CalMed (CUSM) vs Drexel

[futurefuturedoctor]

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Hello everyone. I needed help to choose between these two. I would greatly appreciate any help in making this decision!

CalMed

Pros:

Very close to my support network
Cheaper overall cost of attendance ( they offer better scholarships and I can live with my family)
Better Weather
in California where I hope to stay for residency
Small class size
Flipped classes and recorded lectures which I like
Higher average MCAT for admitted students ( not sure if this is really a pro, but there are no step1 scores to compare)

Cons:

No federal loans available for at least one year ( have to use private loans for first year's tuition)
no permanent facility for the first two years ( classes held in an office complex)
preliminary accreditation
no reputation among PDs
limited opportunities for research
limited opportunities for rotations ( ARMC is the only affiliated hospitals and does not offer residencies for all specialties, so It may be difficult to get rotations in more competitive residencies?)

Drexel

Pros:

Well established school
Many more affiliated hospitals and opportunities for rotations
More opportunities for research
Decent residency match list
Recorded lectures

Cons:

Higher CoA ( around 80K $ more expensive than Calmed for 4 years)
Huge class size
Rotations can be far, may have to travel/ get housing closer to rotation location
Cold weather
Far from family and support network

I have been going back and forth between these two, so any information or help would be amazing. Thank you!

 

[libertyyne]

There is a lot of hate towards Calmed on the forum. What are your career goals?
Based on what you have said it might be worth it to go calmed considering it is considerably cheaper , the only real sticking point is the lack of government backed loans. Because it really removes a lot of repayment options off the table .

 

[BeornBear]

Something to consider: Kaiser and Drexel have a partnership in which Drexel med students can do 3rd and 4th year rotations at Kaiser in the Sacramento area.

 

[ciestar]

Just to add on, IF you would need to do a rotation outside of Philly, they do provide dorm-style housing at these sites.

I have nomad classmates who decided to not even get an apartment for third year and just rely on provided housing at each site.

 

[Avada Cadaver]

Something to consider: Kaiser and Drexel have a partnership in which Drexel med students can do 3rd and 4th year rotations at Kaiser in the Sacramento area.

Thats true but that doesn't necessarily mean OP will be that close to his fam/loved ones. Cal med is in San Bernardino, which is a good 6-7 hour drive from Sacramento. Not that I wouldn't recommend Drexel.