools about student satisfaction polls, how their professors are generally rated by students, and first time board pass rates.

 

[Digitalized]

Hey! Is there any way you could PM me about scholarship info!

I had this decision also. I chose PCO on the money and a bit more convenient. I absolutely loved NECO, beautiful school, super nice staff, love Boston. I'd love to attend there! But living there is anywhere from $100-300 more a month. You also have to use public transportation, PCO I can have a car to drive every morning to class, the store whenever, or into Philly for activities. If my family had some money to help me out I would pick NECO. But, my mom was laid off so that's not much of an option! Both are older, well known schools, so you can't go wrong with either. Do you want to live in Boston at a beautiful school for more money taking public transportation? Or be able to have a car decently close to home at the oldest accredited school and save money? Good luck!

Older and well known does not always mean good. Once great does not equal currently great, unfortunately.