PNWU vs ICOM

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sdfinn

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I’m from the Seattle area (fam is there) and moved to Boise for undergrad where I have lived for quite a while. That being said I have ties to both WA and ID. I got into both ICOM and PNWU and need help deciding. I’ve highlighted some pros and cons that I have found by talking to various people but I am open to more insight.

ICOM:
Pros:
  • I live in Boise and have a place already so it’s not stress of moving. (I do pay rent.. not with family)
  • The campus is by far better than PNWU imo, and the technology aspects are pretty cool.
  • Interactions with staff have been positive and mostly positive things form current and former students.
  • Boise is a more urban area compared to Yakima with more things to do and more opportunities.
  • Only has a DO program as sole focus.
Cons:
  • No federal aid still… they’re saying they will likely get approval for spring 2024 and will allow us to switch our loans for federal but we will for sure have 1 semester or private.
  • Cost of living is pretty expensive in Boise.
  • Newer school though they just graduated their second class with pretty good stats overall.
  • Rotations are pretty far away and haven’t heard of a lot of people being happy with the raffle system. Only 30% of students can stay in the Boise area.
PNWU:
Pros:
  • Well established school within its service region.
  • Interactions with faculty have been positive.
  • Federal loans
  • In Washington closer to my family in Seattle.
Cons:
  • Yakima is extremely remote with much less to do.
  • Rotations can be far away and seems like current / former students have complained about this multiple times.
  • Concerned for research opportunities especially since the focus is very heavy on PC and rural medicine.
  • Multiple health professions which I was told by a former student it was packed and felt like they were spread a bit thin faculty wise.
I appreciate any insight.
 
PNWU easily. Met great docs that graduated from there and being in-state closer to family is big for support during the stresses of med school. They match very well and even if you're going for a more competitive specialty, they would have more name brand and history matching students into a variety of residency programs. Private loans are a huge risk, look into the difference when you have a chance. Tuition difference?
 
PNWU easily. Met great docs that graduated from there and being in-state closer to family is big for support during the stresses of med school. They match very well and even if you're going for a more competitive specialty, they would have more name brand and history matching students into a variety of residency programs. Private loans are a huge risk, look into the difference when you have a chance. Tuition difference?
Tuition is about even. Yakima is cheaper cost of living tho.
 
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