gw vs pennstate, current students please help

[lela13]

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hi all, i posted this on the pre md board, but then i realized it might be worth more to hear from people who love it or hate it at either one of these schools... I totally think both are great schools, which is why i can not make up my mind... any thoughts would be appreciated. 😕

 

[BlackPuma]

do this...I've told other pple....write the +s and -s for each school...and I walk you through it 😀

 

[lela13]

okay tell me if i'm doing this right:

I'm a city person, so gw gets a +s, but it might be nice to be able to live in a quite place ( pennstate +s). i'm adaptable, so its not as much of n issue. gw has older and hence, not as nice, facilities ( -s) but it does have a more diverse population (+s) , I think. I have friends in DC ( +s ). DC is much more expensive ( -s). I realize that penn state is not that far from civ., especially with a car, but realistically, I probably would not take a train to go to philly, dc, or new york more than once in the four years (-s). hmmm, I wish one school was drastically better than the other, then my decision would be easier... okay did I do this right, thank you for your help... is my bablind indicative of anything?

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

 

[BlackPuma]

Ok lets do this one by one..

GWU
city person +
diverse population +
friends in dc +
not nice facilities -
More expensive -

Penn state
quiet environment +
better facilities +
not far from civ +
cheaper +
wont take train -

ok so far, if i added up correctly, GWU gets 1+ while Penn state got +3

so u tell me? 🙂

I'm a city person, so gw gets a +s, but it might be nice to be able to live in a quite place ( pennstate +s). i'm adaptable, so its not as much of n issue. gw has older and hence, not as nice, facilities ( -s) but it does have a more diverse population (+s) , I think. I have friends in DC ( +s ). DC is much more expensive ( -s). I realize that penn state is not that far from civ., especially with a car, but realistically, I probably would not take a train to go to philly, dc, or new york more than once in the four years (-s). hmmm, I wish one school was drastically better than the other, then my decision would be easier... okay did I do this right, thank you for your help... is my bablind indicative of anything?

 

[lela13]

thanks watcha, i'll keep you posted... 🙂

 

[Anath]

GWU might have older facilities in terms of classrooms (one of the -s I had with GW also). HOWEVER, it is going to have a BRAND NEW HOSPITAL! It should be awesome -- and it's going to be paperless also -- supposedly, things will become more efficient this way.

To counter your "expensive" comment -- Yes, housing is expensive. BUT, you have friends there, so get an apt with them, if not this year, then next year. Split the rent. Go get apartment guides and look at the rent for 2 or 3 bedrooms and see how much it'll be if you split it. You could maybe get a 3 bedroom for $1200-1500 in arlington (some might even be cheaper... depends on your tastes in terms of luxury). Anyhoo -- that would be $400-$500 for you individually. That really isn't that much in terms of budget. hehe -- I'm from Arlington, so I know the area.

Also, there are numerous sites where you can look for roommates (ie, roommate.com or go to the apartment guide on washingtonpost.com) or people who have an apt and need a roommate. Arlington is VERY metro accessible. You won't even need a car. Yay Arlington!

 

[genieinabottle]

Well, it's true the classrooms are not the newest, but it's not like it has any impact on the learning. And I do agree the new hospital is going to be awesome. That thing went up in no time and I am really happy that things are going to be on schedule with it. DC is a great city to live in. I think you would be very happy here. As for the cost, yes, it is very expensive to live in FOggy Bottom but you can get a roommate. I lived in FB with a roommate last year and it worked out great, probably because I think I LIVED in Ross Hall, but that's another story. This Fall I am living in a studio alone. Like the previous poster said, No. VA is great but if you get a good deal in Foggy Bottom I would totally recommend living close by, especially in your first two years when you are in Ross Hall like 24/7. Good luck with your decision!