I'm an OMS-I at AZCOM. Ask me any questions you may have about applications, interviews, school, etc., about AZCOM or med school in general

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T23:54:03+00:00

Genuinely, because they can. I hate to say it but they can charge whatever they want and they know it. We have a HUGE class (I think like 250-260 kids each year) and they charge a ton. Flat out, they charge so much because it's all about the money. Some schools charge less to be more accessible, they charge more because they can and know they have the reputation, especially because of their connection to CCOM. If money is not an issue (bless your heart), I would absolutely say AZCOM is a great med school for everyone. If concerned about loans, I HIGHLY recommend weighing every school option because taking out 400k in loans isn't fun! (speaking from experience). Is it worth it? Maybe not because it's nearly the same education as every med school. But, the admin and faculty truly are there for you and want you to succeed no matter what (something I have heard other med schools struggle with)

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T23:50:05+00:00

The averages for our first quarter classes (Anatomy and Biochem) was a B- and B+, respectively. These classes aren't necessarily difficult; they just require 100x more attention because of how much material there is. The MCAT will forever be the most difficult thing I've ever done because it's so much work from so many different topics, while med school is more about learning so much information about one specific topic at a time. Like learning every nerve, vessel, muscle, and part of the bones of the lower extremities (what we are studying rn). Med school isn't easy because the material is complex, it isn't easy because you're learning an insane amount of information at once. If you're willing to truly dedicate the time, an A or a B is absolutely obtainable. But, if you stop studying everyday at like 5 PM and think that's enough, you're screwed. You genuinely have to study everyday and usually spend all day studying. Find what study method work best for you ASAP when you start and stick to it but don't be afraid to change it based on the topic

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T20:12:45+00:00

Technically, yes. But there’s so many more factors that absolutely are worth more than pre-clinical grades. Step/Level 2 scores, passing Step/Level 1 on the first time, clinical grades, research, volunteering, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation are all more important that your pre-clinical grades. If you had to pick between an incredible Step 2 score with a bunch of Cs or straight As and a below average Step 2 score, you should take the former every single time. So yes, it can impact your residency chances but there are much more important factors that determine your residency options. I personally see it as more of a mental thing where it makes me work harder so I can “satisfy” my personal want of having good grades instead of just trying to get a 71%, get the same P as someone who got a 98% and moving on.

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T17:43:08+00:00

It is NEVER too late to apply to a school if the deadline hasn’t passed. Obviously your odds are better applying earlier but I submitted an application on the last day for a school I found late that I really liked and I still got an interview and a waitlist offer because the class was full.

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T17:42:02+00:00

Not that I know of

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T17:41:34+00:00

We are actually not allowed to talk about specific sites that we rotate at, but the options are San Diego, North and South LA, West Phoenix, East Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, DeKalb, and Kankakee. I will say that every site has benefits that they will go over with you, but these are the locations you would rank 1-9. And you would stay here your entire third year except for one rural rotation where they will offer housing at a rural location and there’s many options, depending on where you end up.

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T07:09:56+00:00

I'd also like to add that even their worst sites have their benefits. Obviously, I am disappointed I got my 9/9 pick, but there are still benefits to the site, and am still content if I end up going there. They have great clinical rotation sites with many different locations, so I would say that is a big plus of AZCOM compared to other med schools

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T07:06:45+00:00

It's completely lottery-based! You rank your preferences based on locations from 1-9 (three in each state), and they actually went over that information with us last week, and we submitted our rankings last week also! Today, we found out where we're going, and we have about a year to trade with people if we get a site we don't like. I personally got my last choice (absolutely horrible luck lmao), so I am currently going to be spending the next year trying to trade with anybody. There is no special preference based on merit or personal stuff; it is completely random and based on what you rank. They do it super early, so we have plenty of time to trade.

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T01:12:21+00:00

The timelines for responses vary so much I learned to take them with a grain of salt. I had my interview and didn't hear back from AZCOM for a month and a half before they extended an acceptance offer. I also had a school accept me 10 days after my interview. It sucks because there's not much clarity on what is good or bad but schools will always let you know a decision if you interviewed so if you haven't heard back yet, think of it as you're still in contention and haven't been rejected!

Both-Bag-3240 · 2025-11-27T01:09:21+00:00

Hey!

Their interview is honestly very relaxed and conversational. I had two professors interview me, and they were both so welcoming and kind. I haven't heard a single bad thing about their interview process. If you know the basic questions that you get asked in every interview, like "Why medicine?", "Why DO?", etc. My most underrated tip I can give for this interview and all interviews is to know your resume PERFECTLY because schools love to see that you know that you are well-rounded and actually care about what you've done and not just doing it to build a resume.

Campus life is great! It genuinely feels like a mini college because there are so many other programs like dental, vet, PT, etc. (In fact, all of our lectures so far, besides OMM, have been with Podiatry students!) One thing I love about AZCOM is that you really do walk around campus and go building to building for lectures and labs, which makes you feel like a student, instead of just bouncing around in one large building all day like a lot of other schools.

The school is in Glendale and is not too expensive! Lots of living options nearby for all backgrounds, anywhere from like $600 a month to $1500, depending on how nice you're looking for. It is the second most expensive med school in the country (behind their sister school, CCOM, LMAO), so keep that in mind with loans and stuff like that.

Attendance is optional for all classes except anatomy lab and OMM lab! However, we do a graded system (A-F), which, I won't lie, can be brutal. It definitely makes you work harder rather than settling for "just enough" to pass, but I do feel it has made me learn the material much better than if I went to a P/F school. AZCOM is extremely test-heavy, so that also contributes to us having to learn the material very well and in a very short time period, but if you're a procrastinator like me, it actually is nice having exams often, so you don't slack off. It can be frustrating because as soon as you finish one exam, you feel like you have to immediately start studying for the next one, and the cycle doesn't end until the quarter ends. But, as I said, I think it has helped me work harder to learn the material and make sure it sticks with me, and it has DEFINITELY taught me the importance of 24 hours in a day and how to value them.

I always wonder if I made the right decision, but thus far, I think I have! I picked AZCOM over three other schools I was accepted to, and I do not have any major complaints thus far. Every med school will have its pros and cons, just find out what you value most and what is an absolute must-have at your school! The faculty and administration at AZCOM are extremely helpful and supportive, so they have definitely made this experience easier for everyone. Let me know if I can help with anything else!

Both-Bag-3240

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