How important is location to you?

[Signifier]

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I see this question has been asked before, but I am re-asking it.

I come from Oregon, which I unabashedly consider among the most beautiful places on earth. I am applying in June, and my school list certainly includes OHSU, but spans the entire U.S.

I look at my list and I see schools like Mayo- a school I would love to go to, but located in chilly Minnesota. Or Case Western, another wonderful school, but in the not-that-appetizing region of Cleveland. (I mean no insult to Cleveland fans 🙂) Other examples abound.

How does location weigh in with research, reputation, curriculum, selectivity, etc., in your ideal selections for med school?

 

[StudyShy]

Minnesota is beautiful too. You got the Mississippi river not too far away and Minnehaha Falls (there's a cavern behind the falls, BTW)!

Minnesota is being infiltrated with migrant workers, so you'll also be graced by cute, cherub Mexican babies.

Oh, and they have the world capital of . No lie. I've been there.

That being said, I'm totally applying to University of Minnesota and to Mayo.

Just be wary of their bridges. You don't want to die trying to get to school.

 

[Frazier]

I would go to any state/city in the US if accepted to a true P/F school.

*Edit: Except perhaps if it was in the city of Pittsburgh.

 

[juliedi]

Location was definitely a huge factor for me. I knew I'd want to go to school in/near a big city on the east coast, so those are pretty much the only schools I applied to. (Other than the schools in my home state, but I really didn't want to stay here for med school.)

 

[deleted307836]

I would go to any state in the US is accepted to a true P/F school.

+1

And without required lecture attendance.

 

[StudyShy]

+1

And without required lecture attendance.

Lecture is hot! I can't wait until lecture.

 

[StudyShy]

I honestly think every place in he world has something cool to offer. So, even if the only school that accepted me was in my least favorite city/state, I'd still go.
But that being said, I would probably turn down any school if I was accepted to one in NYC. But if I were to move, I'd be cool too. 🙂

How about Detroit? For realz. 😀

 

[Signifier]

I think I have a different take on location than many of you... I really do not want to be in a big city, and if I must be, I hope to hell that nature is accessible and nearby.

I would go crazy in NYC. 🙂

 

[StudyShy]

How about KY? You can be in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. 🙂

 

[StudyShy]

good point 😛 but still...

Red lights mean go slow don't stop in Deeetroit, ya, ya! 🙂

Same for Toledo....er probably anywhere in Ohio.

 

[FloridaMedicine]

Minnesota is beautiful too. You got the Mississippi river not too far away and Minnehaha Falls (there's a cavern behind the falls, BTW)!

Minnesota is being infiltrated with migrant workers, so you'll also be graced by cute, cherub Mexican babies.

Oh, and they have the world capital of . No lie. I've been there.

That being said, I'm totally applying to University of Minnesota and to Mayo.

Just be wary of their bridges. You don't want to die trying to get to school.

LMAO 😕 That was so random lol

 

[StudyShy]

LMAO 😕 That was so random lol

I have strange proclivities, one of which is the state of Minnesota. 😀

I don't like .

 

[mauberley]

How does location weigh in with research, reputation, curriculum, selectivity, etc., in your ideal selections for med school?

It's the first filter I applied when selecting schools to apply to. I didn't want to start all over again in a new place, so I looked at areas of the country I was already familiar with.

 

[333926]

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[FloridaMedicine]

I have strange proclivities, one of which is the state of Minnesota. 😀

I don't like .

i see..lol +1 on the not liking spam thing though

 

[StudyShy]

i see..lol +1 on the not liking spam thing though

My mom fed my two-year-old the other day, and I almost ed.

It must be genetics because my grandfather-in-law worked in the factory after WWII.

 

[WingedOx]

Red lights mean go slow don't stop in Deeetroit, ya, ya! 🙂

Same for Toledo....er probably anywhere in Ohio.

Ignoring the Tax Collecting Ohio Turnpike Patrol... Midwestern drivers > all other drivers. If you're driving less than 80 in the left lane you deserve to be flipped off. (I'm looking at you, southerners!)

 

[mauberley]

Ignoring the Tax Collecting Ohio Turnpike Patrol... Midwestern drivers > all other drivers. If you're driving less than 80 in the left lane you deserve to be flipped off. (I'm looking at you, southerners!)

You haven't driven much in Wisconsin, then.

 

[WingedOx]

As the interviewer reminded me at one of my top choices, location isn't important since you'll be too busy studying in med school for it to matter where you're at.

This interviewer is giving you a load of ****.

Location isn't a big factor, instead the fit with the student body, the cost, curriculum, and the mission of the school, are far more significant.

though this is pretty much true.... except the mission part.

 

[FloridaMedicine]

My mom fed my two-year-old the other day, and I almost ed.

It must be genetics because my grandfather-in-law worked in the factory after WWII.

Soon this thread will be about spam only. Lol on a serious note thats actually pretty ironic but funny.

 

[StudyShy]

Ignoring the Tax Collecting Ohio Turnpike Patrol... Midwestern drivers > all other drivers. If you're driving less than 80 in the left lane you deserve to be flipped off. (I'm looking at you, southerners!)

Must drive at least 90 on I-75.

 

[StudyShy]

Soon this thread will be about spam only. Lol on a serious note thats actually pretty ironic but funny.

is an URM. 🙂

 

[333926]

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[n3xa]

I plan on studying a lot in med school but not to the point were I wouldn't be able to go out on a weekend night or after a big exam, where location would play a role (albeit small). And by mission, I meant if the school is research heavy or not.

Well if it's in a not-so-nice neighborhood, I would be concerned with on campus police and their policy on escorting students to their cars late at night and whatnot.

Other than that, I can deal. I moved to WI from CA for graduate school so the cold isn't a problem, but the low-crime thing was awesome. It amazed me to see people jogging late at night like it was no big deal (I've been chased down in broad daylight in SF)!

 

[mvenus929]

As the interviewer reminded me at one of my top choices, location isn't important since you'll be too busy studying in med school for it to matter where you're at. Location isn't a big factor, instead the fit with the student body, the cost, curriculum, and the mission of the school, are far more significant.

To echo those before me, that is BS. Your life should not revolve around medical school. Yes, you'll be busy, and yes you'll probably be busier than you have been in your life thus far, but med school should not be your life. You will want to get out and away from it sometimes, trust me.

Not to say that the student body isn't also important. Cost and mission of the school are moderately important (you're going to be in a lot of debt either way, unless you have some really nice parents, and the mission of all the schools is pretty much the same).

Curriculum... again, moderately important. All med schools have to teach certain things in order to be licensed. Sure, you might want to go to a systems based school rather than one with a traditional curriculum, but you'll be teaching yourself most of it anyway no matter what.

 

[rhesuspieces]

Just be wary of their bridges. You don't want to die trying to get to school.

Too soon

 

[StudyShy]

Too soon

You guys have beautiful roads. I was so sad when the bridge went down. 🙁

 

[333926]

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[Signifier]

My question for a place would be this. At any given moment when I can escape lab and lecture and the necessity of study, can I drive not-too-far and find myself in nature? "True" nature, not a dissected and manufactured park in the midst of smog and muck? If I can, then the location is a long way toward making me happy 🙂

I do disagree with the idea that during med school, you'll be so busy studying that where you are won't really matter (hell, you could be in a sealed white cube floating a mile above Scranton! Why not?). Location was a big deal for a lot of PhD's I've talked with about graduate school (granted, that is graduate school, but I think it's a valid comparison).

StudyShy - I do appreciate hearing about Minnesota's natural beauty, thank you! I don't know about KY, though - what medical schools are out there that are friendly to out-of-staters?


Keep the conversation going, guys.

 

[Barcu]

I will echo the comment that location should act as a filter. Don't go to school somewhere you don't want to live. End of story.

If you love nature, consider Colorado! Though, pretty difficult to get if OOS and not from Cali 🙂

 

[mdquestion]

Location is a huge deal. Despite rumors, you have plenty of free time your first two years in medical school. And even a bit in your last year (MS4=relax time). Certainly you need a good list of match and back-up schools....but don't apply anyplace you wouldn't want to live in for 4 years.

 

[Champaigne]

Location is a huge deal. Despite rumors, you have plenty of free time your first two years in medical school. And even a bit in your last year (MS4=relax time). Certainly you need a good list of match and back-up schools....but don't apply anyplace you wouldn't want to live in for 4 years.

Location is absolutely one of my top deciding factors. I'll also factor in cost, the feel of the school, and the curriculum. But IMO liking the place you live goes a long way towards staying happy.

Furthermore, from what I've heard, you are most likely to get into a residency program at one of the hospitals you rotated through during clinicals, something about the residency programs being familiar with you. I don't know how true this is, but was told so by an MS4 when interviewing. Anyway, if this is the case, then choosing a medical school in a city you like becomes even more important because it could conceivably be your home for upwards of 8 years.

 

[mvenus929]

My question for a place would be this. At any given moment when I can escape lab and lecture and the necessity of study, can I drive not-too-far and find myself in nature? "True" nature, not a dissected and manufactured park in the midst of smog and muck? If I can, then the location is a long way toward making me happy 🙂

Check out UVA. We're right on the edge of two national parks, and people frequently take day trips to go hiking. And there's skiing somewhere, but considering the mountains here aren't really mountains (I'm from Colorado), I won't judge the quality of skiing.

If you love nature, consider Colorado! Though, pretty difficult to get if OOS and not from Cali 🙂

CO is hard to get to IS, let alone OOS (may not apply to RVU, but considering this is pre-allo, we'll ignore that). While the area is beautiful, I wouldn't consider Denver part of 'nature', and you'd have to drive a good hour or so to find someplace really good to be in 'nature'.

 

[dbeast]

I see this question has been asked before, but I am re-asking it.

I come from Oregon, which I unabashedly consider among the most beautiful places on earth. I am applying in June, and my school list certainly includes OHSU, but spans the entire U.S.

I look at my list and I see schools like Mayo- a school I would love to go to, but located in chilly Minnesota. Or Case Western, another wonderful school, but in the not-that-appetizing region of Cleveland. (I mean no insult to Cleveland fans 🙂) Other examples abound.

How does location weigh in with research, reputation, curriculum, selectivity, etc., in your ideal selections for med school?

 

[Barcu]

CO is hard to get to IS, let alone OOS (may not apply to RVU, but considering this is pre-allo, we'll ignore that). While the area is beautiful, I wouldn't consider Denver part of 'nature', and you'd have to drive a good hour or so to find someplace really good to be in 'nature'.

Good points. Denver is not "nature," and unfortunately, the med school is on the wrong side of Denver (aka east). But "nature" is certainly accessible and well worth the trip.

And it is very hard to get into OOS, but worth a shot I guess, especially if you are from the west and want nature. Unfortunately, most med schools seem to be back east and in major cities. Though, living in MD for a while, I know that the east has it's fair share of nice natural escapes.

 

[Buttermellow]

Location is very important to me. I was raised in the midwest, and I love it here. I will apply to schools outside the region, but really I hope to stay in-state.

I don't want to go too far north either, I hate the cold.

 

[Ursa]

No. Anywhere you get accepted will be your favorite location. I promise.

 

[TACMON]

I'm planning on staying in my home state since it's much cheaper. And while that won't convince much, I still think it's important to factor cost. Unless you're going to a top 20 school, I don't see the point to spend almost double in some cases....imo

 

[enTropeeeeeeeee]

I see this question has been asked before, but I am re-asking it.

I come from Oregon, which I unabashedly consider among the most beautiful places on earth. I am applying in June, and my school list certainly includes OHSU, but spans the entire U.S.

I look at my list and I see schools like Mayo- a school I would love to go to, but located in chilly Minnesota. Or Case Western, another wonderful school, but in the not-that-appetizing region of Cleveland. (I mean no insult to Cleveland fans 🙂) Other examples abound.

How does location weigh in with research, reputation, curriculum, selectivity, etc., in your ideal selections for med school?

If the moon is where I'm required to go. The moon is where I will go.

 

[Frazier]

If the moon is where I'm required to go. The moon is where I will go.

I'd go to the moon for some true P/F... but the commute would prob get old after a couple trips.

 

[StudyShy]

I'd go to the moon for some true P/F... but the commute would prob get old after a couple trips.

P/F would be too good to be true. I wouldn't know what to do with myself.

 

[goldenwest]

I ate for breakfast this morning. No lies. Also, location is one of the largest factors for me in med school decisions - top 3 factors I'd say.

 

[yojimmy]

i'm going to undergrad in a cold, cloudy area-- which i've come to increasingly hate-- so when i heard i got accepted at a warm place i was so happy. i get to go to school in my slippers if i wanted, i don't have to put a jacket on, and i get lots of sun. all that little stuff matters to me, like waking up to sunshine in the morning. yeah, the quality of the school matters, but when i need to relax and get a life (and i need lots of it-- i'm a study hard, play hard kind of guy) i know i can go out and get it real fast. this is 4 years of my life, practically half of my twenties, i need to live in a city that will let me enjoy it.

 

[StudyShy]

I ate for breakfast this morning. No lies. Also, location is one of the largest factors for me in med school decisions - top 3 factors I'd say.

There is just something about in a can to make the day start off right. 🙂

 

[Overmjnd]

I'd say it's a toss up between P/F and location in a sunny, beachy area. I grew up a block from the beach for 18 years, then away to college in a cold, desolate place, and now I would do (almost) anything to go back...