Georgetown vs NYU vs Cornell

[erin1234]

I am really torn on this, so any input would be appreciated! My decision basically comes down to location (and associated quality of life) vs "prestige" and program structure.

Georgetown is the clear quality of life choice for me. I'm from DC; I have close family, friends, and a pretty serious non-medical boyfriend who all live here (the boyfriend would probably move, but isn't crazy about the idea; plus I think it would stress our relationship). I'm semi-non-traditional at 27, so all of this is important to me. I also like DC better than NYC, and think it would be easier to live in as a med student in many small ways that add up. Plus I worked in politics before deciding to go into medicine, and it would be nice to keep that part of my life relevant in a small way. I also like Georgetown as a school -- its philosophy and strong clinical training.

But I liked NYU's program best -- the philosophy, Bellevue, the 1.5 year preclinical curriculum. I liked Cornell too, although wasn't wowed by it. And both schools are P/F in the preclinical years, while Georgetown is graded on a curve. I know that most people think this doesn't matter all that much, but I have heard that Georgetown has a competitive, stressful atmosphere as a result (which they of course denied at Georgetown's second look day). Students at NYU and Cornell did seem happier than at Georgetown, although I think that these kinds of observations are pretty random and anecdotal.

Mostly, I wonder if NYU and Cornell are significantly better schools than Georgetown, if they would positively impact my future career. I.e., is there a major "prestige" difference, or is that concept totally bogus? How much should I value quality of life? For what it's worth, I don't know what kind of physician I want to be. There are days when I think academic medicine or even hospital administration, though, so I'd like to keep my options open.

All 3 will cost me about the same amount. Thanks again!

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[byaaaaaaah23]

TBH, I wouldn't make huge decisions like this based on an SO unless you are planning to get married. I would choose NYU/the cheaper of the NYC schools because of the curriculum and NYU's hospital is awesome. Is price a factor for you?

 

[Sophocles]

How much was your financial aid at these institutions?

 

[radioheart]

I would personally go with NYU or Cornell. I think the difference in terms of "prestige" between them is negligible, so I would go with NYU since it sounds like it was a great fit.

 

[erin1234]

All 3 schools will cost me about the same amount -- so price isn't a factor.

 

[Sophocles]

All 3 schools will cost me about the same amount -- so price isn't a factor.

I've only been to Cornell and cannot comment on the rest, but these kids seemed pretty happy. It's a great location, as well!

But for me what would completely sell me would be the amount of resources that Cornell has. Obviously the other schools are great but it would seem that with all the surrounding institutions at Cornell, you would have more options to pursue different paths.

 

[Barcu]

Based on the quality of life issues and equal costs, I would say that Georgetown is the best choice (I'm also a little biased 😉). It can be a huge benefit to be in a good support system and in a place that you feel comfortable, though I'm from out west so it's not completely necessary. The fact that you have an established life here is a big deal, and it sounds like you want to be a part of that. Unless you are sure of marrying this guy, don't let his preferences pull you too far in one direction. At this point it may be best to do what is for you. But with a familiarity with the area, the connection to politics, and your social support, DC would be a great place for you to be.

I like a lot about Georgetown. I like the curriculum. It isn't one of the accelerated like NYU, but I think it is quite good, and most people say that they were very well prepared for the boards (I can let you know for sure in a few months ). And I hear nothing but good things about the clinical training. Students say they are given tons of independence and are treated like interns fourth year. It really does seem to be top notch, and Georgetown seems to have a better reputation than the rankings would indicate.

The big stickler, as it always is with Georgetown, is the grades. And I will say it again, it really does not matter. It's for your two preclinical years where your grades really are not important. Does it create a stressful environment? Yes and no. Bottom line, med school is stressful, and it will be whereever you go. You need to work hard. And the reason that Georgetown keeps it's grading system (trust me, this issue comes up with students all the time), is that they have found that it actually helps to light a fire under students. People work hard, and they want to do well. However, I don't think that means that everyone is a bunch of gunners that has no fun. Maybe I'm just oblivious, but I haven't noticed much true gunning going on. And you don't hang out with your whole class. I have a group of friends who are all chill, and you kind of just avoid the ones who try and stress you out. It works out fine for me. Maybe some individuals may struggle in this environment, but I don't think you will as a non-trad with outside social support. You also have to keep in mind the students Gtown attracts. For the class of 2013, we matched 19! students into ortho. I have yet to find a school that matches close to that many. Gtown attracts students that are interested in competitive specialities, so there is bound to be some hard-workering, competitive people (ironic given it's mission, though we have those students too!). But again, I don't think it's a huge problem that affects you as a student unless you let it.

Sorry. I rambled a bit. It just drives me crazy to see everyone dismiss Georgetown because of the pre-clinical grading system. It's really not a huge deal, and it is really one of the LEAST important aspects of your medical school education.

 

[Barcu]

Oh, and to actually answer one of your posed questions, I don't think the prestige of NYU or Cornell is significantly higher than Georgetown. I think most would consider them better schools, however, be sure to weigh that with the quality of life factors. Georgetown has some great programs, and they match people into some really good residency programs. I wouldn't worry about Georgetown holding you back. This is especially true if you are thinking of settling in the DC area long term.

 

[DrSolus]

Med school is what you make of it. If I were you - I would base your decision off of where you want to be for the next 4 years, and potentially onward.

If there's any chance you'll want to do your residency in NYC - NYU or Cornell for sure. You'll have an the home school advantage when matching. IMO you should pick NYU if you're interested in Bellevue and in working with underserved populations. If not, it sounds like Georgetown is your match. Don't worry what people say about prestige. All your schools are of excellent caliber. People on SDN like to squabble over rankings and endowment sizes and what not, but a medical education at any of these 3 will take you where you want to go if you put in the effort.

On the other hand, I agree on the importance of a good support network during medical school - plus you mentioned that you were concerned that the move to NYC would stress your relationship. Med school is already stressful, so just consider the potential implications of that.

Above all else: do what will make you happy, not what people on SDN want you to do. Good luck!

 

[erin1234]

Thanks everyone for all of your thoughtful responses! Some great feedback here.

Why all of the love for Cornell over NYU in the poll, though?

 

[tomhaverford]

Thanks everyone for all of your thoughtful responses! Some great feedback here.

Why all of the love for Cornell over NYU in the poll, though?

Knowing SDN, because Cornell is more prestigious.

 

[Sophocles]

Knowing SDN, because Cornell is more prestigious.

Or, it could be MSKCC, NYP, HSS, Rockefeller- just to name a few reasons.

 

[QofQuimica]

The most important thing when it comes to residency selection is how well you perform in med school: Step 1 score (entirely dependent on your personal effort), and third year clerkship grades (largely dependent on your personal effort). You will perform better where you have more support and are happier. If this guy is "the one," and your family is in DC and you want to be in DC yourself, then stay in DC. There's nothing you're going to find in NYC that you can't have in DC, and you'll be a heck of a lot lonelier if you go to NYC. As for Bellevue, you can always go there for residency. 🙂

 

[OhHey]

Just to balance out the discussion here...

I have to say that Cornell (and NYU) is significantly more prestigious in medicine than Georgetown. Cornell and NYU are more cutting-edge. I believe prestige is somewhat important.. but not all agree. It depends on what kind of career you imagine yourself to have.

Congrats on getting into these schools. All three are extremely competitive, and you must be a stellar applicant.

 

[yehhhboiii]

Cornell is in an awesome area and it's a great school. Curved grading sucks and will detract from your learning experience as your classmates will be less willing to share with everyone else. I feel like 1.5 years is a little rushed but if you think you can handle it, go for it. It's only 4 hours from New York to D.C. and it could be better to not have the temptation of hanging out with friends when you should be studying.

All things considered, it seems that Georgetown would be the best bet for you. A strong support system is something that's not easily replaced and you will probably need it.

 

[daniboy]

I think a support system and social life outside of the medical school bubble is very important, and you already seem to favor Georgetown. With your friends and family in DC, I would choose Georgetown in your position. I think these considerations are more important as a 27 year old non-trad.

 

[bk9iq]

I think Georgetown is best fit for you since you seem to favor it. Do not look at the poll results only. Obviously people have voted without even reading what you said. Decide what best fits you.
Good Luck

 

[brahms11]

The choice is easy (Cornell or NYU) if you are considering a career involving academics/research. Staff and physicians point blank told me that research isn't a priority at Georgetown on my interview day. You'd still get a great clinical education there, though and prestige matters less for non top-academic programs.

I'm biased towards Cornell as a student there. The hospitals and research affiliations are incredible and the curriculum is good with afternoons off, pass/fail, and a good small group to lecture ratio. NYUs 1.5 yr curriculum also had advantages as does Bellevue. Nothing bad to say about their program.

I echo the advice to not choose based on your SO unless engaged. Family support could be a big factor, though. New York is a great city that can be intimidating initially.

Sent from my mobile device.

 

[earf]

At my interview at Cornell, they said that Rockefeller has the highest concentration of Nobel Laureates in the world. If you're thinking about going into academic medicine, then this is a gold mine.

 

[yehhhboiii]

At my interview at Cornell, they said that Rockefeller has the highest concentration of Nobel Laureates in the world. If you're thinking about going into academic medicine, then this is a gold mine.

It's also an awesome place to work. The campus is beautiful and the buildings are great. It's right next to the East River which gives you a nice view and a place to exercise.