Drexel vs. Geisinger

[Luciferin]

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Hello! I recognize there are a couple posts somewhat addressing these two, but I wanted to hopefully get more feedback!

For Me:

• No preference in specialty yet
• OOS (SO will be OOS regardless too)
• Same financial cost more or less, Drexel slightly cheaper

Geisinger
Pros

• More available in-house residencies
• P/F preclinical, (tiered clinical)
• Liked the vibe of the school on interview day (not the best interviewer)
• Fine with their curriculum, would likely work
• Was told getting research in the summer is relatively easy by a student
• Smaller class size, possibly less competition for opportunities
• Possibly easier time getting LORs from department heads
• Solid match list overall

Cons

• Scranton doesn't have the best rep, but I don't think I'll mind
• Match list is pretty PA dominant, not sure if I'd prefer that
• Newer school, maybe less sure what their reputation is

Drexel
Pros

• Possibly higher ranking (albeit very similar)
• Could be nice being close to the city but still nearby in East Falls (more of a neutral thing) Not sure about the new Reading campus either.
• Slightly closer to family
• P/F preclinical, (tiered clinical)
• Liked the vibe of the school on interview day, normal interview
• Maybe concerned with independent curriculum but seems good
• Lots of potential connections in Philly for research, shadowing etc. (Jefferson, UPenn, etc available, might have a connection to leverage)
• Match list is solid, opportunities in some regions I like
• Alumni network is very strong, could be helpful later

Cons

• Fewer in-house residencies
• Heard surgical specialties require more work to get into now (doable, but harder than others)
• Will likely need to move around for 3/4th year
• Lottery system for rotations (heard some are not great, not designed for teaching)
• Larger class size
• Questionable residency outcomes going forward with HUH closing (likely marginal)

Summary: I overall like both of these schools, and would be thrilled to attend either. I have spoken with a 4th year at one, another student at the other, and looking to get more thoughts. I have sent an LOI to another school I am on the WL for.

 

[Luciferin]

Bump

 

[Shunsui]

I'd go Geisinger. They'll have higher quality clerkships and the in-house programs will make getting research/connections in the more competitive fields much easier than Drexel despite them having Philly resources. You'll be a big fish in a small pond with the Geisinger network compared to Drexel w/ several other large unis in Philly. Just my 0.02

 

[Banco]

Go based on location.

 

[Luciferin]

I went with Geisinger by the way!

 

[Shunsui]

I went with Geisinger by the way!

what swayed you?

 

[Luciferin]

what swayed you?

It was close, lots of little things to mention, but two bigger things: I was matched to the Reading campus for Drexel despite indicating a preference otherwise, and I also did not get an email response or contact from Drexel's office via phone for most of the time I had to decide. I do still think I'd have been okay with either choice!

 

[Luciferin]

Just as a quick follow-up, I've had a great experience so far!