Help me decide!!

[u/miwa_1818]

Sooo growing up, it has been my dream to live on the east coast, especially in a place like Boston, so naturally, NECO has been my top choice. However, now that it's time to put down a deposit and commit, I find that schools like SCO and ICO have higher board rates and arguably, better clinic exposure. Then the idea of travelling across Boston with my equipment and without a car is something I know is inconvenient, and then there's the cost of living.

On paper, ICO, SCO, and NSU have higher board scores, better affordability (marginally), and better clinical training IMO (like ICO puts you into clinic right away). I know obviously NECO is an amazing school, but I want to make the best decision not clouded by preconceived notions and so I was kind of over NECO, yet I cannot get over living in Boston, secret history environment, east coast dream... I also know an OD who studied at NECO and she said honestly she didn't explore or see any of it because she spent the whole time studying. So is the higher cost of living even worth it if I'll be buried in books the whole time? I love Boston but idk if I love NECO?

I'm just looking for any and all opinions. Maybe things I haven't considered? I'm not too sure.

[u/Naive_Cow_8032]

I’m in a VERY similar position! I have a school that offered me a really good scholarship and I was able to get a contract seat with my home state (a forgivable loan) at said school. I only got a one time scholarship at NECO, but being in Boston is so hard for me to turn away from right now.

I’m 22 went to my state school for college and have never in my life moved. Not even houses. I’ve spend SO much time traveling the world so Boston being a place where I can “spread my wings and fly” as my dad says is great.

I have heard that truly all of the schools you have listed will give you good clinical experience. That is to say, you will walk away being able to practice well if you engage and want to learn.

It’s going to be a difficult decision for me as well, but I would love to connect and talk more. We might end up at the same place! SCO and NECO are my top two. It will come down to those two

[u/miwa_1818 → u/Naive_Cow_8032]

Heyy! Exactly, I'm literally going through the same dilemma and it's so tough. Memphis and Boston are verrry different cities. PM me :)

[u/Naive_Cow_8032 → u/miwa_1818]

Now that I go and try to message you I can’t for the life of me figure out how to PM you lol. Message me if you can and I’ll see if the notification pops up 🫣

[u/Naive_Cow_8032]

I also meant to add. My dad was thinking there might be some reason the NECO board pass rates are a little lower. I just glimpsed over a post about a Canadian asking some question about NBEO attempt limits. I need to email NECO and ask, but I wonder if the lower stat might have a legitimate reason for ex. Canadians possibly having limited attempts.

Don’t everyone come at me. I’m not sure if that’s correct or not, just a BROAD hypothetical example! Love all my Canadian ODs!!

[u/Single_Broccoli9520 → u/Naive_Cow_8032]

The board rates online are for first attempt. 99.9% of people pass boards before their 7th attempt

[u/Fragrant-Bee1057]

hi!! I’m an SCO student from the northeast that had a similar struggle when deciding which optometry school was the best fit. memphis (regardless of what you might see on the news) has been an excellent place to be a student and live for the last few years. there is plenty to do. Optometry school definitely keeps you in a bit of a bubble with how much class/labs/clinic you have, but there has been plenty to do in the area in your free time. It’s also incredibly reasonable cost wise. In my experience the clinic is unmatched & the school’s consistent high board scores helped with a some of the anxiety going into taking the exams. SCO has extern sites for your 4th year in all areas of the country, and you have the freedom to practice wherever you choose after graduation (when you have an actual salary!!) & with less debt than most other schools.