Seeking Advice for AZCOM vs. PCOM-GA [please help!]

[Bobcat01]

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Hello there!
I've been extremely fortunate to have been accepted to a number of DO schools. I have narrowed these down to just AZCOM and PCOM-GA based off location, curriculum, and other preferences. However, now I'm facing an increasing struggle to decide between the two and would really appreciate if someone could pitch in with information or words of advice. Anything would help. Thank you so much!

AZCOM
PROS

1. A seemingly strong program with great board scores and first-time pass rates.
2. On a large integrated campus with clinics of its own.
3. Is linked to the Midwestern University system.
4. Is situated in an urban area that feels commercial but also shows city planning and organization.

CONS

1. Desert climate. I've never lived in such hot temperatures, so the triple digits are daunting.
2. The tuition is a massive $70,000 per year.
3. Location is far away from home.

PCOM-GA
PROS

1. Being from Florida, this would put me closer to home and family.
2. Suwanee seems like a quiet, safe community, with plenty of cultural eats and supermarkets. It's also within an hour's drive from Atlanta.
3. The tuition is lower, at around $51,000 per year.

CONS

1. Below average board scores and first-time pass rates. This is a huge red flag for me. I would be so grateful if someone can confirm/comment on the academic strength of this school.
   
2. Not as established as the main PCOM campus, nor the Midwestern System.

 

[tsmleague]

Azcom

 

[allantois]

$100,000 difference

 

[deleted953743]

Yes, the hot weather is daunting, but you'd only experience it for a few minutes walking to and from your car/building/house. When you're inside the buildings, the air conditioning will be blasting. From the people that live there, they said their problem was adjusting between the hot outside and cold, air-conditioned insides of buildings. Yes, it all depends on you to do well wherever you go, but please choose where it will set you up for the best chances of success. Would being in AZ vs GA make a huge difference in the # of times you'll see your family each year? I feel like you'd only have time to visit during the breaks.. which are kind of even between the two right?

Another Pro is beautiful 70 degree "winters", beautiful mountains, easy access to travel to new places (CA, Vegas, Grand Canyon, etc)

 

[Deecee2DO]

In my opinion, AZCOM 100%. Its older, much better board pass rate and their match data is stronger. PCOM GA board pass rate is down to 87%. thats pretty bad. You can be any type of doctor you want as a DO but some specialties can be more challenging so set yourself in a position that will open the most doors for you aka location based on weather/family is nice but shouldn't be a priority over other things. Its 3 years of your life realistically (4th yr you can audition anywhere/flex time). Congrats on being accepted!

 

[HaveAnOsteoblast]

price difference isn't worth it imo... a do's a do

 

[PapaGuava]

Thread moved to the Help Me Decide: X vs Y Medical School subsection.