can you tellme about the program?
I'll take this is if you don't mind, since I don't think anyone else has.
The students all seemed very happy. The first years I talked to agreed that they have more free time now than they did during undergrad. Keep in mind they aren't doing research, but they are participating in clubs and working in a clinic at least 4 hours per week.
I get the impression there are lots of athletic people in the class. The students students definitely have work/fun balance down. It's pass/fail the first two years, and people send out outlines and study guides to the class constantly.
The school is most notable for matching into surgery. I was told that at a particular ortho residency (I think), they bring in 4 residents a year and last year 3 were Columbia grads. One cool thing they have going is a magic pager which goes off when a transplant surgeon is headed out to harvest the organs and bring them back for a transplant. Apparently, no other schools have anything like this for first years.
So great people, great program. Bard Hall, where most first years will live, along with all other health students (including nurses, dentists, etc.) is old and has communal bathrooms and showers, but the rent is very reasonable. The neighborhood is probably middle-lower class, and mostly(?) Dominican. It may not look great, but apparently it's safe and there is plenty of awesome Dominican food around.
The staff all seems really friendly and great, and in that way mirrors the student body. During the interview day they post a list of schools people are interviewing from, so lots of students drop by to see who's from their alma mater, and others come in just to say hi and to grab some free coffee.
I hope this is helpful. I know being there cleared up a lot of things for me, and made me very excited for the school. Ask questions if you have 'em.
EDIT: I've been told Yale also has a similar magic pager.
You're probably right. I know I'm that way on interview day.
