I should also add something. Yeah, I was there at 2nd look and was pretty happy with the way he answered her question about US News rankings. He made some good points, not just about how it's a biased calculation.
Coming from a top school (where I've been doing research for 8 years), I can say it's a ridiculous celebration when the hospital gets ranked #1 again and again. There is less hooplah when the med school is ranked (although I guess we came in #2 this year??-- not really paying attention), and I think I can say why. So, yeah, it's nice ot have some frame of reference to compare schools, and on the surface the US News stuff seems like a good idea. Problem comes in when you consider all the factors they rank, so you need to take it with a grain of salt. If you must look at US News, look at raw data (actual NIH $$, average MCAT, etc). This can help you figure out where their priorities are, but it's not really any better than using the MSAR to determine if your scores/grades are good enough and interview day (or website browsing) to figure out what they emphasize in the training and the facilities.
So, yeah, Harvard and Hopkins are big time into research (despite their saying "you don't have to"-- most people DO research and many here apply for competetive residencies that really require research to make the cut). And if you want training in the unusual, they are good places to go. One faculty member here said it best-- he thinks they don't emphasize enough of the normal day-to-day things you will see as a doc, as they spend a lot of time on Zebras. He was the same guy who gushed about PSU's curriculum.
PSU has a reputation for excellent clinical training, and nobody has a bad word about pre-clinical years. If you're worried about it being a "good enough" school if you're going for a tough residency (like I am), just look at their match list. It is really telling of who they attract and how good they are. It's a very diverse list, but even IM/FP residency spots are often at really good places... plus they match in some of the toughest specialties, too. So it's obvious that getting an MD from PSU will close no doors for you. It's really up to YOU to get good grades, good boards, good experiences. I think one of the best things about them is that they encourage everyone to make their own path (they're very open to your away rotations, you can start any kind of student organization under the sun, etc).
Dean Davis really hit it on the nose-- you need to visit PSU, talk to students, do your research on the programs there, etc-- then decide how it fits YOUR goals. But above all else, know that it is a good school with a good reputation for producing very well-trained physicians... you make your own future.
Me, personally, I like the lifestyle up there. I like that it's low cost of living and not a super-hectic lifestyle. More ability to concentrate on school, and enjoy some down-time with my husband. Yeah, there is also plenty to do within the range of a day-trip, too. Quality of life is so very important, so keep that in mind when choosing (or eliminating) a school. And that means quality based on what you, the individual, want.
PS: Class hours, although they had been a little cryptic about them, are not so bad. Looks like most days don't start too horribly early and most days end by 3 or 4 PM... some earlier. This includes PPS. So, no, not as good as some schools where you're out by noon... but MUCH better than your 8-5 schools. Plenty of time in the 1st year to ease into med school and still have a life.
