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Choosing between two acceptance offers: How to chose the right fit?


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Hey all, im conflicted on two acceptances that i have received and its an honor to be in a position to choose between two acceptances. 

 

The question i had for you all is how to differentiate in choosing schools? is hospital affiliations critical in making a choice? is employment after graduation a determining factor?

 

School 1: class size of 40-45, with 100% pance rate for the past three years, hospital affiliations with top names hospitals: Touro College of Manhattan

 

School 2: class size of 65, with pance rate of 90% in 2014, 86% in 2015, 84% in 2016. Mercy College

 

What are your thoughts and has anyone been in this positions and can further shine light on this matter, thank you

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Based on the very minimal information you've given, go with the first option.  Not due to any affiliations or whatnot (not much of a factor in my opinion) but because the alternative is showing a DECLINING PANCE pass rate that is dropping well below the national average.  That's cause for concern, I would say.

 

'Fit' on the other hand is a completely separate factor that can't be quantified in PANCE rates, tuition, etc.  That's a gut feeling and only you can decide that.

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Based on the very minimal information you've given, go with the first option.  Not due to any affiliations or whatnot (not much of a factor in my opinion) but because the alternative is showing a DECLINING PANCE pass rate that is dropping well below the national average.  That's cause for concern, I would say.

 

'Fit' on the other hand is a completely separate factor that can't be quantified in PANCE rates, tuition, etc.  That's a gut feeling and only you can decide that.

Appreciate your response, what type of information can i provide that would add clarification to the matter, the declining pass rate is something that has come to mind, but what helps make a good decision in terms of factor? 

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I second MT2PA. Declining PANCE pass rate is a huge red flag.

 

If you actually need more things to consider than the possibility of being one of TEN students who won't pass in order to help you decide:

-school/program vision? Does this coincide with yours?

-established, quality rotation sites?

-unique courses that may enhance your experience, e.g., cadaver lab, Spanish course, etc.?

-cost?

-employment rate/employment assistance?

-attrition rate?

-location close to where you want to practice post-grad?

 

And the list goes on. These are some of the first things that come to mind.

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I second MT2PA. Declining PANCE pass rate is a huge red flag.

 

If you actually need more things to consider than the possibility of being one of TEN students who won't pass in order to help you decide:

-school/program vision? Does this coincide with yours?

-established, quality rotation sites?

-unique courses that may enhance your experience, e.g., cadaver lab, Spanish course, etc.?

-cost?

-employment rate/employment assistance?

-attrition rate?

-location close to where you want to practice post-grad?

 

And the list goes on. These are some of the first things that come to mind.

I appreciate your response, i want to phrase the question in asking about the decline of their pance rate, how can i formulate this question to admissions without stepping on their toes or offending them? Any advice? 

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I would just ask them out right why they have a declining pass rate.

Cost is by far the biggest factor. Not just tuition but cost of living as well. Every dollar you borrow is paid back plus interest.

Rotations are important. How much travel is required or can you stay local. It can be expensive to move frequently during clinical year.

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

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I would just ask them out right why they have a declining pass rate.

Cost is by far the biggest factor. Not just tuition but cost of living as well. Every dollar you borrow is paid back plus interest.

Rotations are important. How much travel is required or can you stay local. It can be expensive to move frequently during clinical year.

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

Thank you for your help, i went ahead and sent the email regarding the decline in PANCE scores and framed the question in asking about changes in faculty or curriculum? lets see what they have to say

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Just wandering in to add that PANCE rates aren't the whole enchilada.  If everything else is great - cost, etc - I would still consider it.  

 

Local CC down the road from us had their rates fall into the low 80s.  I would have killed to go there.  Why?  Because they changed their last clinical rotation to a full-time PANCE review, and the school paid for a big-name PANCE review course (I forget which one) for everyone the week before graduation.  I rotated with their students and they were like, if you don't pass with all of this then you are just plain stupid.

 

They were also paying a third of what I was...(you had to add back in about $16k for the masters' at the U down the road, but still less than half).

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Thank you so much for all your wonderful responses!

 

Im still deciding, im in love with Touros clinical affiliations and PANCE test however still seeking information on Mercy College affiliations to make a determining decision?

 

Are clinical rotations a determinant when it comes to school of choice? and length of rotations? 

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Thank you so much for all your wonderful responses!

 

Im still deciding, im in love with Touros clinical affiliations and PANCE test however still seeking information on Mercy College affiliations to make a determining decision?

 

Are clinical rotations a determinant when it comes to school of choice? and length of rotations?

 

I'm in the same boat, different schools, similar problem. I think PANCE rate is important because it is declining. One of my choices has a five year first time taker average PANCE rate below the national average, however, each year it is going up. Definitely find out why Mercy has declined.

 

I think quality of clinical rotations are paramount. This is where you will put to practice all you learn. Ability to have elective rotations is important to me as well as not bouncing around the entire state. Figure out what is important to you.

 

I am visiting one of the schools again to try to get a " feel" for what program might be a better fit. Each has pros and cons. I am going to go with whichever environment feels more supportive of their students.

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