DMU vs KCU-Joplin vs CUSOM

[squishymellow]

I was lucky enough to have a lot of love from DO schools this (my first and last) cycle. I am currently considering between attending DMUCOM and KCU-Joplin. I am also on the waitlist at CUSOM and ACOM. I have some hope that I will get off from the WL at CUSOM but it might be closer to matriculation than I anticipated.

I am on 1 MD waitlist, for an in-state school. The chances of me getting off aren't yet zero, but realistically they are pretty slim.

My main goals for med school:
-interested in ortho and IM but open-minded to others
-get involved in research if possible
-tentative goals are to match back to GA if I end up pursuing primary care

DMU pros:
-good match list with lots of competitive specialties
-new campus looks to be very modern and nice
-DSM area is more urban than Joplin
-supportive atmosphere based on interview day and reaching out to admin
-good amount of research opportunities on campus

DMU cons:
-tuition is on the higher end (about 10k higher per semester than KCU)
-most people matching to northeast and midwest
-dreadful winters
-graded/ranked

KCU-Joplin pros:
-p/f with internal ranking
-preferred access to rotations in Joplin for KCU students
-good match list with lots of people matching across the southeast in 2023
-estimated COA is a cheaper than DMU

KCU-Joplin cons:
-not much to do in Joplin
-based on past posts, Joplin may not be as hospitable to minorities but this is anecdotal
-research options seem more limited than DMU or CUSOM
-rigorous and tough curriculum compared to other DOs

CUSOM pros:
-closer to home and family
-the curriculum seems to be structured well and not as demanding as KCU's
-proximity to research triangle may make finding research easier
-vibed with the Raleigh area the most and I am pretty familiar with NC overall
-weather is nice

CUSOM cons:
-newer DO school and not as reputed as the OG 5 DO schools
-graded curriculum
-primary care focused match list *(caveat this is not really a con but more of a comparison from the other schools)
-some iffy faculty but that seems to be common across most programs
-clinical rotations are all in North Carolina and South Carolina

Would love some insight from any of you that went to or are currently attending these schools or are familiar with DO admissions in general. Thanks much!

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[chilly_md]

DMU since they seem to match well and had quite a few ortho matches. Campbell is worth considering if you get off the WL since they recently had someone match ortho at Duke. And it would be easy to match a good IM program in GA or surrounding states from there.