VCOM Louisiana vs. PCOM South Georgia

[medwriter87]

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VCOM Louisiana (new campus of VCOM):

Pros:

• On the campus of ULM (University of Louisiana Monroe)/Less rural/larger town
• Same curriculum setup as other VCOMs, access to recorded lectures from other campuses
• Other VCOMs all have similar outcomes (comlex pass rates, match lists)

Cons:

• Would be part of inaugural class (no second years around)
• Rotation sites not fully setup yet
• Heavy testing schedule (2-3 tests per week)

PCOM South Georgia (Started last year):

Pros:

• Would have second years for guidance (1 class already started last yr)
• Branch of mother PCOM which is well known

Cons:

• Located in the middle of nowhere
• Rotations sites in rural areas of South Georgia
• Less research opportunities than VCOM potentially

Additional details:

The Step 1 will be P/F for my class.
VCOM has decent experience with setting up branch campuses.
The facilities of VCOM look much nicer, and its based on a University campus. The real turnoff factor for PCOM SoGA is that it's in the middle of nowhere and very rural vibe all around. PCOM SoGA has pretty good professors though, VCOM-L is still hiring.

 

[SinglePayerNow]

That level of frequent testing at VCOM looks like a massive con, and I would steer clear for that reason alone. Both schools are brand new but the PCOM name is probably better. fwiw Moultrie is ~50 minutes from Valdosta, which is *not entirely* desolate ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (the VSU campus is absolutely beautiful and you should visit if you go).

 

[medwriter87]

That level of frequent testing at VCOM looks like a massive con, and I would steer clear for that reason alone. Both schools are brand new but the PCOM name is probably better. fwiw Moultrie is ~50 minutes from Valdosta, which is *not entirely* desolate ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (the VSU campus is absolutely beautiful and you should visit if you go).

How much will name matter, esp since its not the original PCOM? For the frequent testing, wouldnt this be good since each test is weighted less and more opps to improve grade rather than having 1-2 tests determine everything?

 

[SinglePayerNow]

I would agree if tests were weekly as they are at many schools, but multiple tests a week looks super draining, idk. Do you know the testing schedule at PCOM? If it were just a few assessments a semester that's bad too. You may be right about PCOM-South GA not having the same acclaim as PA, it was just a hunch on my part.

 

[medwriter87]

I would agree if tests were weekly as they are at many schools, but multiple tests a week looks super draining, idk. Do you know the testing schedule at PCOM? If it were just a few assessments a semester that's bad too. You may be right about PCOM-South GA not having the same acclaim as PA, it was just a hunch on my part.

PCOM testing is like once a week or so but more quizzes I think. It's not a significant difference. VCOM is more like 2 tests per week mostly.

 

[medwriter87]

bump

 

[Dr_Irrelevant]

They are both new programs so I wouldn't choose solely based on the cred of their parent organizations. Both the branch campuses of PCOM and VCOM have fairly successful matches (check Auburn 2018 and 19 matches). In this case I would chose the school with the cheapest tuition. VCOM? Being in Moultrie would drive me nuts and wouldn't support the needs of my SO. So VCOM for me.

 

[medwriter87]

They are both new programs so I wouldn't choose solely based on the cred of their parent organizations. Both the branch campuses of PCOM and VCOM have fairly successful matches (check Auburn 2018 and 19 matches). In this case I would chose the school with the cheapest tuition. VCOM? Being in Moultrie would drive me nuts and wouldn't support the needs of my SO. So VCOM for me.

Tuition is cheaper at VCOM but I think the higher COL makes up for the difference, making them both equal

Do you think you'd pick VCOM even knowing that youd be in the inaugural class?

 

[Dr_Irrelevant]

Yes, VCOM is very consistent with their delivery of their curriculum between campuses.

 

[Damson]

would go VCOM hands down

 

[medwriter87]

would go VCOM hands down

Reasons?

 

[Damson]

Reasons?

south georgia a little too new for someone who has other choices
established comlex pass rates, cheaper, in a town with more to do

 

[medwriter87]

south georgia a little too new for someone who has other choices
established comlex pass rates, cheaper, in a town with more to do

Thanks. But the VCOM Louisiana campus I’m comparing against is brand new, I’d be in inaugural class.. South Georgia started last year so I’d be in their second class. Do you think VCOM is still the move?

 

[Damson]

Thanks. But the VCOM Louisiana campus I’m comparing against is brand new, I’d be in inaugural class.. South Georgia started last year so I’d be in their second class. Do you think VCOM is still the move?

Would still attend med school in Louisiana. Better life and more affordable tuition