Emory vs. GSU vs. Mercer

[MegLeigh523]

I've been accepted to all 3 and I'm really torn.

Emory:
Pros:
-Research opportunities
-Faculty
-Prestige of Emory name after graduation
-Elective offerings
-Tied to medical school so more collaboration opportunities
Cons:
-Price
-Larger class size (70 students)
-Don't know how I would like coming back to campus after clinicals (anyone in the program with thoughts on this??)
-Traffic in the area of the school (heard it can take 45 min to go 2 miles)
-Have to actually make myself look decent every day; like really good because I'm in a medical school (professional dress)

Mercer:
Pros:
-Smaller classes (38-40)
-Felt very personal at the interview
-Faculty cohesiveness (came from GSU)
-Less traffic on campus
-Service learning built in
Cons:
-Still pretty expensive
-Heard their research is cadaver-based and not as functional (using live subjects)
-Still have to dress professionally every day

GSU:
Pros:
-Smaller classes (38-40)
-Diverse student body
-Cheapest (about 40k vs. 80k or 100k for others)
-Up and coming research opportunities
Cons:
-Traffic in area
-Don't like the part of town
-Not as prestigious

What makes this decision harder is that I loved the students at all 3 schools, felt like all 3 would fit me in different ways, and the pass rate on the NPTE is similar for all. I do not feel I have a bad choice. Luckily, I'm in a financial situation where I do not have to borrow money from the gov't so my loans will not accrue interest (borrowing from family). This doesn't mean that money is no object, but it's not the biggest concern for me. All about the fit and opportunities I think I will gain at the school.

I especially want to hear from students in these programs what you like/dislike and if there are any alumni, how you feel about the money spent once you are out and have your first job. Thanks everyone!

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[runner618]

40k versus 80-100k is a significant difference.... i personally would go to the cheapest program. If not, I guess visit all the campuses to get a feel for which one feels right

 

[jchen707]

pm me if you have more questions about emory

 

[ashleyDPT2018]

I'm in a similar situation. Trying to decide between Mercer and GSU. I'm a non-traditional student, making a career change. I want to make sure I make the most out of the next three years!

My gut is telling me Mercer is the way to go, but the price tag is so daunting. I really fell in love with the program at an open house last spring. I really enjoyed the amount of time I got to spend with the faculty on interview day as well.



GSU is a great program as well, but I'm not keen on the area of town (mostly due to traffic). The program is very diverse and the facilities are very impressive. And I know they have some top notch faculty.

I'm a long time lurker, first time poster to SDN. I know this is a good decision to have to make, between two great programs.

 

[Diegito]

If it was me, I would go to a school with lower tuition because they are not easy to pay off later. I would choose GSU over Mercer

 

[shs31]

Just to chime in on traffic since it seems to be one of your concerns. I don't know about Mercer but I've lived in midtown and Decatur and traffic is always a given if you're ITP. You either get used to it or find alternative travel. If you're in school, chances are you won't be living too far away and, from personal experience, GSU/downtown is very bikable, as is the Emory/Decatur area (though more hilly than downtown). If you're going to be commuting from far away, I remember at the GSU interview there was a lot of discussion about commuting, and many of the current DPT students took buses or MARTA and were fine with it.

 

[PTMattI]

Im a 3rd year at Mercer, you can PM me with any questions you may have about the program......it is definitely a tough (but good) decision you have to make...I really enjoyed my time at Mercer but the difference in cost is certainly significant.

 

[JDWannabe]

Im a 3rd year at Mercer, you can PM me with any questions you may have about the program......it is definitely a tough (but good) decision you have to make...I really enjoyed my time at Mercer but the difference in cost is certainly significant.

 

[JDWannabe]

Any tips of Tricks to use, if disadvantaged?

 

[ballyson]

Im a 3rd year at Mercer, you can PM me with any questions you may have about the program......it is definitely a tough (but good) decision you have to make...I really enjoyed my time at Mercer but the difference in cost is certainly significant.

Hello! I would love some advice. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!

 

[PTMattI]

Hey Ballyson, I think the curriculum at Mercer is pretty much similar to any other accredited DPT school because they all have to go through accreditation by CAPTE and meet all the requirements. That leaves very little wiggle room for other stuff. I would make cost a primary determinant (unless money is no issue) because the 26k difference can be 3-4 years of extra loan payments.
While the education you receive in PT school is certainly important, it is by no means the make or break for the rest of your career. You will learn much much more your first few years after graduating then you will in PT school. If you got into UNF, and COL is similar or less than Atlanta, then go to UNF. Mercer is still a good school IMO, but I just dont think its worth the extra 26k.

Hope that helps.

Hello! I would love some advice. My choices are instate vs. out of state, but tuition difference is slightly smaller than above (80k vs 54k). The schools are UNF in Florida (instate) and Mercer (private). I really liked both schools locations, facilities, small class size, and faculty. I think Mercer has a slightly higher pass rate, more fellows as faculty members, and the curriculum is a bit more appealing personally. Each school has a close knit cohort which I love. The cost is definitely a factor but should it be the determinant? I appreciate any advice or specifics on either school! I was accepted off the waitlist at Mercer so I don't have much time for a decision!

 

[UpDownPT]

I was in the same position and went for the lowest cost.

IMO Mercer seems like the better experience, campus, and culture but it was very hard to justify spending $ on those things. Especially when my impressions might not be accurate. I firmly believe Mercer does a fabulous job presenting themselves as they are a newer program while the State school sort of hangs it's hat on being a state school.

I'm from Atlanta and I would not recommend it. Traffic is a nightmare!!! It is absolutely confining and controls every part of our life. Jacksonville is oppressively hot and really far from mountains but is still the better place to live.

 

[OptimusBear]

I'm going to go ahead and echo what UpDownPT and PTMattl said about picking the school that's going to net you the least amount of debt (even though that's not what I did) as you can never really go wrong with setting your self up well in the future.
Generally speaking the hope/aim for each program is to get you to pass boards to establish a baseline level of physical therapists. NPTE pass rates are definitely worth a look, but won't help you in terms of deciding if Mercer and UNF have similar pass rates.
Definitely take into account cost of living as that adds to the total bill you're paying for the program.
I'm also from around Atlanta and yes it does get bad, but it's manageable with a bit of scheduling (or I've lived around here long enough to just accept it).
I'm going to end by saying that what you end up learning during your time at school, with whom you're taking this journey with, with what faculty you're deciding on, access to clinical sites/networks and other program specific things will really be how you justify the difference in cost and it's really hard to put a rational number to it. Part of it will be a leap of faith as you can't really predict who you'll be in class with, how well you actually like the curriculum, and how well you'll adjust to other factors. But I think the program that offers you the most of what you want out of it (be it low cost, electives, certain faculty, etc.) and tacks on the least of your worries (debt anxiety, traffic, being away from family) may be the school for you. Anyways, I hope this helps you with your decision and feel free to ask me any other concerns you might have!

 

[ballyson]

Thank you so much to everyone for the advice!! I will take all of this into consideration while deciding! As big of a factor that money is, I'm trying to weigh each school despite the cost and determine which feels like the best fit.