I was fortunate to receive acceptances from these two schools and I am taking a military scholarship so with tuition covered, I'm not 100% sure with what school I should commit to. They seem similar and I've never lived in a rural setting before so I was wondering if I could get any advice or opinions, thanks in advance!
CUSOM:
Pros:
1. The way they've structured their curriculum appeals to me more (front loaded with science fundamentals before getting into organ systems)
2. Access to the research triangle and prospective research opportunities
3. Lots of student support, emphasis on academic performance
4. Match rate history
5. Weather is nice, location
Cons:
1. Numeric grading rather than P/F
2. Clinical rotations are all in NC and I've read that matching to rotation preferences is not merit based
3. Not many resources given regarding STEP/COMLEX preparation
KCU-COM (Joplin):
Pros:
1. P/F grading system
2. Clinical rotation matching is merit based due to internal ranking and there are options all over the country
3. Dual degree options
4. School has been established for longer, better reputation
Cons:
1. Not as much research availability in comparison
2. Curriculum is notorious for being very difficult among general medical school curriculums
3. Location and weather
CUSOM:
Pros:
1. The way they've structured their curriculum appeals to me more (front loaded with science fundamentals before getting into organ systems)
2. Access to the research triangle and prospective research opportunities
3. Lots of student support, emphasis on academic performance
4. Match rate history
5. Weather is nice, location
Cons:
1. Numeric grading rather than P/F
2. Clinical rotations are all in NC and I've read that matching to rotation preferences is not merit based
3. Not many resources given regarding STEP/COMLEX preparation
KCU-COM (Joplin):
Pros:
1. P/F grading system
2. Clinical rotation matching is merit based due to internal ranking and there are options all over the country
3. Dual degree options
4. School has been established for longer, better reputation
Cons:
1. Not as much research availability in comparison
2. Curriculum is notorious for being very difficult among general medical school curriculums
3. Location and weather
