- Joined
- Apr 12, 2018
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 12
Congratulations! I was in your shoes a little while ago between deciding to withdraw from another school after paying their deposit or to commit to SOMA. I didn't apply to or know very much about LECOM, but these are factors that influenced me to pick SOMA.
The school has a well established track record of board pass rates above or near the national averages. Their students also do very well in the match going to large varieties of programs across the country.
Not every class is mandatory meaning you can watch it at home at 2x speed depending on your learning style. They have both an anatomy lab and a virtual anatomy lab, either of which can be used at any time by students. Class sizes are smaller (~100). Plus, I've met quite a few of the current students over the past two years and they've all been great people who have gone above an beyond with helping me by answering questions and giving advice. They've also told me so many great things about the school, their classmates, and the professors. The biggest thing I noticed was that they seemed happy, which is a big factor to me. I'm not trying to say every student at this school is like the ones I've met, but I do believe these are the type of students SOMA accepts in general which cultivates the supportive culture of the school.
The CHC's are a fantastic way to see different parts of the country and help the underserved at the same time. So even though the first year is in AZ, you get the chance to return closer to home for the final 3 if that's what you'd like to do or sit on a beach in Hawaii. Even if you don't get your desired CHC immediately, there is always a chance you can get it later as switching occurs during the school year. Also you are able to do rotations at other sites with the school's approval. I was given my first choice (accepted in April) and from what I've read it's considered one of the more popular CHC location spots.
I'm a Phoenix native and can tell you that it's a great place to live in. It's a large city that's not rundown and is growing, nice people, decent public transportation, got all the pro sporting teams, cost of living is reasonable, great Mexican food, beaches 6 hours to the west, Mexico 4 hours to the south, skiing 2 hours to the north, and plenty of hiking all over. It is really hot for 3-4 months, but AC is key and the rest of the year is why we live here. You don't have to shovel sunshine.
You seem pretty conflicted with cost which is understandable. My biggest argument against that is that even if you go into a less lucrative field, with the proper budgeting, you'll eventually be fine. Others have done it and so can you. To me, my decision was mainly based on the vibes I got from the school, its students, and professors. I felt that this was the place that gave me the most tools, freedom, and opportunities to be successful AND help me become the doctor and individual I want to be.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your decision!
