Don't Know Where to Go...

[SamiSmiles]

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Hi Everyone,

I am planning on beginning a post-bacc this upcoming fall. I have gotten into a few programs, but am have difficulty in choosing where to go. I am from NYC and would really like to move somewhere else where the rent is a little cheaper. I am seriously considering moving to Chicago or Philadelphia. I got into Loyola Chicago and Drexel, but cannot decide between the two. Does anyone have some insight on this...maybe help me come to a decision? Which would be better to get me into medical school?

Thanks!

 

[SamiSmiles]

Anyone accepted/starting the program this fall? Why did you choose Loyola?

I've been accepted and having a hard time making a decision between this and another program.

 

[0919mmk]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning on beginning a post-bacc this upcoming fall. I have gotten into a few programs, but am have difficulty in choosing where to go. I am from NYC and would really like to move somewhere else where the rent is a little cheaper. I am seriously considering moving to Chicago or Philadelphia. I got into Loyola Chicago and Drexel, but cannot decide between the two. Does anyone have some insight on this...maybe help me come to a decision? Which would be better to get me into medical school?

Thanks!

I lived in Philly for a couple years after leaving NYC, so I can tell you that rents are cheaper, but not much. West Philly is where a lot of students live, but I wouldn't go far (west) past 47th street - its gangland after that. Drexel is in a nice part of town (there's grass and trees etc) outside downtown, and Drexel Med is, I think, a little easier to get in to than Loyola, so that's a plus.

On the other hand, Philly in general is pretty dirty and gross. I don't know much about Chi town, I've heard good things. In terms of which will give you a better shot at med school, I'd bet there is not much difference, as so much of it is how much effort you're willing to put in to get the grades/kill the MCAT.

Basically, I'd choose it by the town you want to live in. Idk if you've visited both, but you should, then go with your gut!

 

[Pons Asinorum]

There is a dedicated Post-Bacc forum where you will most likely have much better luck with this type of question. Take a look there and please let me know if you would like this thread moved to generate some more focused opinion.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71

 

[SamiSmiles]

Yes, I would like it moved. Thank you.

 

[SamiSmiles]

Thank you for your response! Yes, I've been to both and prefer Chicago, but Philly seems more rational since it's close to NYC and my family. Also, I know some people in Philly and zero in Chicago. Those are big reasons why I am having such a hard time.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Moved to Post-Bacc for more-expert scrutiny. Best of luck.

 

[SamiSmiles]

Great! Thank you, again.

 

[spiderpete]

Can't speak for Philly or Drexel, but Chicago is the bomb and Loyola is a solid, if not spectacular option. I did my post bacc there from May '09 to May '10.

Pros
- Chicago itself. Wonderful array of things to do, neighborhoods to explore (a patchwork quilt, Studs Terkel liked to say), amazing restaurants at any budget, midwestern friendly but cosmopolitan, easy to get around
- Post-bacc Advisory committee. This is why I chose Loyola and they did not fail me. Dr. Jim Johnson (the director) knows the adcomm directors in town on a first name basis. The team is well organized and their process proven. You will have to do the work, but they will write you a great committee letter if you deserve it and make your app process smoother and better.
- Balance between rigor and GPA. You can get a 4.0 here (with hard work) and still learn what you need for MCAT and med school. But, this school does not put out rock stars.
- Beautiful lakefront campus, good facilities (lots of new buildings like the library and bio buildings). Fr. Garanzini (president) has tons of money flowing in for capital improvements.
- Chicago has more medical school options than just about anywhere. Top tier to OK, MD and DO, you got choices.

Cons
- Classes with undergrads. You don't have dedicated post-bacc classes, but take the curriculum w/ undergrads. The school loves this as it adds maturity to their classes. I think it pulled the post baccs down a bit.
- Cost. About $25k for a year.

Pro/Con depending
- Neighborhood. The Rogers Park neighborhood is eclectic in every sense. So your going to see some wealth and poverty and crime and fun. I'm a landlord in the community and my tenants range from the elderly to families to singles. I'd let my kid live there.
- Teachers - Mostly good, but there are a few true duds. You are best served paying close attention to who your prof will be. Orgo dept is quite strong imho.
- Weather - If you like change, you'll love Chgo.

Loyola will get you to med school and Chicago can be easy to call home.

 

[SamiSmiles]

Wow, that was so detailed. Thank you!

Were you able to complete all your pre-reqs in a year? What was your sequencing like?

Have you applied to medical school, yet?

Did you work while doing the post-bacc?

Do you think it's easy to meet people in Chicago? I am not sure if it'll be a hard adjustment for me not knowing anyone out there. Being from NY and going to school in NY, I have a pretty solid friend/family base here.

Sorry, for all the questions! I'm just excited/anxious to start planning my near future.

 

[spiderpete]

Wow, that was so detailed. Thank you!

Were you able to complete all your pre-reqs in a year? What was your sequencing like?

Have you applied to medical school, yet?

Did you work while doing the post-bacc?

Do you think it's easy to meet people in Chicago? I am not sure if it'll be a hard adjustment for me not knowing anyone out there. Being from NY and going to school in NY, I have a pretty solid friend/family base here.

Sorry, for all the questions! I'm just excited/anxious to start planning my near future.

Yes, but by most accounts it is too much in too short of time. I felt like I could not spare another year. I did bio and chem with labs in back to back 6 week semesters over the summmer. I had pre read both subjects extensively. Then phys and orgo together in fall, then same in spring, then mcat in june. Check mdapps for the details, but long story short is that im in and delighted!

I work 5-10 hours per work on my own business, commute a little over an hour each way, and try to hold up my end of a household of 3 little kids and my wife and me.

I find it very easy to make friends in chgo. There are plenty of ways to find common interests, theres a ton of fun things to do and excuses to go do them. If you

can say "hi", people will say " hi" back. You are on your way.

 

[Wake949]

Sami, did you decide to go to Loyola? I was just accepted and I think I responded to a different post of yours on the subject. Also, SpiderPete, does the post-bacc program grant financial aid at all? $25k for a year of pre reqs just seems completely insane.