BU versus Jefferson (including financial considerations)

[majahops]

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Let's assume I am equally attracted to Jefferson and Boston University in terms of atmosphere, area, weather (just assume) and student body. Let's assume I prefer the curriculum at Jefferson because I'd prefer to start with just anatomy (JEFF) versus anatomy & biochemistry simultaneously (BU), since I haven't had either yet. I recognize all of the ranking/reputation differences between the two schools as well.

Let's also assume that I have been offered nothing but high interest loans (other than the $8,500 Stafford FED Subsidized loans) by BU and have been offered $5000/yr in grants as well as $10,000/yr in very low interest institution-subsidized loans by Jefferson. According to my calculations, I'd still come out owing > $310,000 when I graduated at either school.

If you were my critical, judgemental friend who just couldn't resist giving me your opinion on which school I should choose, what would your recommendation be and why?

Thanks so much, ahead of time.

 

[van wilder]

Have you also considered that if you go to BU, you'll have time for extracurricular activities, like killing people?

J/K, J/K

Based on all the assumptions, I'd say Jefferson.

 

[RoadRunner17]

Let's assume I am equally attracted to Jefferson and Boston University in terms of atmosphere, area, weather (just assume) and student body. Let's assume I prefer the curriculum at Jefferson because I'd prefer to start with just anatomy (JEFF) versus anatomy & biochemistry simultaneously (BU), since I haven't had either yet. I recognize all of the ranking/reputation differences between the two schools as well.

Let's also assume that I have been offered nothing but high interest loans (other than the $8,500 Stafford FED Subsidized loans) by BU and have been offered $5000/yr in grants as well as $10,000/yr in very low interest institution-subsidized loans by Jefferson. According to my calculations, I'd still come out owing > $310,000 when I graduated at either school.

If you were my critical, judgemental friend who just couldn't resist giving me your opinion on which school I should choose, what would your recommendation be and why?

Thanks so much, ahead of time.

Sounds like Jefferson is cheaper, so I'd just go with that. To me, the schools aren't that much different such that I would want to justify the additional cost.

But if your girlfriend wants to be in Boston rather than Philadelphia, then that could be enough to override any monetary differences (as long as you're going to be in a ****load of debt either way).

 

[Handy388]

how does your girlfriend think? it seems like she prefers BU.

 

[BTC]

I don't know much about Jeff or the their hospitals but BMC is amazing.

I would say calculate the cost differential, see how different your monthly payments would really be, make a list and weigh out the costs/benefits, then do what I did and go ask your SO where she has decide you guys are going to go.

I would not pick a med school based on the curriculum in the first 2 months of the 1st year.

 

[BozoSparky]

I wouldn't a big deal out of the 1st year curriculum differences.

Anatomy vs. Anatomy/Biochem shouldn't be a dealbreaker...you'll work just as hard in any case.

 

[dragonfly99]

Don't pick a med school based on the 1st year curriculum...they'll basically all teach you the same things anyway and it will end up not mattering.

Look at the match lists for the schools...are they similar?

What is your general impression of the teaching and the general happiness level of the students who go there?

Does the grading system foster lots and lots of cutthroat competition?

From what I know of these two schools they are probably pretty similar...unless you have a distinct reason for going to BU (other than the 1st few months' curriculum, which IMHO shouldn't really factor in) I do not think it is worth the extra money. $20,000 less (grants) off the top, plus the cheaper loans which will save you thousands more (interest is BIGTIME important) and also I would think Philadelphia may be cheaper to live in vs. Boston?

 

[majahops]

To everyone: All excellent points. I pretty much just needed someone to tell me I'm not crazy for picking Jeff over BU.

Re: The girlfriend... She originally wanted Jeff, but then she came to grips with the idea of BU, but now I'm back to Jeff and she's certainly not upset. 🙂

Thanks so much for your input, it means a lot!

 

[droshan]

Hey I'd go with Jefferson just because I'm biased 😀. Have you withdrawn from your other acceptances and waitlists then?

 

[han14tra]

Let me start off saying that I know nothing about BU. However, you sent me a PM about Jefferson and you sounded really happy with the school and excited to go there. Even in this thread, you sound like you want Jeff.

Join our facebook group and stop thinking about it. They have more living alumni than any other school in the nation. Trust me, you'll come out a doctor and people will recognize your school.

 

[Bacchus]

majahops... wow... this is a turnaround. I would recommend Jefferson. This city is a medical mecca and the opportunities are endless. Also, depending on what you're into, Jefferson, from my research, has A LOT of opportunities for things other than school work. You won't regret it. You may even get to rotate with me (😉). Plus, now your g/f is happy, thinks you love her that much more, so its going to help out too, bro.

 

[majahops]

han14tra and Bacchus, thanks so much for the support you guys [and gals 😛]. It really means a lot to me. I'm really excited about Philly. I can't get my girlfriend off the computer now, calling me every few minutes "baby, baby, check out this apartment!" Feels good to finally have a place to go. 🙂

I'll join that facebook group 🙂

and Bacchus, re: rotating with you - I should be so lucky!

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

are you picking Jefferson over BostonU because of Philip Markoff and the bad press about the medical school? just wondering...

because you were decided on BU for like 3 months, then the negative story broke out and every premed was bashing BU on SDN, and now you're picking jefferson.

 

[blackbird11384]

are you picking Jefferson over BostonU because of Philip Markoff and the bad press about the medical school? just wondering...

because you were decided on BU for like 3 months, then the negative story broke out and every premed was bashing BU on SDN, and now you're picking jefferson.

Read above. He is picking Jefferson because he is whipped

Just kidding. I'm whipped too if it makes you feel any better. I would have picked Jefferson as well in your situation (my whole family lives in philadelphia, plus where my girlfriend was attending graduate school was a big factor in where I went).

 

[majahops]

I could certainly see the logic you're following in that assumption, but no, I'm definitely not making such a major decision based on a freak occurrence (yes, I said freak occurrence, it is 0% BU's fault... but let's not re-hash this debate, please).

1. They offered money, BU offered absolutely nada.
2. I prefer the Jeff curriculum (assuming I don't need to go to lecture)
3. My girlfriend prefers Philadelphia.

BU is awesome. I really like the school and am extremely impressed by the administration and faculty members I've come across. It is just sort of tragic that [close to] the most expensive school doesn't have a gracious financial aid scheme accordingly.

are you picking Jefferson over BostonU because of Philip Markoff and the bad press about the medical school? just wondering...

because you were decided on BU for like 3 months, then the negative story broke out and every premed was bashing BU on SDN, and now you're picking jefferson.

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

I could certainly see the logic you're following in that assumption, but no, I'm definitely not making such a major decision based on a freak occurrence (yes, I said freak occurrence, it is 0% BU's fault... but let's not re-hash this debate, please).

1. They offered money, BU offered absolutely nada.
2. I prefer the Jeff curriculum (assuming I don't need to go to lecture)
3. My girlfriend prefers Philadelphia.

BU is awesome. I really like the school and am extremely impressed by the administration and faculty members I've come across. It is just sort of tragic that [close to] the most expensive school doesn't have a gracious financial aid scheme accordingly.

cool, u'll have a better time in philly since u're a self-proclaimed "hippie" and it's more diverse than boston.

 

[longhorn09]

$310,000 in debt? That's insane! How you come up with that number?

 

[violet7]

Hey guys,

Just came across this thread...I had exactly the same dilemma just a few days ago...only I ended up choosing BU. They offered me money, and overall I feel Boston has more opportunities for the future. I love Jefferson, met so many nice people and made some great friends at second look, however at the end it was a gut feeling that led me to Boston...well, finances also played a small role, I guess. I felt that I'm a more desired applicant at Boston than Jefferson...anyway, I'm sure both schools are great, and we'll be successful med doctors in the future. good luck to everyone at Jeff!