UNECOM vs UMDNJ

[Awesome Sauceome]

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Have not applied yet, but I am trying to figure out money wise how much I will have for my application this cycle. I will maybe be able to fly to like 3 interviews, I know my first two I would spend money on, but my other one is between these two - obviously assuming that any of these schools would even want to interview me heh...

I am more or less curious because any comparisons between these two schools is like at least 4-5 years old. I know a lot has changed with both of them in that time (especially UNE). The talk of both of these schools is more quiet on SDN, which also doesnt help. Just hoping to get people's opinions on hypotheticals on which one you would rather go to and why?

My main goal is looking for a school on the east coast that is family friendly. Also one where I would not have to travel as far for 3rd and 4th years (again because family).

 

[ToKingdomCome]

Have not applied yet, but I am trying to figure out money wise how much I will have for my application this cycle. I will maybe be able to fly to like 3 interviews, I know my first two I would spend money on, but my other one is between these two - obviously assuming that any of these schools would even want to interview me heh...

I am more or less curious because any comparisons between these two schools is like at least 4-5 years old. I know a lot has changed with both of them in that time (especially UNE). The talk of both of these schools is more quiet on SDN, which also doesnt help. Just hoping to get people's opinions on hypotheticals on which one you would rather go to and why?

My main goal is looking for a school on the east coast that is family friendly. Also one where I would not have to travel as far for 3rd and 4th years (again because family).

Umdnj you know you'll be in nj at the very least. Whether if it's the north jersey, south jersey, or jersey shore track.

Not to sure about une rotations but don't you have to schedule them yourself as a 4th year?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Umdnj you know you'll be in nj at the very least. Whether if it's the north jersey, south jersey, or jersey shore track.

Not to sure about une rotations but don't you have to schedule them yourself as a 4th year?

Yea the last that I have heard I think you do have to schedule 4th year. I guess I am curious about how far you typically have to travel for them? I mean I know about the hospital in portland but otherwise, UNE is sort of in the middle of nowhere... But they have hundreds of students every year, so they must have some sort of solid system set up right?

Do you know anything about the UMDNJ rotations? Like if they are all pretty close to campus? Would you just have to maybe travel to phili or something?

 

[Chillywilly]

You mean Rowan? Umdnj dissolved last summer. Being from north jersey I'm a little biased ... Pick rotations in the northern part of the state so that way you'll be in the NYC metro area. Tons of opportunities.

Pick south jersey if Philly is more your speed.

The reason why UNE is great is because the students match into good programs

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

You mean Rowan? Umdnj dissolved last summer. Being from north jersey I'm a little biased ... Pick rotations in the northern part of the state so that way you'll be in the NYC metro area. Tons of opportunities.

Pick south jersey if Philly is more your speed.

The reason why UNE is great is because the students match into good programs

Sorry, the name change stuff has been confusing me. Between Rowan, UMDNJ, and then Cooper is floating around in NJ too right?

Anywho, so is that how it goes though at Rowan? You get to choose where you want your rotations? (north vs south for instance), and there are opportunities aplenty?

I guess that is the problem I have: UNE has some solid matches, but where the heck are they rotating through during their 3rd and 4th years that they are getting those matches?

 

[Chillywilly]

Sorry, the name change stuff has been confusing me. Between Rowan, UMDNJ, and then Cooper is floating around in NJ too right?

Anywho, so is that how it goes though at Rowan? You get to choose where you want your rotations? (north vs south for instance), and there are opportunities aplenty?

I guess that is the problem I have: UNE has some solid matches, but where the heck are they rotating through during their 3rd and 4th years that they are getting those matches?

There are some rotations in the Boston Area, New Hampshire, and Vermont. I wouldn't recommend NH since it's very boring and rural...unless you want to do Derm at Dartmouth-Hitchock.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

There are some rotations in the Boston Area, New Hampshire, and Vermont. I wouldn't recommend NH since it's very boring and rural...unless you want to do Derm at Dartmouth-Hitchock.

So it seems that in general you would have to move farther for the clinical years at UNE? I understand some driving, and a couple of away rotations, but I will have my wife and most likely a kid or two by that time. I just want to have a solid home base for us...

 

[studentp0x]

I'm interested in more info on unecom too. What exactly is "boring" about it?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I'm interested in more info on unecom too. What exactly is "boring" about it?

Its crazy, there is such a lack of information on this school. There are a couple of great reviews (mostly a couple of years old) but otherwise its like you dont know what you are walking in to until you interview. Which is all well and good, except when you only have enough money to fly to 3 places... Gotta make them count.

I am applying to 12 schools, I am hoping to get like 6 secondaries, 3 interviews, and 1 acceptance. That would make all decisions easier haha!

 

[Chillywilly]

So it seems that in general you would have to move farther for the clinical years at UNE? I understand some driving, and a couple of away rotations, but I will have my wife and most likely a kid or two by that time. I just want to have a solid home base for us...

This is none of my business but are you sure you want kids during
Med school? I mean I can only
Imagine how exhausting it must be to have to study and take care
Of a baby. Just curious,
You don't have to answer.

I'm interested in more info on unecom too. What exactly is "boring" about it?

i used to live in New Hampshire for
A good majority of my life before moving to jersey. It's just really rural. No clubs, gross cheap bars, stores close early and wayy early on Sundays. Lack of ethnic/religious diversity. Minimal clothing stores and malls. Then I moved to NJ ( 35min outside NYC) and realized there's so much more.

Maine is also an isolated state. In fact there's unfinished areas of the state that don't even have towns or electricity or even linked to a satellite. It's true... Google it.

But that's just my view of New England . If you like the preppy, white population New England is perfect for you. New England does have some of the best colleges and high schools though: Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Harvard, MIT, Brown, Yale. It's all just a mTter of preference

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

This is none of my business but are you sure you want kids during
Med school? I mean I can only
Imagine how exhausting it must be to have to study and take care
Of a baby. Just curious,
You don't have to answer.

i used to live in New Hampshire for
A good majority of my life before moving to jersey. It's just really rural. No clubs, gross cheap bars, stores close early and wayy early on Sundays. Lack of ethnic/religious diversity. Minimal clothing stores and malls. Then I moved to NJ ( 35min outside NYC) and realized there's so much more.

Maine is also an isolated state. In fact there's unfinished areas of the state that don't even have towns or electricity or even linked to a satellite. It's true... Google it.

But that's just my view of New England . If you like the preppy, white population New England is perfect for you. New England does have some of the best colleges and high schools though: Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Harvard, MIT, Brown, Yale. It's all just a mTter of preference

Hahaha its a very fair question to ask. While I have no particular plan of kids. I have still know its going to happen heh... It feels like an inevitable force... if it happens it happens. I can only get my wife so many cats before I must submit to giving a child.

I dont know much about NH, but I worked in Maine for a summer and was SHOCKED by some of the stuff you mentioned. It was like: "this is a gas station, how is a gas station closed at 5pm on sunday." Portland is pretty solid though, well heck, all of Maine is ridiculously pretty and I thought the people were nice. But yea even for a normal person just moving for work, it would give me concern because of lack of resources available. This is why I am REALLY concerned for medical school. I just want to have opportunity thats all. Just want to make sure I am putting my priorities in the right place.

I havent had the best experiences in the world in NJ, but at the same time you are making me lean towards Rowan.

 

[polylux]

I haven't been to UNECOM but I am from the Boston area. Biddeford is a nice place just south of Portland, which is a pretty nice, small city, and it's maybe 1.5 hrs away from Boston - it is definitely not NYC but it is more suburban than rural. I'm relatively sure that UNE students can find 4th year rotations at the multitude of hospitals in the greater Boston area (I heard that from a UNE student somewhere). I actually have a professor now who used to work at UNE teaching anatomy and he said he loved it there, but that was many years ago. If you check out Google maps, you should be able to see that you can actually live in the northernmost parts of MA or in NH, and commute up to Portland or down to Boston (45 min both ways). It would be kind of a long drive, but doable. But again, Portland itself really is a nice place, and I love love love Boston.

I don't know anything about Rowan, but just wanted to throw in something about the UNECOM area. I do have to agree with Chilly, above, in that you won't be getting the big city atmosphere at UNECOM...

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I haven't been to UNECOM but I am from the Boston area. Biddeford is a nice place just south of Portland, which is a pretty nice, small city, and it's maybe 1.5 hrs away from Boston - it is definitely not NYC but it is more suburban than rural. I'm relatively sure that UNE students can find 4th year rotations at the multitude of hospitals in the greater Boston area (I heard that from a UNE student somewhere). I actually have a professor now who used to work at UNE teaching anatomy and he said he loved it there, but that was many years ago. If you check out Google maps, you should be able to see that you can actually live in the northernmost parts of MA or in NH, and commute up to Portland or down to Boston (45 min both ways). It would be kind of a long drive, but doable. But again, Portland itself really is a nice place, and I love love love Boston.

I don't know anything about Rowan, but just wanted to throw in something about the UNECOM area. I do have to agree with Chilly, above, in that you won't be getting the big city atmosphere at UNECOM...

yea dude, both Portland and Boston are awesome places. Literally my #1 and #2 favorite cities that I have ever been to. However, I do not like the idea of driving 45 minutes every day... been there, done that.

The problem is that if my wife is up working in Portland or something, having to basically live a couple hours away for a year or two. That sounds rough to me.

 

[polylux]

I think Rowan sounds like it'll fit your bill a bit better. I'm probably not going to even apply to UNECOM because I really want to be somewhere more populated, even though I know it's a lovely place. But until you get any interviews, it's just all talk anyways. Good luck on the upcoming cycle!

 

[gocougs339]

I visited UNECOM over the summer to learn more about the school and meet with some adcom members (they must not have liked me because of the 5 schools I applied to, UNECOM was the only one that didn't give me an ii). Biddeford is small, but I loved it. The school is about 20-30 mins south of Portland and an hour or two north of Boston. Both of the students I met lived in house on the beach(many people rent their summer beach houses to the med students) and paid $400-$500 a month. They said 3rd and 4th year students were doing rotations all over NE, including the big cities like Boston and NYC, so if that's what you're interested you'll have that option.

 

[studentp0x]

This is none of my business but are you sure you want kids during
Med school? I mean I can only
Imagine how exhausting it must be to have to study and take care
Of a baby. Just curious,
You don't have to answer.

i used to live in New Hampshire for
A good majority of my life before moving to jersey. It's just really rural. No clubs, gross cheap bars, stores close early and wayy early on Sundays. Lack of ethnic/religious diversity. Minimal clothing stores and malls. Then I moved to NJ ( 35min outside NYC) and realized there's so much more.

Maine is also an isolated state. In fact there's unfinished areas of the state that don't even have towns or electricity or even linked to a satellite. It's true... Google it.

But that's just my view of New England . If you like the preppy, white population New England is perfect for you. New England does have some of the best colleges and high schools though: Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Harvard, MIT, Brown, Yale. It's all just a mTter of preference

Yea I've been a suburban guy in Canada for all my life. I'm middle eastern but look italian, not sure how that would fit in with the population you describe... but unecom is one of the canadian friendly schools so I guess I'll be applying regardless.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I think Rowan sounds like it'll fit your bill a bit better. I'm probably not going to even apply to UNECOM because I really want to be somewhere more populated, even though I know it's a lovely place. But until you get any interviews, it's just all talk anyways. Good luck on the upcoming cycle!

Yea I will for sure still apply, because who the heck knows, they could be the only school that likes me - It is such a crapshoot. But otherwise I guess I should be really focusing on places that are more dense.

 

[Mad Jack]

At UNECOM, you do all of your third year at the same site. You can choose between ECHN in CT, Maine Medical Center in Portland, and Kent Hospital in Rhode Island for your 3rd year (though they will probably add more sites due to the class expansion). You arrange your own 4th year, so you could stick to the same area or move around. Subjectively, I have noticed that UNECOM seems to be slightly less competitive, as I've met a few people that got UNECOM IIs but not Rowan IIs. This might be due to state or regional bias though, so I can't say for sure. I don't know a hell of a lot about Rowan, personally.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

At UNECOM, you do all of your third year at the same site. You can choose between ECHN in CT, Maine Medical Center in Portland, and Kent Hospital in Rhode Island for your 3rd year (though they will probably add more sites due to the class expansion). You arrange your own 4th year, so you could stick to the same area or move around. Subjectively, I have noticed that UNECOM seems to be slightly less competitive, as I've met a few people that got UNECOM IIs but not Rowan IIs. This might be due to state or regional bias though, so I can't say for sure. I don't know a hell of a lot about Rowan, personally.

So its 100% not a lottery system? Like I have even been to the hospital in Portland. I remember it being about average size. If I have the chance to do 3rd year and then a few rotations for 4th year around there or within 45 minutes of Portland then I think that this school would be a fantastic fit. I am happy to do a couple away rotations down in Boston or wherever. I understand that this is just the nature of the game with DO schools. Both my wife and I are ready for that. But I just want to make sure that for at least a big chunk of the time (lets say 80% of my rotations) I have the opportunity to have quality rotations while still staying closer to home.

I guess the thing is, I have had amazing experiences in Maine. I love Maine, I could absolutely see myself settling down in the New England area. But I just need these questions answered, otherwise going to medical school there just seems like such a gamble to me.

On the other hand, I have had bleh experiences with NJ. My wife went to school in phili so we frequently crossed over to Jersey for various stuff and I was never really impressed. On the other hand, Rowan has great reviews and appears to have more connections with hospitals and rotations closer to their main base.

I guess I just would have to pick my poison, if this hypothetical situation arose...

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

By the way, for anyone interested, it seems that they UNE has 12 core rotations spots. From reading, it seems like you get/pick one of these locations which you will do all of your core rotations at. The other 19 weeks you can do pretty much wherever.

http://www.une.edu/com/curriculum/clerkship/rotations.cfm

 

[Duff84]

By the way, for anyone interested, it seems that they UNE has 12 core rotations spots. From reading, it seems like you get/pick one of these locations which you will do all of your core rotations at. The other 19 weeks you can do pretty much wherever.

http://www.une.edu/com/curriculum/clerkship/rotations.cfm

Aha I was reading through and chomping at the bit to point this out to you but alas you found it. I'll be going to their second look day this weekend and would be happy to give you more info after if interested. From what I have already heard from current students, there is only a lottery if more people choose a site then spots available but that usually the majority of people end up where they want to be. I have heard Portland is the top choice for a lot because you can stay in the area. That being said I have heard from an alum that the Augusta, ME site is pretty great too. Also I feel like most 4'th years (especially at DO programs) are setting up their own rotations 4'th year so I wouldn't hold that against UNE. I think you would want to do this anyways so you can set up audition rotations at places where you will be looking to apply for residency.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Aha I was reading through and chomping at the bit to point this out to you but alas you found it. I'll be going to their second look day this weekend and would be happy to give you more info after if interested. From what I have already heard from current students, there is only a lottery if more people choose a site then spots available but that usually the majority of people end up where they want to be. I have heard Portland is the top choice for a lot because you can stay in the area. That being said I have heard from an alum that the Augusta, ME site is pretty great too. Also I feel like most 4'th years (especially at DO programs) are setting up their own rotations 4'th year so I wouldn't hold that against UNE. I think you would want to do this anyways so you can set up audition rotations at places where you will be looking to apply for residency.

Ok thats sort of what I figured, awesome.

Yea most do the 4th year choice which I actually appreciate. The only difference is that with UNE you are a little bit more geographically isolated for your choices. But then again, as has been mentioned, they do pump out some solid match lists, so who the heck knows heh.

Definitely PM me or post it on here if you remember. Good luck!

 

[Blackxp]

Its hard to make much of a comment on a comparison without any experience with UNECOM, but speaking to Rowan SOM (formerly UMDNJ) I can say that it was a really relaxed environment. The students seemed genuinely happy to be there and they described it as pretty laid back and non-competitive. Coming from any pre-med background it felt kinda refreshing to see everyone helping each other (offering study guides and textbooks) instead of scrambling to get to the top at each others' expense. The students are really nice in-person and on SDN. I had many offer advise here on SDN and offer to allow me to shadow them before my interview. It was pretty nice to be able to see the school outside of a tour.

I know that for rotations you have the option of staying closer to home, but did not ask that specific question during interview day. I think some of the above comments will be of greater use on that part.

Again, I wish I could be of more help with the UNECOM side of things. They easily could be the exact same type of relaxed situation as Rowan, but hey i guess it helps to know that the students are not slowly decaying or constantly shifting their eyes towards potential exits mid-conversation. The current Rowan students that browse the school specific thread are great though. I would suggest making a post there. I know many of them have families and have experienced the same concerns as you have. Might not be good for comparison, but if you try the UNECOM thread with the same questions it might give you the right answers.

Good Luck this application cycle!

 

[Plecopotamus]

I've met a few people that got UNECOM IIs but not Rowan IIs. This might be due to state or regional bias though, so I can't say for sure. I don't know a hell of a lot about Rowan, personally.

It's been several years since I applied, but I think this reflects state residency and regional bias more than anything. I suspect UNECOM has to interview more people per spot just b/c some people chicken out over the weather.

Have not applied yet, but I am trying to figure out money wise how much I will have for my application this cycle. I will maybe be able to fly to like 3 interviews, I know my first two I would spend money on, but my other one is between these two - obviously assuming that any of these schools would even want to interview me heh...

I am more or less curious because any comparisons between these two schools is like at least 4-5 years old. I know a lot has changed with both of them in that time (especially UNE). The talk of both of these schools is more quiet on SDN, which also doesnt help. Just hoping to get people's opinions on hypotheticals on which one you would rather go to and why?

My main goal is looking for a school on the east coast that is family friendly. Also one where I would not have to travel as far for 3rd and 4th years (again because family).

I interviewed at both schools, but it was 6 years ago now. UNECOM was quaint. It almost has a small liberal arts college feel to it. UMDNJ felt like it grew out of an industrial park. I had much friendlier interactions with faculty and students at UNECOM. I swear that an interviewer at UMDNJ rolled her eyes at one of my answers. It's ridiculous how much something like that can shape your impression of an entire school.

 

[Doctorinthehouse]

What is the timeline on when the absolute latest is that you have to tell DO schools you're gonna go there?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

What is the timeline on when the absolute latest is that you have to tell DO schools you're gonna go there?

Depends on when you get accepted. They would give you a time line of x mount of weeks to put your deposit in. Then some have the second deposit for the double confirmation.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

yea... talked to my wife about it last night for a bit. In this crazy hypothetical situation, if this was to even arise, I think for my needs I would end up having to take Rowan. I just would be so nervous about whether or not I could get rotations close to home, if I went to UNE. But who the heck knows, if they are showing me some love this next cycle, it would be hard to say no!

Thanks a bunch everybody for humoring my hypothetical concerns.

 

[68PGunner]

My boss, who is a dentist, came from UMDNJ. He had a great time there. I would go with your gut feeling.

But, if I have a choice between UNE and UMDNJ, I would def pick UMDNJ due to possibly better rotations during the third and fourth year, assuming that COA isn't an issue.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

My boss, who is a dentist, came from UMDNJ. He had a great time there. I would go with your gut feeling.

But, if I have a choice between UNE and UMDNJ, I would def pick UMDNJ due to possibly better rotations during the third and fourth year, assuming that COA isn't an issue.

is it still true that you get in-state after the first year? My wife would be working and stuff there so it would be our official residence - if that changes anything.

 

[68PGunner]

is it still true that you get in-state after the first year? My wife would be working and stuff there so it would be our official residence - if that changes anything.

If your wife is working there, you can probably get in-state residency after a year. I personally love the East coast, and would love to come back there for medical school. Cost of living is expensive but doable especially when you know how to live.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

If your wife is working there, you can probably get in-state residency after a year. I personally love the East coast, and would love to come back there for medical school. Cost of living is expensive but doable especially when you know how to live.

Yea I was born and raised in MD. Moved to WI for my wife's schooling. Pumped to head back east.

 

[Blackxp]

is it still true that you get in-state after the first year? My wife would be working and stuff there so it would be our official residence - if that changes anything.

From what I've followed on the Rowan SOM thread, it seems like they have discontinued this. Not sure if it was with the Rowan merger or not.

 

[68PGunner]

From what I've followed on the Rowan SOM thread, it seems like they have discontinued this. Not sure if it was with the Rowan merger or not.

I don't know the specifics for the state of New Jersey. However, getting your residency in a state in a simple process. You just need to have the state driver license, job in the state, and domicile in NJ for at least one year.

The state driver license and NJ domicile are the easy part. Usually, universities reject students on the factor about having a job in the state. If he's a student who maintains a part time job in NJ, that's not going to work. They will say that he's not there by choice, but by circumstances. Therefore, his status will still be a student in NJ who belongs to MD. If his wife is a full time employee in NJ, the case will favor him. The argument will be that he and his wife are living in NJ. His wife is a full time employee of NJ. Therefore, they will likely to continue to live in NJ after his education in NJ.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I don't know the specifics for the state of New Jersey. However, getting your residency in a state in a simple process. You just need to have the state driver license, job in the state, and domicile in NJ for at least one year.

The state driver license and NJ domicile are the easy part. Usually, universities reject students on the factor about having a job in the state. If he's a student who maintains a part time job in NJ, that's not going to work. They will say that he's not there by choice, but by circumstances. Therefore, his status will still be a student in NJ who belongs to MD. If his wife is a full time employee in NJ, the case will favor him. The argument will be that he and his wife are living in NJ. His wife is a full time employee of NJ. Therefore, they will likely to continue to live in NJ after his education in NJ.

Yea thats how it is now in Wisconsin. My wife and I became residents pretty fast. But I know it varies wildly state by state and school by school. I figure I can cross that bridge once I get there. The bigger issue is more or less the opportunity that one school would provide over the other combined with my interest to have said opportunities while remaining close to the school location.

 

[Beth_W737]

4th year graduating from Rowan, feel free to ask questions. I believe they still allow in state tuition after 1 st year. I love it, I did PBL but FYI I believe it isn't being offered this coming year but may be back the following year.

 

[Doctorinthehouse]

Does

Depends on when you get accepted. They would give you a time line of x mount of weeks to put your deposit in. Then some have the second deposit for the double confirmation.

Does that mean that you can withdraw your application anytime before maticulation if you've accepted multiple offers?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Does

Does that mean that you can withdraw your application anytime before maticulation if you've accepted multiple offers?

Dude stop spamming every single thread with the same exact question. This is like the third time you have done it. I am done answering anything for you if it is asked on every part of this forum. Just start your own thread and ask your questions there.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

To reiterate Blackxp, I am a 1st year at RowanSOM and I love it here. He is exactly right in saying that we always help each other out. We are one big family and you can definitely see it in our community. Rotations are throughout NJ and its a giant lottery system as to see who gets to go where. The rotation sites are also pretty nice and I've never really had a problem with the administration. I would choose RowanSOM but I am obviously biased. However, if you want some more info, please feel free to ask Beth W737 or me. I am on the lecture based track.

Just as an FYI, I do hear that 1st and 2nd years schedule will change to 1st year classes 1pm-5pm and 2nd year classes from 8am-12pm. There were some complaints about how the 2nd year classes run all day long with no left over time to study so the administration decided to change that. Just an example of how the administration actually does listen.

 

[medstudent9009]

Every school has its ups and downs. Unecom does not give students enough support but does provide a good education.

 

[edgerock24]

as a current unecom student, I really can't recommend this school. The curriculum is new this year and last and it's good for some people I guess but I personally hate it. I can not say that the teachers (especially for the OCS course) are overly helpful and you are really on your own. Not to mention, it is seriously ridiculously easy to fail out. had I known that I would be thrown into an acid pit here I would not have done it. There is hardly any reward, and since they have a "competency" based exam for everything, especially your clinical skills, you can "fail" a 10 minute radiology section (by getting 4/10 questions wrong) and you will actually fail the whole exam. If you're looking for location, go here. But if you're hoping to have a school that will do what they can to really help you succeed - don't.

Interesting. Have many students actually failed out? Could you provide more details about this situation? I'm interested as I planned to apply here (and surely others plan to apply here as well).