Michigan State University of Osteopathic Information- MSU-COM
Location: Michigan State (East Lansing, Detroit and University Campuses)
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (2018):
GPA: 3.5-3.7
MCAT: 505-507
Pre-requisite classes:
Biology - 8 semester credits
Chemistry- 16 semester credits total (3 must be biochemistry)
English- 6 Semester credits
Class year start and end dates:
June - May of following year
Are classes mandatory?:
Not all classes are mandatory to attend due to option of streaming the lectures from
home. However, certain sessions, case discussions, and lectures may have attendance
points.
Dress Code:
No strict dress code in effect – but expected to be dressed appropriately
Research Opportunities:
Plentiful
Textbooks/Software Needed:
Textbooks are found online and all exams are on a laptop- working laptop/iPad are sufficient
Study Tips:
1st Year: try different methods instead of sticking to one. Understand that study methods that have worked in the past might not work again
3rd year clerkship sites:
MSU has 40+ hospital affiliations , students pick their top 3
Board study material provided by the institution:
Kaplan
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition – 67,371
Books – 1616
Housing – 900/month
Scholarships for Canadians:
$20,000/year
Where to live and not to live:
Detroit Specific-
Avoid living in areas aside from Midtown or Downtown
Apartments – The Union at Midtown, Studio One, The Alexandrine, Lafayette Towers,
Garfield Lots (these are located in Midtown/Downtown area)
Food options:
There are many local places – you can never go wrong with food here
Additional Perks:
The staff and students really make the school an enjoyable experience! There are many
clubs and different associations to help relieve stress and socialize with fellow peers. In
fact, some of these clubs give you the opportunity to gain clinical experience, such as
Detroit Street Care. Overall, the school does a great job in creating a positive
environment for the students, and advocates well for us!
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences- KCUMB
Location: Missouri (Kansas City & Joplin Campuses)
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
GPA: 3.58
sGPA: 3.53
MCAT: 505
Pre-requisite classes:
Physics- 1.0 credit with lab = US credit 8.0
Biology- 2.0 credit = US credit 12.0
Biochem- 0.5 credit = US credit 3.0
English- 1.0 credit = US credit 6.0
Chem- 2.0 credit (most with lab/ any chemistry not limited to Gen or Orgo) US credit 13.0
Class year start and end dates:
July - May of following year
Are classes mandatory?:
No, but labs and unless specified required courses are mandatory.
Most are recorded
Dress Code:
No strict dress code in effect – certain labs may have requirements
Research Opportunities:
Minor but yes. Also has the option of doing research elsewhere if possible to get PI
Joplin Campus-
Currently, some of our faculty are setting up a partnership with Missouri Southern State
University to conduct research with human participants. Some physicians at nearby hospitals,
Freeman and Mercy, may have projects medical students can help with. If an individual is
particularly interested in research, they are advised to speak with faculty.
Textbooks/Software Needed:
iPad provided by school- all exams are on it
Textbooks- most can be found online/upper year students
1st Year- Costanzo- Physiology, Human Gross Anatomy - Olinger, USMLE First Aid
Study Tips:
Each student has their own learning style but here are some tips.
Tutoring Sessions: Attend these when possible, in-class tutors and in-lab tutors are able to effectively summarize information and relay that to their students. They often tell us how structures in lab will be tagged during the practical and often tell us of questions they had on their tests the year prior.
Anatomy Lab: Do not be passive in anatomy lab. If you are dissecting then pay attention to which structures you are working on. This will save you time later when you re-visit the anatomy lab after-hours to study for the practical. If you are not dissecting then review the atlas and identify the structures that are uncovered.
Recored Lectures: Attend lectures if thats how you learn best or you may watch the lecture at your own pace and can save time.
Learning specialist: Make an appointment with one and they will direct you to resources that they have that will help guide studying.
2nd Year: incorporate board study material, use ANKI, pathoma, sketchy
3rd year clerkship sites:
Multiple locations (Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Florida, California, Ohio)
Board study material provided by the institution:
Combank
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition – $47,256
Books – $1500 (Many upper year students have downloadable files, talk to them!)
Housing – Vary $600-1200/month
Scholarships for Canadians:
Not specific to Canadians, some are available based on incoming grades
Where to live and not to live:
KC Campus-
CT (close to campus), Westport, Downtown Area
Joplin Campus-
Plaza Apartments, Terrace Green Apartments, Copper Point, lots of houses to rent close to the school (contact Pro 100)
Food options:
KC Campus-
School cafeteria and cafe
Many places to eat in Westport, Power and Light District, Overland Park
Joplin Campus-
School cafeteria
The Bruncheonette, Club 1201, Infuxon, Old Chicago, Fuzzy Tacos, Instant Karma, Magic Noodle, Pho Saigon, and Sakura Sushi
Additional Perks:
KC Campus-
People are friendly and less of gunner atmosphere
Known to prepare you for the boards (high board pass rates)
100% residency match rate
Lively downtown w/ lots to do
Low cost of living
Joplin Campus-
-Beautiful, new campus located in a single building (perfect for cold days!)
-Administration that is responsive to student feedback and concerns, which can be submitted anonymously
-Incredible faculty who really get to know students and have an open-door policy for questions
-Located near two large hospitals, Freeman and Mercy (Level II trauma designation)
-Tight-knit camaraderie amongst medical students
-Low cost of living
Touro College School of Osteopathic Medicine- TouroCOM
Location: New York (Middleton & Harlem Campuses)
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
N/A
Pre-requisite classes:
GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in the following:
i. Biology: At least 8 semester hours, including 2 hours of lab work. 4 hours of Botany may count toward your total.
ii. General Chemistry: At least 8 semester hours, including 2 hours of lab work.
iii. Organic Chemistry: At least 8 semester hours, including 2 hours of lab work. 4 hours of Biochemistry may count toward your total.
iv. Physics: At least 8 semester hours, including 2 hours of lab work.
v. English Composition: At least 6 semester hours.
vi. Mathematics: At least 3 semester hours. Mathematics includes Calculus or Statistics.
vii. Behavioral Sciences: At least 6 semester hours. Behavioral Sciences include psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
Class year start and end dates:
Orientation Week – July 23 – 27
Fall Semester – July 30 – December 15
Spring Semester – January 8 – May 31
Are classes mandatory?:
Yes- TouroCOM has Flipped-Classroom approach. All the lectures are prerecorded by the professors and posted online for download. Students have to watch the lectures prior to each class and attend the iclicker sessions which usually worth 10% of the overall grade for the course.
Dress Code:
Based on the TouroCOM Code of Conduct:
(1) Students must maintain a neat and clean appearance befitting students attending a professional school. Therefore, attire should convey a professional appearance whenever the student is on College grounds, serving on a clinical rotation, or attending a college-related program.
(2) On campus, the mode of dress is determined by each student's professional judgment, unless a department has a dress code for particular activities. Clothing having caricatures, messages, or symbols that can be construed based on societal norms to be vulgar or offensive or to contribute to creating a hostile learning environment is considered to be unacceptable attire and demonstrates inappropriate professional judgment that is subject to review and action by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Research Opportunities:
Yes- ask any faculty member or upper year student
Textbooks/Software Needed:
All software provided by the institution
All the books are available online through the library’s website and also upper classmates are very open to sharing their resources. So, students wouldn’t really need to purchase any books unless they prefer the paper version.
Study Tips:
-
First, Second year: watch the videos and go to class, ANKI, Firecracker Flashcards
-
Second year: First Aid, UWorld, COMBANK, Sketchy, Pathoma ideally
-
Clerkship: OnlineMedEd, UWorld, COMBANK
3rd year clerkship sites:
Multiple sites in NY including Syracuse, Middletown, Nyack, Putnam, Newburgh; other sites are located in NJ, CT, and Long island
Board study material provided by the institution:
Combank, Sketchy
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition: 55,000-60,000USD
Books: 30-300USD
Housing: 600-2000USD/month
Scholarships for Canadians:
Not specific to Canadians, Only for academic excellence or community outreach to two students per year
Where to live and not to live:
Middleton-
-
Recommend living on campus for first year to get used to medical school life
-
Should live off campus in second year; there are several areas where students reside; can get that information from upper years at school
-
Some popular sites include Eagle Point, Regency Apartments, and Sterling Park
Harlem-
Many students live in Harlem, within walking distance to campus which can be more affordable especially if you find roommates. Some students also live in the upper west side which is a great neighborhood and convenient for commuting to campus if you live on either of 2, 3, A, B, C, D subway lines. However, it would be pricier than living in Harlem.
Food options:
Middleton-
Many sushi places, pizza places, restaurants named Cosimo’s, Saffron, Pizza E Birra, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Steakhouse, and diners like American Diner are popular
Harlem-
There are many places to eat nearby campus including Chipotle, Red Rooster, Whole Food Market, etc. Below is also the link to some of the places that are recommended by school:
http://tourocom.touro.edu/student-life/harlem/where-to-eat/
Additional Perks:
-
Mentor-mentee programs with upper years
-
Faculty advisors to help out academically
-
Plenty of extracurricular opportunities including student government, clubs, research, etc.
-
Best perk is the community at Touro, which makes you feel like at home and not get bogged down by stresses of medical school
-
Excellent board prep
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Living in NY!
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Midwestern University- CCOM
Location: Illinois
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
Minimum GPA and sGPA over 3.0
MCAT: 507
Pre-requisite classes:
Biology W/ Lab: 8 semester hours
General Chemistry W/ Lab: 8 semester hours
Organic Chemistry W/ Lab: 8 semester hours
Physics W/ Lab: 8 semester hours
English Composition: 5 semester hours
An international student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post-secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, 6 hours in non-remedial English composition, and 3 hours in speech/public speaking.
Class year start and end dates:
August- May of following year
Are classes mandatory?:
Workshops and certain lectures are
Dress Code:
Scrubs are required for certain workshops, otherwise no dress code.
Research Opportunities:
Yes – the most popular opportunity students take advantage of is the Kenneth Suarez Research Fellowship. If selected, you conduct research during the summer between 1st and 2nd year.
Textbooks/Software Needed:
Laptop and/or iPad to take notes on PDFs
Study Tips:
World, Pathoma, First Aid, Sketchy Medical
3rd year clerkship sites:
All across Chicago and surrounding suburbs
Board study material provided by the institution:
Discounts to World, DIT, and other question banks
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition – $70,697
Books – $100 (Many upper year students have downloadable files, talk to them!)
Housing – $800-1500/month
Scholarships for Canadians:
A few scholarships for international students are offered. There is also an OMM teaching and research fellowship that requires the student complete a 5th year of medical school. However, that scholarship provides tuition relief for 3rd, 4th and 5th year.
Where to live and not to live:
Avoid on-campus housing – live in any of the surrounding neighborhoods (the university is in a very safe area).
Food options:
Unlimited options in Chicago!
Additional Perks:
One of the oldest schools in Chicagoland area – very well recognized in most major hospitals of Chicago.
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine- LUCOM
Location: Virginia
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
Minimum GPA and sGPA over 3.4+
MCAT: 500+
Pre-requisite classes:
Biochemistry or Cellular Biology: one semester (3-5 semester hours/6-8 quarter hours). Two semesters of biochemistry or completion of both courses are highly recommended.
Biological Sciences: one year with laboratory (8-10 semester hours/12-15 quarter hours)
English: two courses (6-10 semester hours/8-15 quarter hours)
Inorganic Chemistry: one year with laboratory (8-10 semester hours/12-15 quarter hours)
Organic Chemistry: one year with laboratory (8-10 semester hours/12-15 quarter hours)
Physics: one semester with laboratory (4-5 semester hours/ 6-10 quarter hours), second semester is recommended
Four (4) additional science hours are required (Faculty recommend courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, or Genetics to enhance the student’s success in medical school).
Class year start and end dates:
July- May of following year
Are classes mandatory?:
Some
Dress Code:
Yes- business casual
Research Opportunities:
Yes
Textbooks/Software Needed:
None
Study Tips:
Don't fall behind, find a strategy that works best for you
3rd year clerkship sites:
Virginia, Illinois and Texas
Board study material provided by the institution:
Choice of Kaplan, DIT or Becker
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition – $47,000
Books – $400-1000
Housing – $300-800/month
Scholarships for Canadians:
N/A
Where to live and not to live:
Look at the Liberty University's Apartment Page
Oasis Apartments- close to the medical school
Food options:
Many!
Check out RA Bistro downtown
Additional Perks:
- many famous people come to speak at the institution
- many free activities for students (horseback riding, water activities etc)
- low stress environment, friendly staff and students
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine- MUCOM
Location: Indiana
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
GPA:3.66
sGPA:3.59
MCAT:504
Pre-requisite classes:
Science Courses
8 semester hours in biology, 3 semester hours in biochemistry, 8 semester hours in inorganic chemistry, 8 semester hours in organic chemistry, and 8 semester hours in physics
Non-science Courses
6 semester hours in English, 3 semester hours in psychology, and 3 semester hours in sociology
Class year start and end dates:
August-May of the following year
Are classes mandatory?:
No-but attendance is required for some learning activities. Lectures are recorded
Dress Code:
No dress code
Research Opportunities:
Yes. There are opportunities to do research with faculty in the summer and you have the option to apply for the Eli Lilly Summer Research Internship.
Textbooks/Software Needed:
The school library provides digital access for most textbooks. No additional software is needed but Anki is helpful.
Study Tips:
For first year, use lecture material to prepare for exams. First Aid is helpful in organizing the information that you need to know.
3rd year clerkship sites:
All over Indiana
Board study material provided by the institution:
The school library provides digital access to First Aid, Board Review Series, BoardVitals, and USMLE Easy.
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition: $49,880
Books/Supplies: $1,600
Housing: $15,100
Scholarships for Canadians:
No
Where to live and not to live:
Graduate housing apartments at the Overlook at Riverdale
Pangea Riverside
Houses in the area surrounding the school
Food options:
City Barbeque
Dawson’s on Main
The Eagle
Al Rayan
Magoo’s California Pizza
For places to eat on campus, there is a Dining Hall as well as a Papa John’s, Subway, Grille Works, and Starbucks.
Additional Perks:
- Supportive administration and faculty who are always there to support your learning
- There is a huge focus on student health and wellness at MU-COM. The Wellness League is very active and regularly hosts events and activities for students to de-stress
- Tutoring, learning specialists, and counselling services are available
- There are many opportunities to get involved with clubs and organizations because the school is relatively new
Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine-LMUCOM
Location: Tennessee
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
GPA:3.41
MCAT:501
Pre-requisite classes:
Biology: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
Inorganic: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
Organic: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab) Biochemistry may be substituted
Physics: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
English: Minimum of 6 semester hours
MCAT (can be no more than 3 years old)
LMU-DCOM will accept a combination of 16 hours of inorganic, organic and biochemistry. If you attend a Canadian university, LMU-DCOM will accept 6 semester hours of the above science prerequisites when labs are included.
Final grades for all prerequisite courses must be verified before registration
Class year start and end dates:
August-May of the following year
Are classes mandatory?:
Classes are typically not mandatory. They are recorded and uploaded to the students’ account on Mediasite. Some lectures and guest lectures will be mandatory depending on the course and the professors. All labs are mandatory. Refer to the school schedule to determine which lectures are mandatory.
Dress Code:
Classes do not have a dress code. Dress nicely and appropriately is all that is asked. Lab practicum will require either shorts and a t-shirt or school provided OMM shirt. Scrubs are necessary in the anatomy and SIM labs. Guest lectures, standard patient care encounters, and important events require business casual and white coat.
Research Opportunities:
Research is not a part of the school curriculum. However, there are students at LMU-DCOM who do research on their own time. Students who are interested in doing research are encouraged to reach out to the professors about their ideas, and perhaps present their research at various conferences.
Textbooks/Software Needed:
LMU-DCOM provides a list of recommended textbooks the professors will reference in each course. It is up to the student’s discretion whether to purchase the textbooks or an earlier edition. Some courses will require access to textbooks such as an anatomy lab manual and anatomy atlas. Most textbooks are available for online access through the school’s library website.
Study Tips:
- make a routine and keep a balanced lifestyle (take breaks, exercise and relax)
-do not fall behind and review consistently
- if you are struggling, get help from student run tutoring groups
- outside resources such as (banks, board prep materials)
- make use of mental health resources when needed
3rd year clerkship sites:
For the Class of 2021, there are 23 core rotation sites. There are 10 sites in Tennessee, 5 in Kentucky, two in Virginia, two in Florida, one in West Virginia, one in Mississippi, one in Ohio, and one in Texas.
Board study material provided by the institution:
COMBANK is the board study resource provided by the school for the first and second year. OnlineMedEd is provided for the OMS-III.
Any other board prep material is bought by the students
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
TuTuition (subject to yearly change) $49,650.00
Student Activities Fee $150.00
Vehicle Registration Fee $30.00
Technology Fee $50.00
Scholarships for Canadians:
No
Where to live and not to live:
LMU-DCOM has both an on-campus and off-campus housing dormitories.
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Dawson Hall – one bedroom or two bedroom apartments.
Langley/Shelton/Mitchell/Pope Hall - One bedroom and bath (Three one bedroom units share a common living area.)
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University Inn – one bedroom or two bedroom apartments.
Lee and Mars Hall - One bedroom and bath (Three one bedroom units share a common living area.)
Most students find their own rental housing in Middlesboro KY, Cumberland Gap TN, Harrogate TN, or Tazwell TN. Prices and utilities varies depending on your lease. View below for various rental agency or visit https://www.dcomdo.com/ for rental listings.
Example Rental agencies:
Heartland Real Estate
Ball Realty
Railsplitter Rentals LLC
T&K Rentals
Food options:
Frosty Mug Drive In
Gondolier Pizza
Gap Creek Coffeehouse
Haymaker Farms Restaurant
The Pineapple Tea Room
Shades Café & Steakhouse
Angelo’s in the Gap
La Esperanza
Cracker Barrel
Sagebrush Steakhouse
Heavys BBQ
Kings buffet
Yesteryear Country Market
Additional Perks:
There are many hiking trails for all levels ranging from 1 mile trails to 10 mile hikes. There are many opportunities for the student to get involve in the community as most community events are student run ( ex. Cumberland Gap Volunteer Fire Department; Heart to Heart, Mobile Food Pantry, Community Wellness Programs, Servolution, and others). There are medical mission trips during spring break or summer break at Honduras and/or Nicaragua
Western University of Health Sciences
Location: California
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
GPA:3.69
sGPA:3.63
MCAT:506
Pre-requisite classes:
6 Semester Units: English & Behavioural Sciences
8 Semester Units: Biology, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physics (all w/ lab)
Not required but recommended: biochemistry, genetics, physiology
Class year start and end dates:
August-June
Are classes mandatory?:
No
Dress Code:
No
Research Opportunities:
Yes
Textbooks/Software Needed:
None
Study Tips:
For first & second year: class powerpoint & lectures
3rd year clerkship sites:
Southern California
Board study material provided by the institution:
Kaplan
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition: $57,614
Books/Supplies: $0
Housing: $700/Month
Scholarships for Canadians:
No
Where to live and not to live:
Live:
Claremont
Ontario
La Verne
Chino
Chino Hills
Food options:
Sushi Martini in Rancho
Additional Perks:
You are in Cali!
Midwestern University- Arizona
Location: Arizona
Average Incoming GPA, sGPA and MCAT (Class of 2022):
GPA:3.60
sGPA:3.50
MCAT:507/29
Pre-requisite classes:
Biology w/ Lab
Chemistry w/ Lab
Organic Chemistry w/ lab
Physics
English
Class year start and end dates:
August-April
Are classes mandatory?:
Some are not all
Dress Code:
No
Research Opportunities:
Yes
Textbooks/Software Needed:
Apps: Notability, Epocrates, MDCalc, Anki
Books: First Aid, Pathoma, Sketchy
Study Tips:
For first & second year: do well on COMLEX Level 1 and USMLE Step 1
Clinical years: Work hard, aim to get great reference letters from attending and preceptors
3rd year clerkship sites:
Multiple locations: Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago
Board study material provided by the institution:
COMBANK + COMSAE
COMLEX Level 1 is paid for
Cost of tuition, books and housing:
Tuition: $67,000
Books/Supplies: $250
Housing: $750-1000/Month
Scholarships for Canadians:
Limited but yes some
Where to live and not to live:
Live: on campus!
Food options:
Many places!
Additional Perks:
- beautiful city, campus, hospital rotation sites
- great residency match!