Are people really having that hard of a time deciding?
Since no one else wants to play cheerleader for a school, I'll do it.
Go~~~ to Western!
Reasons in order of importance
1)good rotations. Most important factor.
2)good numbers. Majority of class 2008 scored above average on comlex 1. Many way above.
3)good classmates. Western has one of the highest mcat/gpa in DO schools/ Fun, open-minded, diverse, like-minded people who want to come to so. cal. Great majority(if not all) 1st/2nd yrs has served needy population in early clinical experiences by volunteering near campus through montclair clinic/pchat..etc. It even has a DO theater troupe.
4)good location. Many med schools close-by with networks, confereneces, elective rotation sites, lots of resources for med students. No one picks Sacramento over NYC to study fashion design, for the same reason.
5)good growth. Western plans to complete a new DO building in 2009 with plan/design posted. Many new residencies at new sites taking shape. New researchers signing on.
That's what I can think of now. Yes the comments above might be a little simplistic and rosy, but good enough for cheerleading.
Good luck.