Georgetown vs. UMiami Miller (+2 waitlists)

[PocketAA]

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Hi guys,

I am very excited to have been accepted to two great US Allopathic medical schools, but I am having trouble deciding between them and was hoping to get some of your opinions regarding both schools. I apologize in advance for the long post-- I am kind of rambling and you are free to skip reading everything and post your opinions regardless!!

To me, the most important thing is choosing the "best" possible school in terms of preparing me to be a competitive residency applicant. I know that I can fit-in and adjust to any lifestyle changes at any school that I matriculate at, so I am truly concerned only with choosing the best medical school of the bunch. In addition, I am fortunate in that I will receive a higher-than-average familial contribution (in addition to taking out loans), so I am not allowing finances to factor into my final decision.
As a side note, I have noticed that Georgetown overall receives a substantial amount of criticism on SDN, and many have suggested this is due to their tendency to bitterly administer pre/post-interview rejections with seemingly little time for consideration. Consequently, I truly hope everyone bases their opinion on characteristics of the school rather than personal vendettas. Additionally, while it does not at all reduce the value of your contribution, I would vastly appreciate any disclaimers if you are on waitlists at any of the below institutions you discuss.

So: how would you rank both of these schools as far as their prestige and ability to match into desirable residency positions? If you were in my position, considering all factors, which institution would you pick? Last week, I was truly indifferent towards both schools. After visiting both second looks, however, I may have a slight preference for Georgetown, as I felt I fit-in there well. Though, I also understand it is difficult to judge "fit" based on a single day of visiting. Below I have listed some of my other factors of my evaluation.

Georgetown:
I have heard very strong things specifically about Georgetown's clinical training: they work longer hours during 3rd/4th year and are given substantial autonomy. Additionally, I believe Georgetown's name carries a bit more weight than Miller, coupled with a prominent location in DC close to many other prestigious institutions (in contrast to Miller's somewhat isolated location). I understand most on this forum will attempt to dissuade me from considering USNews ranking; however, it did surprise me that Georgetown was ranked a few spots below Miller. I am tempted to believe this is due to their overarching Jesuit ideals barring particular research practices. In addition, I heard a little bit of criticism regarding their curriculum that does not appear to contour around Step 1 preparation.

Miller:
I really like that the Jackson System centralizes all of Miller's resources in one location. On the other hand, I would be serving a somewhat uniform patient population and would lack diversity from rotating at different hospitals with different affiliations. I have been a Florida resident my whole life and attended UM undergrad, and after much reflection, I realized much of the reason I wanted to stay at Miller was because it would be a tremendously easy transition (already know many friends, familiar with area, etc). Nevertheless, Miller is still a strong name, ranks better than Georgetown, and had an impressive match this year. However, it does concern me that, due to its location, Miller is often under-appreciated outside of Florida, and most of its students matriculate from other Florida schools. I also worry that much of Miller's recognition/rank comes from piggy-backing off of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and I have little interest in ophthalmology.

Lastly, I have attached 2015 match lists from both institutions, if this is something that would help shape your opinion. As an undergraduate student, I am not as able to effectively analyze a match list as a current medical student or resident, so please do help inform me if you are knowledgable in this regard.

• Georgetown: http://som.georgetown.edu/prospectivestudents/degrees/md/matchplacement
• Miller: http://admissions.med.miami.edu/md-programs/match-day-results

As a final note, I am also on waitlists at both University of Virginia and Case Western Reserve University. How would you rank both of these institutions compared to Georgetown and Miller? In other words, if I were to commit to one of my accepted schools and receive an offer from UVA/Case in a month, would the smart move be to take the offer? As of now, I intend to take an offer from either waitlist school as I am under the impression that they are overall better schools (academic considerations only).


Thank you so so so much in advance for your time in helping me make my decision. Please let me know if you have any questions about my post (written hastily) and I will respond as soon as possible.

 

[tick_tock400]

I think you need to share more about what you're hoping to get out of a medical school experience and what traits you bring to the table in order for people to really help you more.
IE == speak Spanish? +Miller; ==strong interest in policy? +Georgetown; ==Really want to do research? +Case Western; Want exposure to rural areas/medicine? +UVA; Hate rural areas? +Miller, -UVA ETC!!!!

 

[BioEngMD]

I interviewed at both Georgetown and Miami. I was waitlisted at Georgetown but withdrew after being accepted at Miami because I thought it was a better fit. I didn't apply to Case or UVA so I can't speak to them, but if you're speaking strictly academically I would agree that they are generally regarded as "better" schools.

The first thing I noticed at Miami was the huge size of the medical campus and the large amount of specialty centers and types of hospitals; I think this will be a huge asset for shadowing and clinical exposure during preclinical years, the specialty centers offer tons of research opportunities if you're looking to match into a competitive specialty, and I've heard that UMMSOM students are given a ton of responsibility during clerkships that is extremely beneficial when interviewing for residency. I also really liked their community outreach (DOCS) program, things like the Deans's cup and splitting students into houses that create a friendly atmosphere and build comraderie, and all of the students I met seemed genuinely happy. Additionally, I was told that if you want to pursue a dual degree the medical school and associated program will give you a sizable scholarship to reduce the cost of the additional years, which isn't something I've heard offered elsewhere.

Overall, I think you could go to either medical school and match into any residency program in the nation if you did well. I would agree with you that the Georgetown name might carry a little more prestige amongst the general population, but I think that it carries over from the undergrad and isn't necessarily the case in the medical community. I really think it depends on your personality and goals, which one you thought was the best fit, and which environment you think would be most conducive to your personal success. Based on my personality and professional goals that happened to be Miami, but it could be something completely different for you.

 

[Shams al Deen]

Georgetown has that name recognition mostly because of the great law school and basketball program--not really the med school. I would pick UM hands down. Abundant research opportunities, really chill student body, and Miami is awesome.

If you're really looking for most prestigious, then yeah Case and UVA are a notch above UM. UVA and Case both have higher residency director ratings on USNews and historically produce more academic physicians. Also, Case has that Cleveland Clinic affiliation.

 

[JPA178]

You will get awesome clinical training at Miami. Jackson Memorial Hospital is one of the handful of institutions in the country where the residents are given an unusually large amount of autonomy. Thus, as a med student you will have more opportunities for hands-on experience.

 

[drjohnsmith2019]

Miami!

 

[22031 Alum]

Additionally, I believe Georgetown's name carries a bit more weight than Miller,

Maybe for policy or MD/JD, and definitely if you're talking about undergrad institutions. But in the medical world, overall I'd give the edge to Miller.

 

[Willy38]

I'd go with miami. However, I think Case and UVA are both top notch places so if you get off the waitlist there its definitely worth some serious consideration.

 

[PocketAA]

I sincerely want to thank everyone so much for their input-- I need to make my decision within 24 hours and this really really does help me. I also must say I am surprised that, as a whole, everyone is leaning towards Miller. I expected about 50/50, if not a preference towards GT. While I am unsure about my specialty, I do have an interest in surgery. Does everyone's preference for Miller reach across the board? By that I mean, if I am interested in surgery, does GT have an edge? I definitely want to welcome more input, and I am going to respond to each post individually below:

I think you need to share more about what you're hoping to get out of a medical school experience and what traits you bring to the table in order for people to really help you more.
IE == speak Spanish? +Miller; ==strong interest in policy? +Georgetown; ==Really want to do research? +Case Western; Want exposure to rural areas/medicine? +UVA; Hate rural areas? +Miller, -UVA ETC!!!!

This is a great analysis of different strengths about each school. I would say my overarching goal is to find the medical school that can give me the best opportunity to grow as a student and a person. To me, this involves giving me the best opportunities to match to top residencies. Research, clinical opportunities, and overall reputation in the medical community are incredibly important for me. Since I am on waitlists at UVA and Case, I am trying not to consider them as viable options, since it isn't necessarily likely that I will be offered an acceptance.

I do speak Spanish well, and I have lived in Miami for four years, so I am aware what to expect if I continue here for medical school. Part of me wants to leave this city, and I think attending GT might give me internal growth and diversity, since I have spent all my life in Florida. However, if Miller is considered the better school and would prepare me best to match highly, I would definitely consider attending there.

I interviewed at both Georgetown and Miami. I was waitlisted at Georgetown but withdrew after being accepted at Miami because I thought it was a better fit. I didn't apply to Case or UVA so I can't speak to them, but if you're speaking strictly academically I would agree that they are generally regarded as "better" schools.

The first thing I noticed at Miami was the huge size of the medical campus and the large amount of specialty centers and types of hospitals; I think this will be a huge asset for shadowing and clinical exposure during preclinical years, the specialty centers offer tons of research opportunities if you're looking to match into a competitive specialty, and I've heard that UMMSOM students are given a ton of responsibility during clerkships that is extremely beneficial when interviewing for residency. I also really liked their community outreach (DOCS) program, things like the Deans's cup and splitting students into houses that create a friendly atmosphere and build comraderie, and all of the students I met seemed genuinely happy. Additionally, I was told that if you want to pursue a dual degree the medical school and associated program will give you a sizable scholarship to reduce the cost of the additional years, which isn't something I've heard offered elsewhere.

Overall, I think you could go to either medical school and match into any residency program in the nation if you did well. I would agree with you that the Georgetown name might carry a little more prestige amongst the general population, but I think that it carries over from the undergrad and isn't necessarily the case in the medical community. I really think it depends on your personality and goals, which one you thought was the best fit, and which environment you think would be most conducive to your personal success. Based on my personality and professional goals that happened to be Miami, but it could be something completely different for you.

I sincerely appreciate your comprehensive post. As someone who interviewed at both schools, I definitely value your opinion and appreciate how nonbiased you were. I admit that before attending GT's second look, I had a preference for Miller as it is my home institution and the transition would be tremendously easy. I also know many students and agree it is a very congenial, yet academic, atmosphere. After attending GT, however, I was surprised how well I felt I fit in there. Students were not as crazy, competitive, and drawn-thin as many portray GT to foster (due to its lack of P/F).

Essentially, everyone I met at Miller's second look had incredible things to say about their school, and everyone I met at GT had reasons why their school was superior to others. I feel I fit in very well at both schools. Do you truly believe both schools are "equal" on an academic playing field? Many others seem to agree that Miller has an edge, and you did choose that school.

Georgetown has that name recognition mostly because of the great law school and basketball program--not really the med school. I would pick UM hands down. Abundant research opportunities, really chill student body, and Miami is awesome.

If you're really looking for most prestigious, then yeah Case and UVA are a notch above UM. UVA and Case both have higher residency director ratings on USNews and historically produce more academic physicians. Also, Case has that Cleveland Clinic affiliation.

I do agree that much of GT's prestige comes from its affiliated schools, and that its medical school is not up to par with its law school and undergrad. If you were to factor out the student body and your preference for Miami as a city, would your decision of Miller over GT change at all? Do you believe that Miller has more, or better, research opportunities than GT? I ask because I do feel I fit in very well at both schools, so I am not using that as a factor as much as others do.

You will get awesome clinical training at Miami. Jackson Memorial Hospital is one of the handful of institutions in the country where the residents are given an unusually large amount of autonomy. Thus, as a med student you will have more opportunities for hands-on experience.

I definitely agree with this, and a major reason I am still strung to Miller is its centralized hospital system. Do you happen to know much about GT to make a direct comparison? I ask because at second look day, a factor that students and faculty seemed to stay hung-up on was that they are given more autonomy during their third year than most other institutions. They made it seem like that was unique to their school, though I understand all schools will attempt to pitch this to their accepted students.

Miami!

Love the enthusiasm! Any particular reasons why you feel strongly about this school over the other? As you can probably tell, this is becoming an incredibly difficult decision for me and I need to consider all that I can.

Maybe for policy or MD/JD, and definitely if you're talking about undergrad institutions. But in the medical world, overall I'd give the edge to Miller.

This is something I was unaware of, and I truly do value your opinion as an attending physician. Do you think the opinion you have varies from person to person, hospital to hospital, or even region to region? Or is it very well agreed upon that Miller has the edge? In other words, I'm not sure if you are involved with recruiting residents, but if you were to see two otherwise equal applicants from GT and Miller, would you give the position to the Miller applicant simply due to his/her school?

I'd go with miami. However, I think Case and UVA are both top notch places so if you get off the waitlist there its definitely worth some serious consideration.

Thanks so much for replying. I've seen your posts before and definitely value some of your opinions. Is there anything in particular that you feel Miller is better at or that GT lacks? I have lived in Miami for 4 years and fit in well at both institutions, so I am trying to factor out lifestyle differences in my decision and base it solely on academic merits.

 

[Willy38]

I sincerely want to thank everyone so much for their input-- I need to make my decision within 24 hours and this really really does help me. I also must say I am surprised that, as a whole, everyone is leaning towards Miller. I expected about 50/50, if not a preference towards GT. While I am unsure about my specialty, I do have an interest in surgery. Does everyone's preference for Miller reach across the board? By that I mean, if I am interested in surgery, does GT have an edge? I definitely want to welcome more input, and I am going to respond to each post individually below:



This is a great analysis of different strengths about each school. I would say my overarching goal is to find the medical school that can give me the best opportunity to grow as a student and a person. To me, this involves giving me the best opportunities to match to top residencies. Research, clinical opportunities, and overall reputation in the medical community are incredibly important for me. Since I am on waitlists at UVA and Case, I am trying not to consider them as viable options, since it isn't necessarily likely that I will be offered an acceptance.

I do speak Spanish well, and I have lived in Miami for four years, so I am aware what to expect if I continue here for medical school. Part of me wants to leave this city, and I think attending GT might give me internal growth and diversity, since I have spent all my life in Florida. However, if Miller is considered the better school and would prepare me best to match highly, I would definitely consider attending there.





I sincerely appreciate your comprehensive post. As someone who interviewed at both schools, I definitely value your opinion and appreciate how nonbiased you were. I admit that before attending GT's second look, I had a preference for Miller as it is my home institution and the transition would be tremendously easy. I also know many students and agree it is a very congenial, yet academic, atmosphere. After attending GT, however, I was surprised how well I felt I fit in there. Students were not as crazy, competitive, and drawn-thin as many portray GT to foster (due to its lack of P/F).

Essentially, everyone I met at Miller's second look had incredible things to say about their school, and everyone I met at GT had reasons why their school was superior to others. I feel I fit in very well at both schools. Do you truly believe both schools are "equal" on an academic playing field? Many others seem to agree that Miller has an edge, and you did choose that school.





I do agree that much of GT's prestige comes from its affiliated schools, and that its medical school is not up to par with its law school and undergrad. If you were to factor out the student body and your preference for Miami as a city, would your decision of Miller over GT change at all? Do you believe that Miller has more, or better, research opportunities than GT? I ask because I do feel I fit in very well at both schools, so I am not using that as a factor as much as others do.





I definitely agree with this, and a major reason I am still strung to Miller is its centralized hospital system. Do you happen to know much about GT to make a direct comparison? I ask because at second look day, a factor that students and faculty seemed to stay hung-up on was that they are given more autonomy during their third year than most other institutions. They made it seem like that was unique to their school, though I understand all schools will attempt to pitch this to their accepted students.





Love the enthusiasm! Any particular reasons why you feel strongly about this school over the other? As you can probably tell, this is becoming an incredibly difficult decision for me and I need to consider all that I can.





This is something I was unaware of, and I truly do value your opinion as an attending physician. Do you think the opinion you have varies from person to person, hospital to hospital, or even region to region? Or is it very well agreed upon that Miller has the edge? In other words, I'm not sure if you are involved with recruiting residents, but if you were to see two otherwise equal applicants from GT and Miller, would you give the position to the Miller applicant simply due to his/her school?





Thanks so much for replying. I've seen your posts before and definitely value some of your opinions. Is there anything in particular that you feel Miller is better at or that GT lacks? I have lived in Miami for 4 years and fit in well at both institutions, so I am trying to factor out lifestyle differences in my decision and base it solely on academic merits.

Lifestyle is definitely important. I think academically both are solid. From my limited understanding as a MS-0 I would say you could match very well from either place. I think UMiami has a little stronger program in general but I would say plastics and derm are probably better in Miami also. Really two great schools though so you can't go wrong.

 

[slamdnkindrummr]

Georgetown has that name recognition mostly because of the great law school and basketball program--not really the med school.

I don't understand why people say this. Their residency match list is awesome. Georgetown has its faults but anyone that goes there must feel confident because Georgetown graduates consistently get into the most prestigious residency programs all over the nation. Whether it is due to name or education doesn't really matter.

UM students match all over the place too, so OP can't go wrong there either.

I sincerely want to thank everyone so much for their input-- I need to make my decision within 24 hours and this really really does help me. I also must say I am surprised that, as a whole, everyone is leaning towards Miller. I expected about 50/50, if not a preference towards GT. While I am unsure about my specialty, I do have an interest in surgery. Does everyone's preference for Miller reach across the board? By that I mean, if I am interested in surgery, does GT have an edge? I definitely want to welcome more input, and I am going to respond to each post individually below:

GT produces a lot of orthopedic surgeons. If you want to be ortho, I heard from students that they will basically tell you what you need to do during medical school to get an ortho residency As for the rest of the surgical specialities, I don't know.

I am on waitlists for GT and USF. For me, GT is the better career option while USF is the better life option (less stress, more time/happiness). UM is not the same as USF, but I think it's a close enough comparison. One of the students at GT actually mentioned friends in Florida medical schools having more free time than him. Miami's match list is really good, so you wouldn't be sacrificing much (if anything) in that regard. I personally would choose UM to enjoy my 4 years of school more.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[PocketAA]

I don't understand why people say this. Their residency match list is awesome. Georgetown has its faults but anyone that goes there must feel confident because Georgetown graduates consistently get into the most prestigious residency programs all over the nation. Whether it is due to name or education doesn't really matter.

UM students match all over the place too, so OP can't go wrong there either.



GT produces a lot of orthopedic surgeons. If you want to be ortho, I heard from students that they will basically tell you what you need to do during medical school to get an ortho residency As for the rest of the surgical specialities, I don't know.

I am on waitlists for GT and USF. For me, GT is the better career option while USF is the better life option (less stress, more time/happiness). UM is not the same as USF, but I think it's a close enough comparison. One of the students at GT actually mentioned friends in Florida medical schools having more free time than him. Miami's match list is really good, so you wouldn't be sacrificing much (if anything) in that regard. I personally would choose UM to enjoy my 4 years of school more.

Good luck with your decision!

I definitely agree that GT has an impressive match list most years, and I am unsure why people tend to be critical of it at times. Ortho is definitely on my radar but I doubt I will be able to decide on a specialty until after my rotations.

Wait lists are definitely tough to endure, but I sincerely hope you get off one at whichever school you desire more! Don't give up hope.