Deciding between two medical schools

[FutureDr.9]

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So I am extremely conflicted in my decision of where to attend medical school for the next few years. I am debating between RWJMS and the accelerated neurosurgery program at Penn State Hershey.

I currently live in NJ about 5 mins away from RWJMS. Here, I have my family, friends, and am very familiar with the area. My best friend was also accepted with me, so we would be together. The program at penn state seems like an amazing opportunity but it is also a HUGE commitment. I would be choosing to live in hershey for the next 10 years and not sure if I know anyone in the area.

I am trying to think of every pro and con possible, but I am still conflicted. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should be looking more into/ considering/ any idea what you would do in my shoes?

 

[sss1219]

Check out the 'school x vs school y' subforum, you will find extensive pros and cons lists in the posts there. Things that often pop up include cost, rankings, match lists, grading schemes, attendance requirements, being near support systems/family and friends, facilities, STEP 1 outcomes, whether they make you drive a lot for rotations, etc.

 

[mellie0]

Does the Penn State program allow you to not go into neurosurgery if you change your mind? Are you 100% positive you want to be a neurosurgeon? Is the neurosurgery component the only reason you’d choose Penn State over RWJ?

 

[precisiongraphic]

Does the Penn State program allow you to not go into neurosurgery if you change your mind? Are you 100% positive you want to be a neurosurgeon? Is the neurosurgery component the only reason you’d choose Penn State over RWJ?

These are the best questions. If you're sure about NSRG then this would alleviate so much anxiety about matching etc.

Look at it from the other way. If you go to RWJ and can't/don't match into NSRG then would you be brokenhearted? Or would you be ok with ENT or EM or radiology or whatever you end up with?

 

[FutureDr.9]

Does the Penn State program allow you to not go into neurosurgery if you change your mind? Are you 100% positive you want to be a neurosurgeon? Is the neurosurgery component the only reason you’d choose Penn State over RWJ?

So I am pretty sure the program is not binding and I can withdraw from it at any point at penn state, but it is the only reason I would pick Penn state over RWJ. I am about 99.5% sure I want to be a neurosurgeon, the only thing holding me back is the lifestyle. I kinda wanna be there for my kids in the future lol. I am also currently single so idk if I'm going to have a strong wife to put up with everything.

 

[FutureDr.9]

These are the best questions. If you're sure about NSRG then this would alleviate so much anxiety about matching etc.

Look at it from the other way. If you go to RWJ and can't/don't match into NSRG then would you be brokenhearted? Or would you be ok with ENT or EM or radiology or whatever you end up with?

Exactly! I feel like taking the program would let me enjoy medical school alot more by not having to worry about matching. I mentioned in the comment above regarding neurosurgery, but I decided I am going to drive down next month to penn state and sort of attack all the doctors with questions before I make my final decision

 

[FutureDr.9]

Check out the 'school x vs school y' subforum, you will find extensive pros and cons lists in the posts there. Things that often pop up include cost, rankings, match lists, grading schemes, attendance requirements, being near support systems/family and friends, facilities, STEP 1 outcomes, whether they make you drive a lot for rotations, etc.

I've been reading up on many of the other posts, I think I am going to look up every single thing you mentioned. Thank you so much, I'll probably come up with the full pro and con list after I finish my exams.