TUCOM NV vs MI

[DOMb]

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Hey, all..jus got an interview invite to TUCOM MI and i have one at NV also. Just wanted to know if anyone has been to both and was wondering what your opinion on the schools were. i hear good things about NV but so so things bout MI, some info would be graet!!! thanks!!

 

[mletter]

I haven't interviewed at Touro-NV, but have heard it's nice. I have interviewed at Touro-MI and the so so things you have heard about the place are are true if not too lightly stated. 👎

 

[harrypotter]

mletter, could you go more into detail about Touro-MI? Thx!!

 

[lysosome]

I have interviews at both coming up but these are my concerns:

Touro-NV- Had no graduating class yet, so I'm debating if it's worth going to a new school. It's important for me that they have a good rotation program and strong foundation.

Touro-MI- People seem to complain that there are no affiliated hospitals and that they dont' seem to enjoy the location of the school. I'm not sure how good the training program is over there.

Although it would take me 2hr drive to attend MI and 2 hr flight to attend NV. Vicinity near home would play a factor in my decision...but I visited KCUMB and completely love it there. If I receive an offer, it'd definitely be a tough decision.

Please give me your opinions/thoughts/concerns as well.

 

[mletter]

Well, I hate to say too many negative things about Touro-MI. The positive aspects of the school are that it is in California first of all, which means that there are definetly more opportunities to experience diversity in population, definetly a lot of stuff to do in general. The students that were there seemed to be glad to be there. For me personally I would not want to attend there for a few reasons. The clinical rotations seem to be sketchy. The school itself needs a lot of work. I visited there a little over a year ago and although there is talk of progress in renovating the existing buildings not much seemed to have changed. The curriculum seems to be always changing. This could be seen as progressive, but I got the impression that it just wasn't working as far as the board scores and clinical skills of the students are concerned. Mare Island is a little depressing. Vallejo is a little scary. You will be paying A LOT of money to live there. During our interview one of the PhD's that was interviewing us seemed quite cold. The only DO that was interviewing us left in the middle of the interview. Also, I don't feel like that group interview they do gives any insight about the applicant! However, only you can make up your mind about the school. Like I said Their students seem to be happy there. I just know that it is not somewhere I could invest years and money at. The Nevada school seems to get much better reviews despite it being new.

 

[clement]

Guys,
I haven't been to the MI campus yet, but did get a chance to see the LV campus...My main concerns about the LV campus, like those of many in the interview feedbacks I had read, were aesthetic...Which, yes, at the end of the day, aesthetics influence my psychological well-being, which then influences the way I perform in school, and my motivation.
I can get over an uninspiring campus if the surrounding areas are better...Yet you do spend a lot of time on campus initially...These were my thoughts: The campus reminded me of my underground gym at home...No windows, big laberinth...Interestly enough, they seemed to know this "concern" and addressed it during the tours...i.e. "Well, the no windows thing helps me concentrate and not stare at birds outside..." I guess there are two sides to everything.
On the other hand, my personal struggle was the weight I was giving the aesthetics/surrounding areas new-looking, suburban cookie-cutter areas vs. WHY YOU ARE THERE...In that respect, I got the impression the school does a good job of educating you as a physician and that the clinical opportunities are or will be (another issue) pretty extensive.

The MI campus, likewise, tends to get a lot of bad reviews about the campus/surroundings...Again, "looks." I guess it's a matter of priorities...But so far, based on what I've seen, if both campus and surroundings are going to be uninspiring, at least the surrounding areas (although maybe not immediate) of the MI campus equate to the BAY AREA...But again, that's me.
Anyways, it IS med school and you ARE studying...For me, the few minutes or hours that I have away from studying/class, have to be 100% inspiring.
On that note, I know some MI students were living in the city (SF) and some around Berkeley...Any input on this? I recall exchanging PMs with one person who was initially living in SF, then moved closer to campus. Would love to hear from you too.

 

[cee]

The MI campus, likewise, tends to get a lot of bad reviews about the campus/surroundings...Again, "looks." I guess it's a matter of priorities...But so far, based on what I've seen, if both campus and surroundings are going to be uninspiring, at least the surrounding areas (although maybe not immediate) of the MI campus equate to the BAY AREA...But again, that's me. Anyways, it IS med school and you ARE studying.

i never understood why people are griping so much about the asthetics of schools. Is it because we are all dropping some serious coin on our education and expect things to be immaculate? I can tell you now that my undergrad institution was ridonkulously expensive, but we had top of the line marble-stoned buildings and plasma screens in the hallways on the way to class..

after the 1st semester, i hardly even noticed. it's pretty to show off to the alumni and visitors, but at the end of the day, you'll be locked up in the library with your nose in a book.

 

[clement]

i never understood why people are griping so much about the asthetics of schools. Is it because we are all dropping some serious coin on our education and expect things to be immaculate? I can tell you now that my undergrad institution was ridonkulously expensive, but we had top of the line marble-stoned buildings and plasma screens in the hallways on the way to class..

after the 1st semester, i hardly even noticed. it's pretty to show off to the alumni and visitors, but at the end of the day, you'll be locked up in the library with your nose in a book.

Agreed about the nose in a book part...
And yea, there are those who say to me, what does it matter if you're studying in boonville or NYC, you're not gonna have to time to care...
That's where I personally start to walk on eggshells...Point is, if you spend sooo much time studying, what's left of your time, if anything, should really really motivate you or make you happy or give your mind a damn nice break. I'd be completely miserable otherwise. I guess it's important to point out the difference between campus aesthetics and what the area itself offers, because one clearly compensates for the other.
Then again, there are those who say when they're shelling out big dough for their school, it should be worthy of that dough (and this I have heard about the MI campus, people questioning the campus' value relative to the tuition). I personally don't take issue with that as long as my education is good.

 

[mletter]

It's definetly true that looks aren't everything and that the degree of education is what really matters. Touro-MI had a good anatomy lab and the lecture hall we saw seemed nice. The main thing about the campus that worried me was the constant changes in the curriculum, the shakiness of the rotation sites, and the interview itself was weird. However, the new curriculum that they are gearing up to having next year sounds like it could be quite good. Also, I was really concerned about the cost of living. Berkley and SF are more than an hour away from campus (traffic). The cost of living in Berkley and SF is much higher than Vallejo. An acceptance is an acceptance, however, and the Bay area is surely BEAUTIFUL. Good luck to everyone on their interviews. I mean the school is fully accredited so no matter what you will be getting a top notch education. By the way, if you stay at the Quality Inn like they recommend take the shuttle to the interview just because it is free and the campus is a bit hard to find especially is you are already nervous about your interview. 🙂

 

[lysosome]

I agree, the quality of education matters the most to me. It'd be more convenient if I attend schools there but KCUMB really caught my interest....I just wonder how both Touros would compare to KCUMB's educational curriculum GENESIS.

 

[clement]

It's definetly true that looks aren't everything and that the degree of education is what really matters. Touro-MI had a good anatomy lab and the lecture hall we saw seemed nice. The main thing about the campus that worried me was the constant changes in the curriculum, the shakiness of the rotation sites, and the interview itself was weird. However, the new curriculum that they are gearing up to having next year sounds like it could be quite good. Also, I was really concerned about the cost of living. Berkley and SF are more than an hour away from campus (traffic). The cost of living in Berkley and SF is much higher than Vallejo. An acceptance is an acceptance, however, and the Bay area is surely BEAUTIFUL. Good luck to everyone on their interviews. I mean the school is fully accredited so no matter what you will be getting a top notch education. By the way, if you stay at the Quality Inn like they recommend take the shuttle to the interview just because it is free and the campus is a bit hard to find especially is you are already nervous about your interview. 🙂

Interesting that you mention the rotations...I had heard this before but didn't get any specific feedback on what people are referring to? Something about not necessarily being able to stay in the bay area or about setting up rotations in general? This was actually one of my thoughts on the LV campus, that even though the rotation opportunities (up-and-coming?) they mentioned (including a possible on-campus clinic??) seemed enticing but too early too tell...Also, could be good or bad, but you can stay in the Las Vegas area for the whole four years if you want?
At the same time, would love to hear more on Touro-MI rotations...I'm sure some Touro-MI-er will see this thread soon!

 

[AlexisW333]

I interviewed at Touro-MI about a month ago. I rented a car(which I recommend b/c it will give you the chance to the explore the surrounding area yourself). So the nite b4 the interview, I drove to the campus and checked it out. I didn't have the greatest attitude about the school after seeing the campus, and the surrounding area of Vallejo. It was my first interview and I was really nervous about the group format. But, after a day with the other interviewees and also talking with the profs and students, I decided that I liked the school, mainly b/c of the students and profs. I got the sense that the profs are very available and supportive of the student body. I also liked the small class size and that the students are very cohesive. They seem very happy there. I think everyone can agree that the campus and surrounding area leaves much to be desired. But basically I chose Touro-MI b/c of the cohesiveness of the student body, the profs, high board scores and strong match list. I thought about will be most important to me in my medical school experience. I decided a supportive environment, location(SF) and flexibility 4th year. You also get a lot of flexibility 4th year as far as rotations. Touro-MI is one of those places that sort of grows on me. I definately didn't fall instantly in love with the school the day that I was there, but I could see myself there, and then decided that it was the place for me. I interviewed at other DO schools too to make sure that I had made the right decision.
Good luck in your decision, and go w/what feels right to you.

 

[Sarikate]

I recently received acceptances to both and had no problem making my choice between the two - Nevada! I just sent Mare Island a decline letter yesterday. Nevada's campus might be a refurbished warehouse but the students a cohesive, relaxed group; the rotations look great (University Medical Center affiliation, for instance); you can choose to stay in town for your rotations, which is important to me; Vegas is growing at an amazing rate and you'll see a ton of diversity in your patients. I also didn't want to live in Vallejo; I thought the desert was more my style! Lots of factors. I haven't made the ultimate decision yet (still waiting to hear from other places), but definitely of the two, I'm all for Vegas.

 

[NjD00]

I recently received acceptances to both and had no problem making my choice between the two - Nevada! I just sent Mare Island a decline letter yesterday. Nevada's campus might be a refurbished warehouse but the students a cohesive, relaxed group; the rotations look great (University Medical Center affiliation, for instance); you can choose to stay in town for your rotations, which is important to me; Vegas is growing at an amazing rate and you'll see a ton of diversity in your patients. I also didn't want to live in Vallejo; I thought the desert was more my style! Lots of factors. I haven't made the ultimate decision yet (still waiting to hear from other places), but definitely of the two, I'm all for Vegas.

Wow Sari, that'd be quite a switch if you moved from Alaska to the desert in nevada!

 

[cardiotonic]

I agree, the quality of education matters the most to me. It'd be more convenient if I attend schools there but KCUMB really caught my interest....I just wonder how both Touros would compare to KCUMB's educational curriculum GENESIS.

It's my understanding that KCUMB's educational curriculum, GENESIS, is a systems based curriculum. Touro also has a systems based curriculum, so I don't think there is a significant difference. KCUMB just does a good job at advertising it. Good luck!

 

[lysosome]

It's my understanding that KCUMB's educational curriculum, GENESIS, is a systems based curriculum. Touro also has a systems based curriculum, so I don't think there is a significant difference. KCUMB just does a good job at advertising it. Good luck!

which touro are you referring to? what i like about KCUMB is that it's not on blocked schedule. I think that TOURO-MI is...and that scares me to be taking all these exams all at once.

 

[cardiotonic]

which touro are you referring to? what i like about KCUMB is that it's not on blocked schedule. I think that TOURO-MI is...and that scares me to be taking all these exams all at once.

Touro University, which includes TUNCOM and TUCOM. I like the block exams. they are kind of like mini board exams, and once you are done with them you have an opportunity to relax and celebrate afterwords. If I had to take an exam every week, I don't think I could ever relax. Blocks are hard, but manageable. I would have it no other way.

 

[The_aartichoke]

Touro University, which includes TUNCOM and TUCOM. I like the block exams. they are kind of like mini board exams, and once you are done with them you have an opportunity to relax and celebrate afterwords. If I had to take an exam every week, I don't think I could ever relax. Blocks are hard, but manageable. I would have it no other way.

i agree...blocks are rough, and you work your a** off, but that free weekend to decompress is great...and a test every week is like perma stress to me. im a huge fan of blocks 😀