Georgetown vs. Miami Miller

[lil red rooster]

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Trying to decide between the 2. I know in the US news rankings they are pretty comparable (Primary care Miami wins, 48 over Georgetown's #68; Research Georgetown gets it #48 over #53). Just from people I've talked to, the Georgetown name seems to be more impressive (at least where I'm from, Philly area). I know the rankings aren't the most important thing though, so I'm willing to throw this one out.

I went to Georgetown for undergrad (but have been out of the area for a few years now), and part of me really wants to go back, while part of me wants a change and to experience a new part of the country.

One thing I'm thinking about is grades - I know Gtown had grades and operates on a curve, where Miami is pass/fail.

I'm interested in ortho as of now (probably considering other surgical specialties as well), so I'm wondering if Georgetown is a better fit for me? Also, while I'd like to live in Miami for med school, I don't think I'd want to stay in the area, and I've heard that their residencies tend to be more regional?

If anyone can shed some light on either school, whether as a current student, or what you saw on interviews, etc., please help!! Basically I'm trying to decide not only where to go, but even if its worth it to go to both of their second look days next week (Georgetown's is Thursday, Miami's is on Friday). THANKS in advance!! Please chime in!

 

[nBeeDee]

Miami's tuition is almost $8k less a year, plus DC's cost of living is absurd. Combine that with the fact that Miami is in Miami, and is P/F, I'd go there. However, Georgetown matches a ton of people into ortho consistently every year, take a look at their match lists. In all likelihood, you will probably change your mind about specialties a few times during school like everyone says, so maybe that shouldn't be as much of a factor. How do you feel about moving far away from Philly though if you go to Miami? That may be a significant plus for Georgetown.

Disclaimer: Person on Gtown's CAP 😛

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Definitely attend both SL days if you can afford it.

I would choose Miami, mostly due to location (nice weather) and grading system. You didn't mention cost- is this an issue?

Edit: did not interview at either school.

 

[lil red rooster]

Of course cost matters to some extent, but I'm trying not to let that influence my decision. So I guess, let's say cost is not an issue.

 

[lil red rooster]

Miami's tuition is almost $8k less a year, plus DC's cost of living is absurd. Combine that with the fact that Miami is in Miami, and is P/F, I'd go there. However, Georgetown matches a ton of people into ortho consistently every year, take a look at their match lists. In all likelihood, you will probably change your mind about specialties a few times during school like everyone says, so maybe that shouldn't be as much of a factor. How do you feel about moving far away from Philly though if you go to Miami? That may be a significant plus for Georgetown.

Disclaimer: Person on Gtown's CAP 😛

Also to you, being on the CAP - I was CAP'd too and got in in February. If you wrote a good letter, don't lose hope!

 

[ajs08029]

Trying to decide between the 2. I know in the US news rankings they are pretty comparable (Primary care Miami wins, 48 over Georgetown's #68; Research Georgetown gets it #48 over #53). Just from people I've talked to, the Georgetown name seems to be more impressive (at least where I'm from, Philly area). I know the rankings aren't the most important thing though, so I'm willing to throw this one out.

I went to Georgetown for undergrad (but have been out of the area for a few years now), and part of me really wants to go back, while part of me wants a change and to experience a new part of the country.

One thing I'm thinking about is grades - I know Gtown had grades and operates on a curve, where Miami is pass/fail.

I'm interested in ortho as of now (probably considering other surgical specialties as well), so I'm wondering if Georgetown is a better fit for me? Also, while I'd like to live in Miami for med school, I don't think I'd want to stay in the area, and I've heard that their residencies tend to be more regional?

If anyone can shed some light on either school, whether as a current student, or what you saw on interviews, etc., please help!! Basically I'm trying to decide not only where to go, but even if its worth it to go to both of their second look days next week (Georgetown's is Thursday, Miami's is on Friday). THANKS in advance!! Please chime in!

I'm currently deciding between these two as well haha. One thing I'd like to point out first is that Miami is NOT pass/fail. It's A/B/C/D etc which is essentially the same as Georgetown's Honors/High Pass/ etc.

Here are some differences that I've noticed between the schools:

- More opportunities for global health work at Miami
- Georgetown's affiliated hospitals are more spread out, while Miami's are pretty much all concentrated in that complex
- Georgetown offers more time for electives in 4th year while Miami pretty much defines what rotations you'll do (24 weeks of electives vs 14 weeks)
- not really much difference between the student run clinics (Hoya Clinic/DOCS)
- Miami's simulation and wellness centers is amazing
- Georgetown is more affiliated with their undergrad campus since their in the same location
- The patient population at Miami is mostly spanish speaking so it is likely that you'll have to work through a translator if you don't already speak spanish.

I've also talked to a lot of current docs and they said that the Georgetown name does carry more prestige than Miami, despite the fact that Georgetown isn't ranked as highly as many people think...

 

[CrawlWalkRun]

Trying to decide between the 2. I know in the US news rankings they are pretty comparable (Primary care Miami wins, 48 over Georgetown's #68; Research Georgetown gets it #48 over #53). Just from people I've talked to, the Georgetown name seems to be more impressive (at least where I'm from, Philly area). I know the rankings aren't the most important thing though, so I'm willing to throw this one out.

I went to Georgetown for undergrad (but have been out of the area for a few years now), and part of me really wants to go back, while part of me wants a change and to experience a new part of the country.

One thing I'm thinking about is grades - I know Gtown had grades and operates on a curve, where Miami is pass/fail.

I'm interested in ortho as of now (probably considering other surgical specialties as well), so I'm wondering if Georgetown is a better fit for me? Also, while I'd like to live in Miami for med school, I don't think I'd want to stay in the area, and I've heard that their residencies tend to be more regional?

If anyone can shed some light on either school, whether as a current student, or what you saw on interviews, etc., please help!! Basically I'm trying to decide not only where to go, but even if its worth it to go to both of their second look days next week (Georgetown's is Thursday, Miami's is on Friday). THANKS in advance!! Please chime in!

Does Georgetown really grade based on a curve? I know it isn't strictly P/F but I was under the impression that if everyone scores well on an exam everyone can get a good grade.

 

[accmd]

I'm currently deciding between these two as well haha. One thing I'd like to point out first is that Miami is NOT pass/fail. It's A/B/C/D etc which is essentially the same as Georgetown's Honors/High Pass/ etc.

Here are some differences that I've noticed between the schools:

- More opportunities for global health work at Miami
- Georgetown's affiliated hospitals are more spread out, while Miami's are pretty much all concentrated in that complex
- Georgetown offers more time for electives in 4th year while Miami pretty much defines what rotations you'll do (24 weeks of electives vs 14 weeks)
- not really much difference between the student run clinics (Hoya Clinic/DOCS)
- Miami's simulation and wellness centers is amazing
- Georgetown is more affiliated with their undergrad campus since their in the same location
- The patient population at Miami is mostly spanish speaking so it is likely that you'll have to work through a translator if you don't already speak spanish.

I've also talked to a lot of current docs and they said that the Georgetown name does carry more prestige than Miami, despite the fact that Georgetown isn't ranked as highly as many people think...

I STRONGLY remember being told that Miami is pass/fail on my interview....

 

[Barcu]

Usually it's not wise to pick a school based on what you want to do, but if you are thinking Ortho, Gtown is an amazing place. We matched 19 people this last year, which I haven't seen any school that matches that many. The big problem of course is that way more than 19 came to Gtown wanting to do Ortho (I am an M2 and we certainly have more than that interested), so it may not work out for a variety of reasons. Still, Gtown is pretty solid in other programs too. And like someone else mentioned, the name carries a lot of weight, way more than the rankings would indicate. I have heard nothing but extremely positive things about our clinical training, and most older students say that they are much better prepared than most other students they run into from other schools. I'm sure there is some bias, but based on the reputation (both lay and medical) and our match, I think there must be some truth to it.

If you want to come back to the area, that's a pretty strong indication that it may be a good choice. The biggest factor is cost, but you should come in knowing exactly how much DC is, so while you should consider it, I don't think you will be shell-shocked like many other students.

I don't know much about Miami, but I am really impressed as a Gtown student. I think the pre-clinical curriculum is great, and I have heard even better things about the clinical training. Besides cost, I can't think of a major reason not to come here, but I can't compare to Miami.

The grading system is kind of a bummer, but I don't think it's a huge deal. Most importantly, pre-clinical grades don't matter. And most people actually want clinical grades since those do matter. The way to approach the grading system is a personal one. If you think it would bother you, you should consider it. If you don't think it would bother you too much, then consider it a non-factor. Either way, I don't think grading system should ever be a major deciding factor, though you can consider it.

Does Georgetown really grade based on a curve? I know it isn't strictly P/F but I was under the impression that if everyone scores well on an exam everyone can get a good grade.

2 standard deviations above the mean is honors, one standard deviation is high pass, and the rest usually pass. The bottom 10% get a low pass, but it doesn't show up on your transcript (it's just an internal marker and you may get called in by the dean if you get too many). 2 standard deviations below the mean is a fail. Everyone can pass, so it's not like we have to fail a certain percentage, but the grades are on a curve.

Again, since pre-clinical grades don't matter much, this doesn't really need to bother you unless you let it.

 

[mdmb]

I was going to make this same thread because I can't decide between these two schools either. From doctors I've talked to, Georgetown does seem to have the better reputation. It also seems based on the interview day that GT grads get an excellent clinical education relative to other "higher ranked" places. They pointed out that 4th year is almost treated like the intern year so GT grads are very well prepared when residency starts. Also, GT has an advantage if you want to get into health policy at all. I also liked some of their alternative medicine opportunities to supplement the traditional medical education. And if you are set on ortho, GT has to be the place just based on the sheer numbers of residencies the students get in great places.

What I don't like is the atmosphere there seems like it could be a little cold compared to miami. The Miami students seem to be happier and more laid back in general. Going to second look and meeting more people would help clarify that distinction at little better. I like that Miami's hospitals are all located in the same small area. You'll definitely see some crazy stuff at Jackson too. Not sure what kind of cases an population the GT hospital gets. I am probably leaning toward Miami because I have ties to the area and I just think getting through med school would be easier there. I do change my mind every other week though. Hopefully second look (I'm going to both) will clear everything up!

 

[theherowedeserv]

Georgetown name carries weight

 

[ajs08029]

I STRONGLY remember being told that Miami is pass/fail on my interview....

If it is pass/fail, then they combine the number grade with it. My interviewer showed me this board this all the scores for M1's in some class. He said that they'll show a Pass on your transcript in addition to the number grade.

 

[DrNoo]

Georgetown name carries weight

only in the field of law

 

[deuist]

One thing I'd like to point out first is that Miami is NOT pass/fail. It's A/B/C/D etc

When did this change? I graduated from Miami in 2009 and we were definitely P/F then.

 

[deuist]

Georgetown name carries weight

In what field? Miami has the world famous Ryder Trauma Center, the Mailman Center for Child Development, the Sylvester Cancer Center, it's rigorous gynecology-oncology program, a genetic cardiology group, performs organ transplantation on every organ available, was the birthplace of the "Made Ridiculously Simple" series, and the students rotate through Jackson Memorial Hospital---one of the largest hospitals in the country. To be fair, I did my internship at Washington Hospital Center and certainly respected my Georgetown colleagues for their clinical acumen. But I think you don't know what you're talking about here.

 

[bortenson]

Georgetown name carries weight

To people who don't know anything about the field of medicine, obviously Georgetown is going to "sound better" than Miami.

All of your future employers will know a thing or two about the field of medicine.

<--- Georgetown undergrad

With that said, if you're really, seriously, and not just passingly interested in Ortho, Georgetown does have a pretty good match history compared to its rankings. That said, I don't know enough about Miami to compare.

 

[deleted127837]

In what field? Miami has the world famous Ryder Trauma Center, the Mailman Center for Child Development, the Sylvester Cancer Center, it's rigorous gynecology-oncology program, a genetic cardiology group, performs organ transplantation on every organ available, was the birthplace of the "Made Ridiculously Simple" series, and the students rotate through Jackson Memorial Hospital---one of the largest hospitals in the country. To be fair, I did my internship at Washington Hospital Center and certainly respected my Georgetown colleagues for their clinical acumen. But I think you don't know what you're talking about here.

Nevermind Bascom-Palmer.

 

[Moldycheese432]

Georgetown all day. Miami Miller is a financial mess, wouldnt touch that place with a ten foot pole.

 

[cautiousvampire]

To clarify, Miami is P/F, but your number grade and quartile rank are put on your transcript. So it's not really pass fail at all...

 

[deuist]

Georgetown all day. Miami Miller is a financial mess, wouldnt touch that place with a ten foot pole.

Again, what the hell are you talking about?

 

[mdmb]

I felt like I was set on Miami but I am having last-minute second thoughts as May 15th approaches.

As a Florida resident, UM would definitely be much cheaper and I would be close to family. I love DC though and I lived there for the past year, which was great. My initial impressions were that GT students were constantly stressed and UM students were much more laid back and liked to have a good time. After meeting people at both schools at second look day though, I'm not sure if there is much of a difference. Like a previous poster mentioned, I also have talked to several current physicians and they all say that the Georgetown name does carry weight clinically. It seems like getting a residency at a reputable program may be easier from GT. The grading scale doesn't matter to me because UM has number grades and H/P/F anyway. I don't know - just wanted to see if anyone else had any thoughts.

 

[d12]

I felt like I was set on Miami but I am having last-minute second thoughts as May 15th approaches.

As a Florida resident, UM would definitely be much cheaper and I would be close to family. I love DC though and I lived there for the past year, which was great. My initial impressions were that GT students were constantly stressed and UM students were much more laid back and liked to have a good time. After meeting people at both schools at second look day though, I'm not sure if there is much of a difference. Like a previous poster mentioned, I also have talked to several current physicians and they all say that the Georgetown name does carry weight clinically. It seems like getting a residency at a reputable program may be easier from GT. The grading scale doesn't matter to me because UM has number grades and H/P/F anyway. I don't know - just wanted to see if anyone else had any thoughts.

If it was me and I kept going back and forth I would always go with the cheaper option at the end of the day. I don't know too much about Miami (other than the weather and stories of south beach), but I do have some friends at GT that range from genuinely unhappy there to "meh, it's ok." Do well at either school and you'll have plenty of options for residency. The difference in reputation (if any at all) isn't going to make or break you. Go where you think you'll do well. If you can see yourself doing well at either, go with the cheaper option.

 

[Barcu]

I felt like I was set on Miami but I am having last-minute second thoughts as May 15th approaches.

As a Florida resident, UM would definitely be much cheaper and I would be close to family. I love DC though and I lived there for the past year, which was great. My initial impressions were that GT students were constantly stressed and UM students were much more laid back and liked to have a good time. After meeting people at both schools at second look day though, I'm not sure if there is much of a difference. Like a previous poster mentioned, I also have talked to several current physicians and they all say that the Georgetown name does carry weight clinically. It seems like getting a residency at a reputable program may be easier from GT. The grading scale doesn't matter to me because UM has number grades and H/P/F anyway. I don't know - just wanted to see if anyone else had any thoughts.

Cheaper and close to family is pretty compelling. Whether you are looking for a bigger name or not matters both on what you want to do and where you practice. If you want to stay in Florida, I don't think going to Gtown is going to help you much. It may carry a little extra weight if you want to be in DC or NE but how much more is hard to tell. Choosing the more expensive option mostly for the name though may not be the best move, though if you are interested in ortho or competitive surgery, Gtown is pretty solid. However, people frequently have changes of heart, and choosing a school based on future specialty is not always smart. Other than the prestige and location (which you seem to like Miami too), is there anything else about Gtown you really like or have questions about? I can answer on this thread or pm me. That may help a bit.

In terms of happiness, I don't think that is really much to go off of. It all depends on the person you talk to. Unless you are a cranky person, you can find a good group any place you go.

 

[gtace]

Georgetown all day. Miami Miller is a financial mess, wouldnt touch that place with a ten foot pole.

...because Georgetown is doing so well.

http://www.thehoya.com/news/med-center-deficit-over-22-million-1.2795889#.UYpteqJOO2M

MedStar has been running the hospital since 2000 because the school couldn't afford it. Also take note that to offset some costs, they're going to be increasing tuition ~3.5% every year.