WVSOM vs VCOM-Louisiana

[medms]

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Hi everyone! I have been talking to a few people about both of these schools, trying to get advice and reach a decision but haven't been able to. I'm thankful to have both of these acceptances. I loved both campuses and my interview day went well for both of them too. I got accepted to VCOM-Louisiana a while back and so I submitted my deposit there already. However, I have not yet paid my deposit for WVSOM (due in March). I am interested in Pediatrics but not sure if I want to specialize and I am keeping an open mind so this may all change down the road.

VCOM-Lousiana:
Pros:
-associated with a bigger university ULM - more resources?
-don't share their rotations with other DO schools?? (I think) - no competition?
-Good COMLEX pass rates based on their other branches
-good match rates based on their other branches
-great new facilities from pics - wasn't able to tour the actual building because it wasn't built when I went for the interview
-bigger town - Monroe (~48K population)
-tuition around ~46K
-cheap cost of living
-international medical missions part of the curriculum
-lots of research opportunities with professors
-great overall vibe - everyone was supeeer nice
Cons:
-Strict 80% mandatory attendance policy (12 days/block or 22 half days)
-not sure if they have a class dress code
-inaugural class (not sure how I feel about this)
-about 9 hours from home
-the whole medical school is basically one building

WVSOM
Pros:
-Standalone campus but several buildings - beautiful!
-cheap cost of living
-about 7 hours from home
-GTA program (work there for an extra year as a TA and get 3/5 years of tuition paid off - if you qualify for the program that is)
-good match rate https://msopti.wvsom.edu/sites/msopti.wvsom.edu/files/2019 match list.pdf
-a small town (Lewisburg ~4K population)
-No mandatory lecture
-no dress code (as I know of) policies
-Great facilities and a primary care clinic right on campus
-Great school for primary care
-Large library and beautiful new student center
-Amazing bookstore/school store.

Cons:
-very small town - less to do during the little leisure time that we might have
-tuition ~$55K OOS
-lower COMLEX first-time pass rates (dropped from last year but after talking to a couple of students - they are working to bring that up https://www.wvsom.edu/sites/default/files/u203/National Board pass rate website_102819.pdf
-clinical rotations mostly just statewide so WV and a few surrounding places like Maryland, etc

Any insight will be helpful - thank you all in advance!!

 

[deleted1005514]

For your cons list, Monroe has one of the highest per capita crime rates in the country, for both violent and non-violent crime.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

These two schools are basically both ends of the spectrum (New school vs Well established state school). There's no comparison here.

 

[medms]

These two schools are basically both ends of the spectrum (New school vs Well established state school). There no comparison here.

Yeah I considered that but then VCOM in general is well established as well, it’s just that this campus is new out of all their other branches. Would you still say WVSOM? Despite the low board scores?

 

[zNoodlez]

Yeah I considered that but then VCOM in general is well established as well, it’s just that this campus is new out of all their other branches. Would you still say WVSOM? Despite the low board scores?

WVSOM all the way, you need name recognition from well-established school to match regionally at least if Step 1 becomes P/F.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Yeah I considered that but then VCOM in general is well established as well, it’s just that this campus is new out of all their other branches. Would you still say WVSOM? Despite the low board scores?

Just look at the outcomes for PCOM-PA students vs PCOM-GA ones. They are vastly different. I would treat the VCOMs the same way; like they're separate schools.

 

[deleted1041468]

If you can’t get VCOM carolinas or Virginia I’d go to WVSOM. Also the attendance policy isn’t bad at all. You think it’s a lot but in reality you should go listen occasionally and study at other times. It’s not hard to make it. I wouldn’t risk my match with a new schools despite board scores. Board scores are made from how much you study it doesn’t matter what the school give you.

 

[Splenda88]

WVSOM...

I don't know much about VCOM-Louisiana (I did not know there was a VCOM in Louisiana), but I interviewed at WVSOM in 2014 and loved the school. Everyone was EXTREMELY friendly and welcoming. It seemed like they were invested in their students' success.

Call me crazy! I almost attended WVSOM over a US MD. I just could not justify the difference in COA (> 60k for WVSOM). If the COA were the same, I would have attended WVSOM.

 

[medms]

WVSOM...

I don't know much about VCOM-Louisiana (I did not know there was a VCOM in Louisiana), but I interviewed at WVSOM in 2014 and loved the school. Everyone was EXTREMELY friendly and welcoming. It seemed like they were invested in their students' success.

Call me crazy! I almost attended WVSOM over a US MD. I just could not justify the difference in COA (> 60k for WVSOM). If the COA were the same, I would have attended WVSOM.

Yeah, that was definitely one of the things that pulled me; they seem to have a close-knit community. The tuition is a lot but I am hoping the GTA program they offer will help. Thank you for your input!