Jefferson v. Drexel v. Temple

I've had a run of good luck with the Philly schools. I've been accepted to Jefferson, Drexel, and Temple. (If I could add Penn to that list there would be no decision to be made!!!)

I liked all three when I interviewed, although I liked Jefferson and Drexel more than Temple. I'm from the Midwest so I know only what I've read about these schools supplemented by my brief exposure to each while interviewing. From my impressions while interviewing, my own research on these schools, and reading old SDN threads, I am leaning toward Jefferson. Plus, everyone I have spoken with seems to think that picking Jefferson over Drexel or Temple is a no-brainer.

I don't have a problem eliminating Temple - I liked it the least while interviewing and that neighborhood was downright scary. 😱 But should I be so quick to pass on Drexel? Is Jefferson's reputation that much better than Drexel's, as everyone seems to be telling me? I really did like Drexel so I don't want to be too quick to cast them aside.

Any thoughts from those who know these schools well would be appreciated! 🙂

Jefferson is by far the best of the three. By far.

I have interviewed at both Jefferson and Drexel, and I would say I like Jefferson better academically. Jefferson is also located in Center City, so everything is pretty accessible. However, Drexel is easier to reach if you live in a suburb. Between the two, though, I would pick Jefferson.

thedelicatessen said:

I have interviewed at both Jefferson and Drexel, and I would say I like Jefferson better academically. Jefferson is also located in Center City, so everything is pretty accessible. However, Drexel is easier to reach if you live in a suburb. Between the two, though, I would pick Jefferson.

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Depending on what suburb you live in and how you get into the city, i.e. SEPTA vs. driving, Jefferson might be easier to get to. Should I be admitted to med school in Philadelphia I'd try, at least for MS1, to live with my folks in North Wales (that suburb of Merck) and take the R5 into the city. If I do that, Jefferson would be easier to get to since it's only ~2 blocks from the Market East station vs. the ~8 blocks (IIRC) from 30th Street to Drexel.

I am from the area and Jeff has the best reputation by far.

If you are interested in research, Jefferson is by far the worst choice out of those three.

If you are interested in clinical medicine, Jefferson is probably the best choice.

Eric Lindros said:

If you are interested in research, Jefferson is by far the worst choice out of those three.

If you are interested in clinical medicine, Jefferson is probably the best choice.

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Really? I thought I remember Jefferson having descent research facilities...

bgreet said:

Really? I thought I remember Jefferson having descent research facilities...

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"While research opportunities are available, here at Jefferson we pride ourselves on turning out excellent clinicians. If you are really into research, this school may not be for you."

-almost word for word from my interview day at Jefferson

hi, im currently a first year at jeff. I was also accepted to temple, drexel and jefferson last year. I think jefferson is an amazing school. I'm not sure what people are talking about when they say it isnt big on research. We have a class called ICM and it focuses on us learning clinical skills and educating the students about cultural groups that people may have no had a lot of exposure to. I believe this is the reason that your interview may have said that there is a focus on clinical medicine. They want to make sure that all the students will be good physicians but this does not limit the number of research opportunities. I am currently in the process of applying for summer research. We have several programs that are sponsored by the NIH and others that are sponsored through the school. People are also able to do research if they are eligible for work study (which is most everyone). If you would go to jefferson I would recommend living in the neighborhood. I live in the campus housing so i only have to walk across the street for class. its a lot easier than having to take the subway or a bus every morning. There are people who do this, but most of them only do it because they live with their parents for free. Hope this helps and feel free to ask me other questions that you can think of.