Cornell vs. Columbia

Started by mbadoc
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Is it possible to have a unbaised discussion of the two schools? They are both great schools, and in the end I don't think it will matter much if you go to either one. When people say one is better than the other, it seems to me that they are referring to prestige. In reality, we should be discussing what are the biggest pros and cons of each school and a person deciding between the two should decide which school is best for them. One big issue to consider is PBL versus lecture, and I'm sure there are other big differences.
 
BrownTheDoc said:
Is it possible to have a unbaised discussion of the two schools? They are both great schools, and in the end I don't think it will matter much if you go to either one. When people say one is better than the other, it seems to me that they are referring to prestige. In reality, we should be discussing what are the biggest pros and cons of each school and a person deciding between the two should decide which school is best for them. One big issue to consider is PBL versus lecture, and I'm sure there are other big differences.
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The pros and cons of each school have been addressed over and over as has the debate of which school is better. All one has to do is check past threads on Cornell vs Columbia or Columbia Vs Cornell or my most favorite thread of "Oh my god I just got in to C... but I am waitlisted at the other C and I don't know what to do." My best advice is, if you can, go back to revisit both of these schools, talk to the students, and decide where you (and only you) will feel the most comfortable. This is a big decision, but don't rely on hearsay or on the opinions of others who have not attended med-school yet. Try to speak to students who are actually in attendance and who know the good and the bad of both of these programs. Trust in yourself that you will make an informed and well-thought out choice (and realize too, that you can't go far wrong with either decision)
 
They also have very different strengths. Surgery has already been mentioned but also consider a couple other things. If you're interested in oncology, Cornell has MSK. If you're interested in neuro, Columbia has the NI.

Beyond that, PBL can be more active than lecture, but I didn't think I'd get as much from it and no way was I going to be required to go to class. Your priorities will likely differ.

I'd also imagine that there'd be a cultural difference. P&S is very athletic (rugby is big) and alcoholic (not literally, people just like to drink).
 
(currently a 4th year at Cornell)

one thing that must be also remembered (as has been stated in other threads discussing this endlessly talked about topic ) 🙂
cornell is not all PBL, not by a long shot. The school sells it hard, or maybe that's how it's perceived.

the truth of the matter is: the curriculum for the first two years is roughly 1/3 PBL, 1/3 small group (path lab/problem sets/micro lab/anatomy lab/neuroantomy, skills seminars, etc etc), and 1/3 lecture.

LOOK AT THE PBL schedule for the last 6 years = M W F = 8am - 9:30am. That's it. Now, I personally enjoyed PBL a lot; thought it complemented the rest of the day and put things in perspective from a clinical approach to problem solving. but i know others who did not like it and went to all the lectures afterwards. but to clarify things, it is only one piece of the puzzle!
 
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