I have currently been accepted to PCOMs and ACHEs special masters programs, and I am so very thankful for being in this pickle. I am wondering if anyone could give insight/advice on what they have heard about the various programs and what they would choose if they were in my position. I also know the famous saying, "Best to do one at a med school with some sort of linkage, is a year in length, and has the least tuition."
PCOM
pros
ACHE/ARCOM
pros
Please let me know if you have any additional pros/cons or if have personal experience with either of the schools! I ultimately want to choose the path that will put me into medical school while making sure that I am prepared and supported academically and socially. Thanks for your help!
PCOM
pros
- guaranteed interview:
- Passed all biomedical sciences courses to date at the full-time completion rate with no withdraws or failures. Biomedical sciences cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
- “Overall Science” GPA of 3.2 or higher as calculated by AACOMAS.
- one of the *best* DO schools in terms of preclinical and clinical if I get accepted upon completion
- more established and good reputation
- more urban/city environment
- closer to home (3/4 hours)
- possibility of doing 2 years since not a lot of 1st year students are accepted based on the threads I have read
- more expensive COA
- larger class size
ACHE/ARCOM
pros
- guaranteed interview:
- students who successfully complete the program with a grade of B or better. Get a B or higher and anatomy will be waived if we attend the COM.
- their first year, I think 34 out of 40 students got in
- cheaper COA, tuition is about 5K
- 1 year
- smaller class size
- after having gone to their open house, it seems like program director and faculty really support and champion for the students in terms of the linkage
- newer school and program, so less established (can also be a pro in terms of facilities)
- much farther away from home (18 hours)
- more rural environment, "big town" feel
Please let me know if you have any additional pros/cons or if have personal experience with either of the schools! I ultimately want to choose the path that will put me into medical school while making sure that I am prepared and supported academically and socially. Thanks for your help!
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