palmtree137
Full Member
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- Oct 21, 2021
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Hi all. Having a lot of trouble picking between these two schools for the May 2nd CYMS deadline. Unless I get off the WL for my top choice, I will be matriculating at one of them. Don’t get me wrong...I really like both. Visited both campuses in person. Done a cost benefit analysis, and I think finances won't be that different at either one. COA will be about the same. Cost of living a little higher in Philly, but not so much so that I would choose based on that. Seems like both match relatively well, so no significant difference there either. Here's an abbreviated pros cons list I have:
Drexel:
Pros:
-older/more established name (networking and broader affiliations)
-great location (nearby Philly but not downtown; safe area)
-new building opening in Center City next year
-got along really well with people on visit and interview day
-variety of rotation options (short and long term, widespread)
Cons:
-slightly more expensive cost of living
-traveling in metro area for certain things (free school shuttle, but may still be annoying)
-loss of Hahnemann...no directly affiliated clinical sites
-two different buildings in two years
-some bad opinions I've seen on SDN?
Geisinger:
Pros:
-brand new building, great facilities, Scranton kind of centered around the school
-affiliated with huge health system
-slightly more bang for your buck in cost of living
-also got along well with people here
-lots of faculty came from well-reputed programs
Cons:
-Scranton seems a bit isolated; not much to do for break from school; downtown a little bare
-relatively new (seems to match well enough but still newer program)
-3rd year rotation sites all in that region; must be a Geisinger hospital for MS3; lots match in their system (restrictive?)
-clinical sites almost all outside of Scranton...a lot of driving
-focus on family med? What they are known for. People match in all specialities, but seems oriented that way and a push to practice in NE PA
I also have other more personal factors. I'm from Pittsburgh area so they are basically equidistant from home. And this is an abbreviated list lol, I promise I'm putting more thought into it than just these things. Really just wanted to get a sense from people familiar with the two and hear some opinions on both...good and bad. Also really curious about reputation of the two. Things can change, but thinking internal med right now (eventually specialize). Not sure if the perception of one is significantly better than the other in that regard. Open to all input and feedback. Thanks everyone!!
Drexel:
Pros:
-older/more established name (networking and broader affiliations)
-great location (nearby Philly but not downtown; safe area)
-new building opening in Center City next year
-got along really well with people on visit and interview day
-variety of rotation options (short and long term, widespread)
Cons:
-slightly more expensive cost of living
-traveling in metro area for certain things (free school shuttle, but may still be annoying)
-loss of Hahnemann...no directly affiliated clinical sites
-two different buildings in two years
-some bad opinions I've seen on SDN?
Geisinger:
Pros:
-brand new building, great facilities, Scranton kind of centered around the school
-affiliated with huge health system
-slightly more bang for your buck in cost of living
-also got along well with people here
-lots of faculty came from well-reputed programs
Cons:
-Scranton seems a bit isolated; not much to do for break from school; downtown a little bare
-relatively new (seems to match well enough but still newer program)
-3rd year rotation sites all in that region; must be a Geisinger hospital for MS3; lots match in their system (restrictive?)
-clinical sites almost all outside of Scranton...a lot of driving
-focus on family med? What they are known for. People match in all specialities, but seems oriented that way and a push to practice in NE PA
I also have other more personal factors. I'm from Pittsburgh area so they are basically equidistant from home. And this is an abbreviated list lol, I promise I'm putting more thought into it than just these things. Really just wanted to get a sense from people familiar with the two and hear some opinions on both...good and bad. Also really curious about reputation of the two. Things can change, but thinking internal med right now (eventually specialize). Not sure if the perception of one is significantly better than the other in that regard. Open to all input and feedback. Thanks everyone!!
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