So I have a question. How are others justifying the 90k CoA and choosing this school vs another school.
Hi all,
1st year here and I also completed a master's degree at Midwestern as well. I'm going to be real here and tell you what some first and second years told me when I was deciding between schools, if you can go to another medical school go there.
A few great things about AZCOM:
1) Faculty are exceptional. The open door policy is real here. They are very much willing to help you and they are all welcoming and approachable.
2.) Beautiful campus.
3.) Good opportunities to network w/ the other professional programs.
4.) My classmates have been amazing, wonderful, and supportive.
5.) Curriculum is not curved. This fosters a non-competitive environment and everyone helps everyone out and shares study materials.
6.) AZ has wonderful weather in general, except for the month of May - September where it is still 100+ degree temps.
Cons: This is what I was warned about by some older students and these are the reasons why this is not many people's first choice.
1.) You are on a traditional curriculum schedule. That means you will take 6-7 classes. You will have 2-3 full length 2 hour exams per week, sometimes 4 exams per week. Mental health here is not a priority. Everyone is burned out. Drained. Tired. There is not much time for a life outside of medical school. You try your best to balance, but it is definitely hard. I go for an hour workout 5-6 days per week. I have very understanding friends, family, and a wonderful, supportive significant other. You will need a strong support system.
For example, some students are not even attending their church service this morning for Easter because there is just no time. We envy those friends who attend other schools who are on a block schedule where they will have one block exam once every 2-3 weeks. Other friends at other schools know that you are a Midwestern student if you tell them our testing schedule.
Our schedule is exam heavy, no doubt. You will learn to adjust, but it does take a toll on you, no matter how on top of it you are. You will learn to study a bit of each subject every day, but will focus more on the material for the next upcoming exam.
I have yet to meet a person who is truly, honestly happy at AZCOM.
I know this post sounds like a downer, but I am trying to give everyone the most objective information. People who know me would describe me as a happy and cheerful person and I assure you that I surround myself with happy and positive people, so I hope that this information comes off in an objective manner.
The curriculum really does beat it out of you though.
2.) They recently changed the board study schedule for the second years. They originally had 3 weeks of dedicated board studying time and now they have 6 weeks. However, they have scheduled mandatory 4-6 hour workshops into that dedicated board studying schedule.
3.) The cost. If you could choose another school that is cheaper, go there.
4.) Not much patient interaction first or second year. Unless you take time out of your rigorous study and testing schedule to go volunteer.
5.) Curriculum is graded. Not pass/fail.
Medical school is what you make of it, you will be happy wherever you will be though sometimes it is easier to be happier in certain places. As a friend and fellow student said, at the end of the day, we will become physicians and we are very grateful for that, but if you have the luxury of choosing between multiple schools, there are better options.
PM me if you want any more questions answered.