ATSU SOMA vs. NYITCOM JB

I was fortunate enough to receive an acceptance to both ATSU in Arizona and NYIT in Arkansas but am having trouble deciding which school to attend. I was drawn to both schools for their commitment to service initially. During my interviews, I vibed really well with my interviewers and students during the Q and A sessions.

ATSU has a unique curriculum where students spend a year at the Arizona campus and years 2-4 at a community health center in an underserved area throughout the US, allowing students to start their rotations and clinical experience earlier than other programs. Attending ATSU would allow me to spend years 2-4 back in my home state (I live in the Midwest) which is a plus for me because I’d get to be close to family. However they just switched from a lecture based to a newer PBL curriculum last year and there have been some complaints from the current OMS-1’s about it. This also means that there are no longer any lectures. I understand that with any curriculum change there’s bound to be kinks that need to be ironed out.

As for NYITCOM in Arkansas, I absolutely loved all the different initiatives the school had so that students are able to work with underserved communities. I’d be spending all 4 years in Jonesboro which is an 8 hour drive from where I live. They also have a lecture based curriculum however this particular campus has not been around for as long as ATSU’s AZ campus.

If anyone can provide their insight/opinions regarding these programs to help me make a decision, I’d really appreciate it! TIA!