So I had a question for all those who are accepted LECOM B, but waitlisted elsewhere...what are you doing for housing?? Because you don't want to sign a lease if you aren't actually moving to bradenton... Are you buying the books from the booklist that annette sent us?
Tough to say. How much is it worth to you to go somewhere else? If you'd be happier there, then it might be worth the expense even with the lease and that sort of thing. As time winds down, your chances at other schools dwindle... if you can get some sense of where you are on your lists and how much movement there has been, that might help you make your decision.
As far as books, if you're in limbo, I would just get the anatomy textbook. You won't need the PBL textbooks until the 2nd week of class for your first PBL session, and even then you can get away without them, especially if you're willing to spend some time in the library until you know about your other schools.
That said, I agree with Digitl. LECOM isn't perfect, but no school is. On the whole, my first year was a good experience, and I don't think I'd have been happier anywhere else. YMMV.
How far away from school do you think would be too far?
That's up to you. I know people who live in Sarasota, and at least one classmate lives up in St. Pete, which is at least 1/2 hour across the bridge. While anatomy is going, you'll probably feel pretty busy, but after that, you have PBL 3 days a week, OMM lab on Thursday, and various other labs, standardized patients, and clinical exam lectures sprinkled here and there, with a Tuesday off now and then.
Most students live in Bradenton or close to it. I live at Springs, and it's an ok place. There are other med and pharm students here. It depends on what you're looking for. I pay a little more than my friends at Carlton Arms, and live in a newer building with a lot more space. Colonial Grand is pretty full of LECOMers, but it's also one of the more expensive places to live, and IMHO it's not so much better than my place that it's worth the money.
I know a few classmates who have found houses to rent for 2nd year... some set this up after 1st semester. So if you were unsure, you could always see how much notice you need to give to avoid a penalty on your lease, and shop around once you settle in here if you don't like your place.
But again, during anatomy, you're going to be at school for quite a few full days. Closer is probably better during that time, but 1/2 hour doesn't strike me as a terrible commute, given that mine is 10-15 minutes.
PM me if you have any specific questions about Springs.
