I'm still waiting to hear back from quite a few schools but I don't expect much more movement in terms of IIs. Both Geisinger and Drexel are close to my family (1 hr drive vs 1.5 hours, respectively) and I've been extremely indecisive because of their locations. I'm unsure about what specialty I'm interested in for now but it's likely not going to be primary care.
Geisinger:
Pros
Drexel:
Pros
Geisinger:
Pros
- Has a home hospital system; this is a major plus compared to Drexel
- Smaller class size (~126 ish) so there's a better chance at forging relationships with faculty
- I've heard from current students and graduates that there's a major emphasis on community and support
- It's in Scranton. I've visited the school and while I liked it, I did not like Scranton at all
- Would need a car immediately (as opposed to potentially in my third year at Drexel) and that would be a major financial burden for me
- It's a newer school
- There seems to be a heavy focus on primary care and staying in PA, which I'm not really interested in
- Not as big of a deal but many people from my undergrad end up here so that limits me even more in meeting new people
Drexel:
Pros
- It's in Philadelphia, which is huge for me
- More established school
- Students have more research opportunities through surrounding medical schools (?)
- More opportunities to meet people outside of medicine... hopefully
- Philly has a higher COL
- No direct affiliated hospital and all of their sites are spread out so there's some instability there
- Philly campus has ~260 students so that might impact the support people get
- Very mixed reviews from students; I've generally only heard good things about Geisinger
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