SCO v. UHCO

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eyecrooks

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Hey everyone!

Before I get jumped on, I promise I did use the search tool and I know that other threads similar to this exist but my situation is a bit different so I was hoping to get some fresh feedback. I applied to SCO, UHCO, ICO, and NECO. I ended up interviewing and SCO and UHCO, canceling the ones at ICO and NECO (I like the south and don't think these schools' tuitions and living costs could compete-hoping this was a smart decision).

I loved both schools! I liked Houston more than Memphis but could see myself living in both, not a huge factor. They both gave me scholarships (yay!! ) so finances don't weed one or the other out. I liked the clinics, classrooms, and other facilities at both (though they were very different). So I'm trying to figure out what my decision should be based on. The student body in my undergrad was very diverse and we became like one big family. Do you get the family feel at one school over the other? What about the faculty at UHCO? I've heard they aren't JUST about their research, but a few people have posted that they aren't very supportive of their students. Do a lot of people feel this way? I liked Dr. Shulman but he was the only one I met. Whereas at SCO I met quite a few people and have been in correspondence since and they seem very tight knit (do most students agree)?

Sorry that this is a long post. I totally agree that students should go where it's cheaper (unless they feel that they would be completely miserable at one place or the other). This is what I was going to base my decision on but now it's not a factor so I'm a bit confused! I got a good feeling at both and liked the curriculum, facilities, and clinical experience at both. So now I'm wondering if there are significant differences in student life. Support from peer and professors, extracurriculars, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!
 
I don't know anything about Houston, but I'm a first year student at SCO.
While Memphis may not be the most desirable location to live, you will get a lot of disease exposure in clinic. In fact, I've heard that this could be reason alone to come here! The Eye Center at SCO is an excellent facility, and we are in the process of finishing new construction for a state of the art classroom due to open this fall. Pretty cool stuff.
As a first year, I am impressed with the academic support at SCO. The faculty want you to succeed, and for the most part are all very approachable. Class size is somewhat large at 130, but you really get to know everyone in your individual lab group sized at around 30.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions, and I would be glad to help further. I love SCO!
 
where are you from? they are completely different locations. Which is closer to your family and friends. A lot people tend to get home sick and wish they had that family and friend support.

Didn't apply to either of these b/c no desire to live in Tennessee and i am from Texas and close to Houston and the school is in a bad side of town. I don't know how many times i shadowed an optometrist from there and the first thing to come out of their mouth was the bad area the school was in( read there was a bunch of robberies too). I also hate Houston b/c it is too big and spread out and horrible traffic. I love big cities but this is my least favorite.

Don't know anything about SCO. But thought I would put in my 2 cents.
 
I've heard Houston is more research based, while SCO is more clinic based, I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. I'll be attending SCO in the fall and couldn't be more excited!
 
I've heard Houston is more research based, while SCO is more clinic based, I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. I'll be attending SCO in the fall and couldn't be more excited!

Congrats! Let me know if you have any questions about Memphis.
You'll love it here.
 
Proud SCO grad here.
Professors: Fabulous. I look forward to continuing ed because I get to see them.
School facilities: Gorgeous. They built a grand new clinic a while back, and the new classroom space is going to be PALATIAL.
Clinic: Excellent. Lots of patients. Varied patients. Fabulous exposure across the board.
Alumni: Happy. So happy. Know what we do for fun? We write donations check back to SCO because we are so glad we went there. Seriously. All the building they have done there did not raise tuition one cent. Alumni donations and bonds all the way.
Tuition: Low so you can have a decent life after graduation. Particularly true if you are in a regional state.
 
I will always be mad at myself for not looking into other schools. It's awesome that you guys actually like where you attend. I am very happy for you. It must be nice having new equipment that isn't constantly broken with no one willing to fix it.
 
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