Hofstra vs. Drexel

[rmpruitt]

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Hello Everyone!

So I just got off the waitlist at Hofstra and would love to hear some other people's opinions! I'm somewhat leaning one way, but I hope that I'm not making a mistake.

Drexel:

I went to the revisit day and loved the people that I met there. I loved that it was in Philadelphia, because a part of me has always wanted to live in a big city. In many ways choosing Drexel would be easy for me, I already have plans to room with someone, I've visited the school multiple times, and I've liked what I've seen. The curriculum and student oportunities are what I would want out of a med school (option to do PBL based curriculum, which I like, student clinics, older school meaning more traditions etc.) I was and still am very happy with it. I could see myself going here, which is what makes the decision more difficult.

Hofstra:

When I interviewed there I honestly fell in love with the school, the curriculum sounded amazing, and I think that overall the administrators and faculty did a pretty impressive job of wooing the applicants. I mean lets face it, each student has 5 physician mentors from 5 different specialties for which they are their one and only medical student. I haven't heard of that anywhere else. You get to deliver a baby in your first year! You are trained and work as full fledged EMTs! The clinical experiences seemed unparalleled. Also the financial package makes Hofstra close to 20K a year cheaper.

I guess I'm just intimidated because its a new school (not to beat a dead horse, because just about every one else who is considering Hofstra has expressed the same sentiment). I'm originally from California, and would like the option to return for residency if I choose to. I have no doubt that Hofstra Alums will match well in NY, but across the coast I'm scared that people will think "Hofstra? What's that?"



So if you were in my position which would you choose? Has anyone here decided between these two schools? Which factors did you consider?

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

TL;DR- Hofstra seems awesome, but I'm scurred.

 

[Hoya2009]

PM me if you'd like to talk more about Hofstra; I'd be happy to.

 

[india45]

GO Hofstra!! They will make sure you match exceptionally well for residency and it's close enough to see NYC which is much better than Phili. I don't know the financial aid you were given but if that doesn't weigh in go to hofstra it's the better school and they will take care of you

 

[Slack3r]

Drexel's curriculum is pretty ****ty. Not integrated schedule, so you end up having multiple tests every couple weeks. Not really in the city (about 20 minutes from Center City, aka the only part of Philly worth being in. Hofstra seems to be gaining ground while Drexel seems pretty stagnant. Not to mention North-Shore LIJ hospital network is great.

 

[givesmegas]

As a recent graduate of Drexel, I can honestly say that I really appreciated the curriculum. The systems/disease-based organization is very appropriate when it comes to actual clinical medicine given the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of disease processes. I realized it during 3rd and 4th year clinical rotations. In terms of the exam schedule, yeah you will have tests every couple weeks, but it's not unmanageable and this is medical school (majority of schools I interviewed at had similar exam frequency).

Not going to get into the Philly vs NYC debate, but a) 15-20 min shuttle ride is no big deal, b) you can easily live in the city like a fair amount of students do.

I don't know how Slack3r is gauging the schools, but I've seen some great growth from Drexel University/Med over the past 4 years. Drexel Med has a large hospital network between PA and NJ, and if you are interested in going back to CA, Kaiser in Oakland will be a clinical rotation site starting next year. We have a large contingent of Cali/West Coast students (as most schools do) and this year almost all made it back that wanted to.

 

[kautionwirez]

I'd pick Hofstra because of their resources and clinical experience.

This is coming from someone who is on the waitlist to both.

And people know about the North Shore LIJ Heath System.

 

[theWUbear]

And people know about the North Shore LIJ Heath System.

Med students have been doing clinicals in this system, a fact that alleviates concerns about Hofstra being a new school. Recommendations from the faculty of LIJ will be well received

 

[spezimdoc]

IMHO, the value of a med school's network can't be overemphasized when it comes down to residency interviews and match.

 

[tnns]

You may be interested in the discussion that's happening on the Hofstra page too - current students have offered to offer their opinion there: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=823921&page=16