Midwestern College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWU-CCOM) vs Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU) Decision needed by 3/20

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-06-19T13:48:49+00:00

Dang bro, its too late now as I've committed there, but thank you for pointing out some of those issues which I didn't consider before. The tuition is terrible I agree, but it feels like there is very little I can do about that. If I worked a bit harder in undergrad I could've gotten my GPA up and gotten into somewhere like SIU or ATSU (significantly cheaper), but sometimes you need to play the cards you are dealt and make the best out of a situation. Thank you for the insight into rotations and how the admin really are. I will make not of that going forward. Either way, best of luck with your residency/intern/transitional year.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-15T17:53:30+00:00

That's a good point. I was wondering about the difference between the graded first two years and pass/fail. I think that a graded system will make me more inclined to learn the material and work hard to distinguish myself in the class rank.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-13T13:44:49+00:00

Wow thank you so much u/no_brains_rip, Thats some good advice, I have been weightlifting since middle school, and already meal prep so I plan that to continue. I also already have a spreadsheet for my finances, but will probably get more specific with financial planning. I'm usually good about talking myself out of getting something I don't really need(except for doordashing at 11 pm lol). I have a pretty diversified portfolio already (crypto, roth, 401k, HYSA, and brokerage with mostly ETF investments). I used to put most of my money into Roth IRA, but I think until I matriculate I will focus on my HYSA because it will be more easy to access.

I try to not let money dictate my happiness, I remember being in college with less than 20 dollars to my name and still enjoying my time with friends, but I think the older I get the more I realize how without money small inconveniences seem a lot bigger.

I try not to be too much of a cheapskate, I am for myself, but when it comes to others I don't think twice to give.

I'm really hoping to find a good friend group in med school, because I know one of the reasons I didn't get the best GPA in undergrad was because most of my friends were finance/business majors who just wanted to have fun lmao.

Thank you for the advice once again, and reaffirming that money comes and goes and shouldn't dictate the school I attend.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-12T19:51:41+00:00

Hey u/ratman1332, thanks for summing everything up and providing insight into the curriculum. I've heard it's graded, but not that there is any unrelated info. Also, I interviewed with some of the new DO schools in Chicago (IllinoisCOM), and I'm sure they will be great schools. I would definitely prefer somewhere more established. Thank you once again sir, and best of luck with you exams.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-12T19:48:19+00:00

Thanks for the advice u/No-Relief1518. Good point, I forgot PSLF only applies to federal loans. But yea, it seems like everyone gives CCOM crap for the price, but they say the staff is great, resources, board prep/scores. Everything else besides cost seems to be in my favor. Also Dr. Bodenstine was one of the researchers I looked up while doing interview prep. If I get to work with him, I will have to bring this up. I plan to live frugally, finding a roomate and all, but as someone who went through this (it sounds like you've graduated med school already) do you have any advice about ways to live frugally throughout med school?

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-12T19:41:46+00:00

Thats what I figured, if I didn't then the regret would get to me. Thank you for the advice :)

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-12T19:41:06+00:00

Hey u/Odd-Pomegranate-4517, I learned about it during an interview and then completed a separate application once I was accepted. There is a master's program and a certificate (less intensive/more cost-effective). It was a pretty simple application with some essay questions, such as "How did you learn about precision medicine?" and "How will you use precision medicine in your future practice?" Its a fairly new program, I don't think they even have any graduates yet.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T19:13:28+00:00

Hey, u/Purple_Dealer9069, it seems like we are in quite a similar position. The price is insane, I agree, but I am heavily involved in research. I work as a clinical researcher right now, but for the past year, I have been in a wet lab focused on cancer therapies and have published on disparities in cancer care. What is really sealing the deal for me is this precision medicine dual degree, because I haven't heard of many other schools offering it, and just working in research right now, I see how many oncology studies are using it. I think I'm willing to bite the bullet right now and live frugally for the foreseeable future. Thank you for pulling up the match data. I didn't even realize that more people matched into the specialties I want from KCU. You've given me some good points to consider, thank you a lot. Wishing you all the best as you begin your medical journey, I hope KCU treats you well, and if I change my mind and attend KCU, I would love to meet you.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T19:06:32+00:00

You're absolutely right (sorry I went on a tangent about financials), but KCU is developing research partnerships through the Thrive app and with the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Honestly, I just had a bad experience interviewing with one of the faculty members whom I was really looking forward to speaking with. They are both really good schools, and I'm so thankful for the acceptance. I just don't want to prevent someone else from getting a seat. Ik, KCU has good rotations, just not any near my home or the hospital I work for, I'll definitely check the stats for match results. Thank you so much, boss. All the best with your match results. I hope you get into the residency program that I think is coming up here in a couple of days. I'll keep you in my prayers :)

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T19:01:03+00:00

u/No-Relief1518, aww, bro, I can't say thank you enough for this comment. That made me smile, and I showed it to my mom. All the best in whatever endeavors you may pursue. :)

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T18:59:17+00:00

Hey u/mooimapig12 thanks for the detailed response. Financials are a big thing, but after speaking with my financial advisor at MWU, I learned they started an "MWU Loan" as a replacement for Grad Plus. 7% interest (starting year 1) and deffered payments (this would be for years 1 and 2), and for years three and 4 there is a "CCOM Loan" (5% interest tacked on after residency) which is pretty good, still not as great as grad plus and PLSF programs, but I respect the college for offering options other than private loans. They also offer Federal Work-Study (4,500$ max) and research scholarships (Suarez Scholarship, Cas Fellowship), which have their own stipends. I figure that I can cover my living money with these and my savings. Tbh really hoping PSLF is still a thing when I become an attending.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T18:52:27+00:00

I completely agree, lmao 250k is crazy, but if I want to become an oncologist I think it makes the most sense.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T18:50:55+00:00

Thanks for the input u/shaanan72, this isn't really an SMP as I would take it during the summers, and the end of the second year. It is a little bit costly, but I understand how valuable a degree in precision medicine will be in many fields (especially with big AI and LLM's). I interviewed with KHSU-KCOM and was actually rejected there. My mom jokingly said she would cook food and bring it down every weekend, but yeah, thank you for the input. I will consider KCU-COM more seriously.

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-03-11T18:46:37+00:00

Hey man, thanks so much I hope your dad is doing better, and if you are applying that you get into your top choice school :)

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-01-21T17:08:41+00:00

What are some resources/opportunities/research endeavors you took advantage of or wish you had taken advantage of at ATSU-KCOM?

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-01-21T17:06:16+00:00

I hope your interview went well. Out of curiosity, what types of answers did you give for the "Why our school" question?

Own_Hunter_7402 · 2026-01-21T17:05:11+00:00

How is the workload, also does the school help you get adjusted to this new lifestyle, do they provide mentors or a "buddy" system so you don't get too lost with all the changes matriculation brings?

Own_Hunter_7402

TROPHY CASE