Jefferson vs. Georgetown

[wmc]

I'm having trouble deciding between Jefferson and Georgetown. I went to Georgetown as an undergrad, but I'm originally from Philly and am familiar with/love both areas. I know that Georgetown is ranked higher for research, but I am more interested in the clinical aspect.

Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[handedness]

I haven't seen Jeff's match list (so I could be completely wrong,) but I have the feeling that Gtowns is a ton better. Especially if you're interested in being the best clinician you can be, my impulse is to say HOYA SAXA.

 

[wmc]

GEORGETOWN
Anesthesiology:
NYP - Weill Cornell Med Ctr
Mayo - Rochester MN
Stanford
Dartmouth
UCLA Medical Ctr
UCSF
Northwestern University
University of Pittsburgh Med Ctr
University of Chicago
UC San Diego
Thomas Jefferson Univ - PA
Brooke Army Med Ctr


Diagnostic Radiology:
Georgetown (x2)
BI Deaconess Med Ctr - MA
UCSF
UCLA Medical Ctr
Mt. Sinai Hospital - NY
University of Maryland
Univ. of North Carolina
Temple University

Emergency Medicine:
Washington Hospital Center (x3)
St. Lukes Roosevelt - NY (x2)
Stanford
University of Chicago
BI Deaconess Med Ctr - MA
George Washington University
Univ. of Massachusetts
University of Cincinnati - OH
Drexel University
UMDNJ -RW Johnson
Advocate Christ Medical Center -IL
Eastern VA Medical School
Resurrection Med Ctr - IL
Alameda Co Med Ctr - CA
Advocate Christ Medical Center -IL
San Antonio Military Medical Center

Family Medicine:
Einstein - NY (x3)
Swedish Medical Center - WA (x3)
Univ. of North Carolina (x2)
UCLA Medical Ctr
Group Health Coop - WA
Univ. of Colorado - Denver
Mtn Area Health Ed Ctr - NC
Jamaica Hosp Med Ctr - NY
Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa
Exempla St. Joseph Hospital - CO
Providence Hospital - DC

General Surgery:
Univ. of Massachusetts (x2)
Barnes - Jewish Hospital (WUSTL)
University of Alabama
Southern Illionis School of Medicine
Boston University
Univ. of Minnesota
Naval Med Ctr - VA
University of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson Univ - PA
North Shore - LIJ - NY

Internal Medicine:
Georgetown (x8)
Mt. Sinai Hospital - NY (x4)
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center- CA (x2)
Yale (x2)
Univ. of Colorado - Denver (x2)
BI Deaconess Med Ctr - MA (x3)
Duke University
Massachusetts Gen Hospital
Mayo - Rochester MN
University of Chicago
University of Virginia
UCLA Medical Ctr
Case Western University - OH
Northwestern University
University of Rochester
University of Washington
West Virginia University
Wright Patterson AFB
University of Arizona
Naval Med Ctr - VA
National Capital Consortium - MD
Rush University - IL
Washington Hospital Center
NY Hosp Med Ctr Queens
Virginia Mason Med Ctr - WA
Ohio State University Med Ctr
Lenox Hill Hospital - NY
Greenville Hospital System
North Shore - LIJ - NY

Medicine - Dermatology
Univ. of Minnesota
Washington Hospital Center

Medicine - Pediatrics:
Christiana Care - DE
Baystate Med Ctr - MA
Rush University - IL

Neurological Surgery:
Univ. of Minnesota
University of Virginia
Cleveland Clinic - OH

Neurology:
Georgetown (x2)
Mt. Sinai Hospital - NY (x2)
UCLA Medical Ctr
Einstein - NY

OBGYN:
Einstein - NY
Univ. of Tennessee
Mt. Sinai Hospital - NY
Washington Hospital Center
Washington Hospital Center

Ophthalmology:
University of Florida
University of Texas - Galveston
Georgetown

Orthopaedic Surgery:
Georgetown (x2)
Mayo - Rochester MN
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Northwestern University
Stanford
Univ. of Massachusetts
Hershey Med Ctr. Penn State
Monmouth Medical Ctr - NJ
Albert Einstein Med Ctr - PA
SUNY Stony Brook
Lenox Hill Hospital - NY

Otolaryngology:
Georgetown
Mass. General Eye and Ear Infirmary
Northwestern University
Univ. of Utah

Pathology:
Northwestern University

Pediatrics:
Georgetown (x3)
NYP - Weill Cornell Med Ctr (x3)
Northwestern University (x2)
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Yale
UCSF
Case Western University - OH
University of Minnesota
Baystate Med Ctr - MA
St. Louis Univ. SOM
Advocate Christ Medical Center -IL
Kaiser Permanente - Southern CA
Loma Linda University - CA

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation:
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Northwestern University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Loma Linda University - CA

Psychiatry:
NYP - Columbia University
Massachusetts Gen Hospital
University of Southern California
Georgetown
Mt. Sinai Hospital - NY
Johns Hopkins Hospital
George Washington University

Urology:
University of Toledo
Georgetown

JEFFERSON
Anesthesia (14)
Chicago
Dartmouth
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
JHU
Loyola
Northwestern
PennState
Rush
Upenn
Yale

Derm(4)
Geisinger
Henry Ford
Jefferson
Jefferson

EM (16)
Alabama
Christiana
Christiana
Christiana
Drexel
Einstein
Florida
Geisinger
Jefferson
Mt. Sinai
Stony Brook
Temple
UCLA
UMDNJ-Camden
VCU
WVU

Family Med (22)
Abington
Abington
Army
Aultman
Banner Good
Christiana
Crozer
Greater Lawrence
Hawaii
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Lancaster
Lancaster
Latrobe
Oregon
Pitt
UC Davis
UCSF
Upenn
Wisconsin

FM/EM (2)
Christiana
Toronto

IM (47)
Baylor
Boston U
Brown
Cal Pacific
Chicago
Chicago
Colorado
Cornell
Cornell
Dartmouth
Drexel
Einstein-NY
Emory
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Kaiser
Lehigh
Loma Linda
Maryland
Maryland
Maryland
Mayo
Northwestern
PennState
Pitt
Rochester
Rush
Scripps
Scripps
Scripps
Tufts
Tufts
Tulane
U Mich
UCSD
Upenn
UVA
Yale

Med/Peds (2)
Baylor
Ohio State

IM-Primary (2)
Brown
Upenn

Neurology (4)
Jackson
Jefferson
Jefferson
UCLA

Neurosurgery (2)
NYU
Temple

OB/GYN (7)
Good Samaritan
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
St. Luke's
Tulane
U Mass

Ophtho (10)
Georgetown
NY Eye and Ear
NYMC
NYU
SUNY-Downstate
SUNY-Downstate
Temple
Wills Eye
Wills Eye
Yale

Oral Maxillary (2)
Jefferson
Jefferson

Orthopedics (7)
Allegheny
Army
Drexel
GW
Jefferson
Special Surgery
Upenn

Otolaryn (7)
Boston U
Einstein-NY
Jefferson
Mayo
SUNY-Upstate
U Roch
Upenn

Pathology (9)
Cornell
Drexel
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Northwestern
U Mich
U Wash
Wisconsin

Peds (16)
Baylor
Case
Children's-DC
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Maryland
National-DC
Northwestern
Sacred heart
St. Christopher
St. Christopher
Toronto
U Minn
Uconn
UT-Houston

Peds/Psych (1)
Pitt

Peds-Primary (1)
Children's-DC

Plastic Surgery (2)
Utah
UVA

Psych (11)
Brown
Einstein
Jackson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Stanford
Temple
Temple
U Roch
UMDNJ-Piscataway
Yale

Rad-Dx (13)
Allegheny
Deaconess
Einstein
Geisinger
Maryland
Mercy
Pitt
Santa Barbara
SUNY-Brooklyn
U Mich
U Roch
UNC
Wisconsin

Radiation Onc (2)
Baylor
Jefferson

Surgery-Gen (15)
Allegheny
Army
Barnes-Jewish
Chicago
Christiana
Jefferson
Lankenau
Maimonides
Pitt-NC
St. Luke's
SUNY-Upstate
Toronto
U Mich
Union
UVA

Urology (8)
Einstein-NY
GW
Jefferson
Jefferson
MGH
UC Davis
Vandy
Washington..

 

[mdeast]

I really didn't like Georgetown. I thought the whole Jesuit philosophy was played up so much, but I didn't see it actually apparent in anything. Most of the admins we met seemed kind of cold, rude, etc. I'm from Philly as well, and I'd personally pick Jeff. G-town had pre-clinical grades and everyone seemed sort of competitive. I also didn't like that post-bacs took classes with you...so your lectures become 400 students large.

Jeff has better facilities, P/F, it's in an area of the city that's more fun than G-town and doesn't really require a car. I think in general Philly >> DC to be a young person in. I think Jeff's match list is decent, and it has a huge alumni network that helps.

We're talking about smaller differences in ranking too. 42 vs. 59. Once you're above 40 it doesn't matter too much. Even quantitatively, Jeff students are slightly higher stats wise 3.62 (G-town) vs. 3.65 (jeff) GPA. Average MCAT is 31.5 at both places.

 

[Forsberg]

Yeah and lets not forget that Gtown's facilities look older than the ones in my high school...I mean c'mon now.

This paired with my unenthusiastic tour guide and students i met equaled an immediate withdrawal after I got home from my interview

 

[mdeast]

Yeah and lets not forget that Gtown's facilities look older than the ones in my high school...I mean c'mon now.

This paired with my unenthusiastic tour guide and students i met equaled an immediate withdrawal after I got home from my interview

Me too! Not immediate, but I actually ended withdrawing a day or two after my acceptance (because I was lucky enough to have another acceptance at that point). It's weird, because after writing that essay I thought I was going to love it there.

And yeah, their facilities are terrible compared to Jeff's. Both the hospital and the educational space.

Not trying to bash G-town in every way...it was just one of the two schools (Einstein being the other) that rubbed me the wrong way this cycle.

 

[wmc]

I'm so happy to hear all of your responses. I 100% agree with everything said, and am going to pick Jefferson. I am just really hesitant to turn down Georgetown because it technically is the higher ranked school. I like Jeff better in general and despite the rankings think that they train better clinicians (from what Ive been exposed to). I also think that a lot of people are biased when they hear the Georgetown name, because its bolstered by the undergrad and law schools.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Legacy87]

I, too, get that weird look from people when I tell them I'm going to turn down Gtown for uvm. Oh well. It is I who is going through this long journey, not them.

 

[canada1311]

I'm so happy to hear all of your responses. I 100% agree with everything said, and am going to pick Jefferson. I am just really hesitant to turn down Georgetown because it technically is the higher ranked school. I like Jeff better in general and despite the rankings think that they train better clinicians (from what Ive been exposed to). I also think that a lot of people are biased when they hear the Georgetown name, because its bolstered by the undergrad and law schools.

Thanks for the feedback!

Keep a few things in mind:

1) There's a lot of controversy over the rankings, and it does seem like the majority of SDNers feel as though rankings might reflect a general trend in prestige, and so should not form the basis of a decision between two similar schools. I would argue that the difference between 42 vs. 59 might, in fact, be completely meaningless.

2) In any case, the rankings you cite are "research" rankings...if Georgetown had an edge in research (hypothetically), Jefferson may still have equal or superior clinical training (Jeff, keep in mind, has a large focus on clinical experience and training).

Bottom line: go to a school and city that you think you'll be more comfortable in (unless there are large cost differences, which doesn't seem to be the case here), and don't let the editors at US News tell you otherwise. According to every doctor I know, you will be the biggest factor for success, not (with some expcetions) the name of your school, so go where you're more likely to excel. I'm also accepted at Jefferson, BTW, and am pretty pumped for it. See you there?

 

[canada1311]

I, too, get that weird look from people when I tell them I'm going to turn down Gtown for uvm. Oh well. It is I who is going through this long journey, not them.

Actually, I've only heard great things about UVM's program and campus, and unfortunately got turned down by them 2 years ago (they now no longer accept internationals, so I didn't re-apply). On the other hand, I've heard mixed things about Georgetown (I'm not passing judgement, just passing on what I've heard).

 

[wmc]

Keep a few things in mind:

1) There's a lot of controversy over the rankings, and it does seem like the majority of SDNers feel as though rankings might reflect a general trend in prestige, and so should not form the basis of a decision between two similar schools. I would argue that the difference between 42 vs. 59 might, in fact, be completely meaningless.

2) In any case, the rankings you cite are "research" rankings...if Georgetown had an edge in research (hypothetically), Jefferson may still have equal or superior clinical training (Jeff, keep in mind, has a large focus on clinical experience and training).

Bottom line: go to a school and city that you think you'll be more comfortable in (unless there are large cost differences, which doesn't seem to be the case here), and don't let the editors at US News tell you otherwise. According to every doctor I know, you will be the biggest factor for success, not (with some expcetions) the name of your school, so go where you're more likely to excel. I'm also accepted at Jefferson, BTW, and am pretty pumped for it. See you there?

yup!! Jefferson it is.

 

[moto_za]

I'm so happy to hear all of your responses. I 100% agree with everything said, and am going to pick Jefferson. I am just really hesitant to turn down Georgetown because it technically is the higher ranked school. I like Jeff better in general and despite the rankings think that they train better clinicians (from what Ive been exposed to). I also think that a lot of people are biased when they hear the Georgetown name, because its bolstered by the undergrad and law schools.

Thanks for the feedback!

I agree with everything that has been said and speaking from experience you are making the right choice by attending Jeff. Don't let Gtown's name fool you.

 

[MacBookMD]

have you considered curriculum?

I cannot comment on Jefferson's but I think Georgetown's is phenomenal. Their course breakdown and system's based style was honestly my favorite of any school I have looked at. Oyes, well, probably wont apply to you as a Georgetown alumn, but, a med student can take any undergrad class free of charge.

Have you considered chances to engage with the community in which you are living?

Again, cannot comment on Jefferson, but this is one aspect i found particularly appealing about Georgetown. From the second look day, one of the biggest advantages to going to Georgetown is the chance to do anything between year one and two, including working for the NIH or govt.

 

[MacBookMD]

It also depends what you are interested in, from talking with students at Georgetown it seems the school is focused getting you the residency you want. I have heard several 2nd years say Georgetown is more specialist heavy.

From looking at Jeff's match list, it seems it is more centered on primary care

 

[escesc]

have you considered curriculum?

I cannot comment on Jefferson's but I think Georgetown's is phenomenal. Their course breakdown and system's based style was honestly my favorite of any school I have looked at. Oyes, well, probably wont apply to you as a Georgetown alumn, but, a med student can take any undergrad class free of charge.

Have you considered chances to engage with the community in which you are living?

Again, cannot comment on Jefferson, but this is one aspect i found particularly appealing about Georgetown. From the second look day, one of the biggest advantages to going to Georgetown is the chance to do anything between year one and two, including working for the NIH or govt.

Regarding course breakdown you will soon find out that it is disorganized at Georgetown and you will be having multiple lecturers for each topic which you will have to adapt to each instructors learning style.

In addition, the h/hp/p/lp system causes more competition than necessary and less time to focus your studying towards the boards.
Not sure what you are talking about talking undergrad classes??

Regarding community, you can do that anywhere plus you will have hardly anytime outside of your studies to get involved in.

 

[escesc]

It also depends what you are interested in, from talking with students at Georgetown it seems the school is focused getting you the residency you want. I have heard several 2nd years say Georgetown is more specialist heavy.

From looking at Jeff's match list, it seems it is more centered on primary care

Getting the residency you want only depends on you and not the school. Trust me. It is true though that Gtown is more specialist heavy and that is bc the students are not only very competitive, but also would like to pay off all the debt they are in from going to Gtrown and living in DC.

 

[vitty]

Getting the residency you want only depends on you and not the school. Trust me. It is true though that Gtown is more specialist heavy and that is bc the students are not only very competitive, but also would like to pay off all the debt they are in from going to Gtrown and living in DC.

so I take it you don't like gtown.... were/are you a current student or SMP?

 

[AyCaramba]

wow. Lotta gtown hate on here. I really enjoyed my interview there a lot, whereas other people hated it. Definitely one of the divisive schools, and the school actually doesn't seem to mind it. They know that it won't be for everyone.

I know you've already chosen Jeff (which I'm glad for, since I'm on the waitlist at Georgetown), but for others considering this choice, don't get too overwhelmed by the comments here. SDN people generally seem to have a hardon (pardon the expression) for Jeff and a good deal of bitterness toward Georgetown, so I'm not too surprised... But notice that the poll on this thread is 50/50. Just goes to show the most vocal ones are the most polarized.

 

[vitty]

wow. Lotta gtown hate on here. I really enjoyed my interview there a lot, whereas other people hated it. Definitely one of the divisive schools, and the school actually doesn't seem to mind it. They know that it won't be for everyone.

I know you've already chosen Jeff (which I'm glad for, since I'm on the waitlist at Georgetown), but for others considering this choice, don't get too overwhelmed by the comments here. SDN people generally seem to have a hardon (pardon the expression) for Jeff and a good deal of bitterness toward Georgetown, so I'm not too surprised... But notice that the poll on this thread is 50/50. Just goes to show the most vocal ones are the most polarized.

I am glad someone else likes gtown too. It was by far my best interview experience and after that it was my top choice. I think they have a lot to offer and really want people who embrace their mission statement. I don't know why people on sdn consistently bash them...especially people who's only experience with the school may have been one visit. I don't know anything about Jefferson, I did not apply there.

 

[mdeast]

I am glad someone else likes gtown too. It was by far my best interview experience and after that it was my top choice. I think they have a lot to offer and really want people who embrace their mission statement. I don't know why people on sdn consistently bash them...especially people who's only experience with the school may have been one visit. I don't know anything about Jefferson, I did not apply there.

Maybe G-town just attracts a certain person, but just felt like everything seemed so overrated. Clearly we disagree, but I still think it's fair to hear both sides of the spectrum. I went on something like 14 interviews this season, some at places ranked below G-town and I just didn't get what was so great?

The facilities seemed old, there's a graded pre-clinical system and students are openly competitive, everyone seemed to study 24/7 (and no, they don't do this at every medical school), the on-campus research is really weak, the school is REALLY expensive as is Georgetown as an area to live in (1200k for an apartment). I do remember there were some interesting interdisciplinary programs which intrigued me...but quite frankly, every school offers something like this. It didn't seem like the G-town main campus connection was very well utilized, medical school seemed completely separate from everything else.

I came into every interview with an open mind, and I'm sure there are some really great things about G-town (DC is a cool city and Gtown is a beautiful area to live in for example)...but I still attest that I think Jeff is an overall better institution to learn/study medicine. I know it isn't as highly ranked, but I think the students there are less stressed out, get more interesting clinical experiences, and generally just seemed happier. It's not necessarily that Gtown is terrible, but in comparison for the OPs original problem, I think Jeff is better.

 

[MCP1]

While there is no denying Georgetown is expensive, it is reasonable when you are compare it to some OOS schools.

For instance, I was accepted to both Georgetown and UVA. UVA COA is around ~69,000 OOS and Georgetown's COA is ~71000. So, there is really no difference between the two, especially if neither gives you any money.

 

[mdeast]

While there is no denying Georgetown is expensive, it is reasonable when you are compare it to some OOS schools.

For instance, I was accepted to both Georgetown and UVA. UVA COA is around ~69,000 OOS and Georgetown's COA is ~71000. So, there is really no difference between the two, especially if neither gives you any money.

70k is still near the top of the spectrum. There are many private schools in the 62-65 range. I'm probably enrolling at Sinai and it's COA for me is around $59k. I'm not saying 70k is ridiculous compared to other places, but its cost is definitely NOT a factor that makes it attractive.

 

[vitty]

Maybe G-town just attracts a certain person, but just felt like everything seemed so overrated. Clearly we disagree, but I still think it's fair to hear both sides of the spectrum. I went on something like 14 interviews this season, some at places ranked below G-town and I just didn't get what was so great?

The facilities seemed old, there's a graded pre-clinical system and students are openly competitive, everyone seemed to study 24/7 (and no, they don't do this at every medical school), the on-campus research is really weak, the school is REALLY expensive as is Georgetown as an area to live in (1200k for an apartment). I do remember there were some interesting interdisciplinary programs which intrigued me...but quite frankly, every school offers something like this. It didn't seem like the G-town main campus connection was very well utilized, medical school seemed completely separate from everything else.

I came into every interview with an open mind, and I'm sure there are some really great things about G-town (DC is a cool city and Gtown is a beautiful area to live in for example)...but I still attest that I think Jeff is an overall better institution to learn/study medicine. I know it isn't as highly ranked, but I think the students there are less stressed out, get more interesting clinical experiences, and generally just seemed happier. It's not necessarily that Gtown is terrible, but in comparison for the OPs original problem, I think Jeff is better.

The only points I agree with are the school/area is way too expensive (I am hoping for some good financial aid) and the facilities aren't the greatest. That being said I don't think there is much a difference in these two categories vs a school like Boston U (a school that everyone seems to love but I was very unimpressed with). As far as this competitive spirit everyone is referring to, I really haven't noticed it. I have only been there twice but met ~30 students and non of them seemed overly competitive or stuck up. Like every school, gtown has some cool students and some I'd rather not talk to... They said that the class constantly shares study tips/tools and works really well together.

I agree that gtown is not a research super power but they do pretty well for a mid tier med school. They developed the HPV vaccine, have the only comprehensive cancer center in DC and do many clinical trials. They are lacking when it comes to basic science research but I guess they chose to focus more on clinical research instead.

Ultimately, none of us pre-meds know what are future med schools are really like. We are all basing our opinions on one or two visits and what we have heard from others.

 

[mdeast]

The only points I agree with are the school/area is way too expensive (I am hoping for some good financial aid) and the facilities aren't the greatest. That being said I don't think there is much a difference in these two categories vs a school like Boston U (a school that everyone seems to love but I was very unimpressed with). As far as this competitive spirit everyone is referring to, I really haven't noticed it. I have only been there twice but met ~30 students and non of them seemed overly competitive or stuck up. Like every school, gtown has some cool students and some I'd rather not talk to... They said that the class constantly shares study tips/tools and works really well together.

I agree that gtown is not a research super power but they do pretty well for a mid tier med school. They developed the HPV vaccine, have the only comprehensive cancer center in DC and do many clinical trials. They are lacking when it comes to basic science research but I guess they chose to focus more on clinical research instead.

Ultimately, none of us pre-meds know what are future med schools are really like. We are all basing our opinions on one or two visits and what we have heard from others.

We're comparing this to Jeff though, not BU. Jeff has nice facilities, and the cost of living in Philly is way less than it is in Georgetown. I'd also venture to say that any environment where you are judged directly against your peers on a curved grading system is going to be more competitive than a place that is just P/F/Honors....where there is no curve.

 

[justinbaily]

I really didn't like Georgetown. I thought the whole Jesuit philosophy was played up so much, but I didn't see it actually apparent in anything. Most of the admins we met seemed kind of cold, rude, etc. I'm from Philly as well, and I'd personally pick Jeff. G-town had pre-clinical grades and everyone seemed sort of competitive. I also didn't like that post-bacs took classes with you...so your lectures become 400 students large.

Jeff has better facilities, P/F, it's in an area of the city that's more fun than G-town and doesn't really require a car. I think in general Philly >> DC to be a young person in. I think Jeff's match list is decent, and it has a huge alumni network that helps.

We're talking about smaller differences in ranking too. 42 vs. 59. Once you're above 40 it doesn't matter too much. Even quantitatively, Jeff students are slightly higher stats wise 3.62 (G-town) vs. 3.65 (jeff) GPA. Average MCAT is 31.5 at both places.

Yeah and lets not forget that Gtown's facilities look older than the ones in my high school...I mean c'mon now.

This paired with my unenthusiastic tour guide and students i met equaled an immediate withdrawal after I got home from my interview

Me too! Not immediate, but I actually ended withdrawing a day or two after my acceptance (because I was lucky enough to have another acceptance at that point). It's weird, because after writing that essay I thought I was going to love it there.

And yeah, their facilities are terrible compared to Jeff's. Both the hospital and the educational space.

Not trying to bash G-town in every way...it was just one of the two schools (Einstein being the other) that rubbed me the wrong way this cycle.

I agree with all of this. Go to Jefferson.

 

[wmc]

There is definitely no Georgetown HATE on this feed! I'm a hoya and I love georgetown. I just think that maybe coming from georgetown and having alot of exposure to the med school already has made me realize that despite the rankings, its not worth turning Jeff down for it. Also, I agree with someones comment about going where you will excel because that is what will truly make the difference, not a slight difference in school rankings on your resume. I think it is quite healthy to change the scenery and go somewhere new, because it helps you grow as a person. Things other than rankings must be considered!

 

[handedness]

Maybe G-town just attracts a certain person, but just felt like everything seemed so overrated. Clearly we disagree, but I still think it's fair to hear both sides of the spectrum. I went on something like 14 interviews this season, some at places ranked below G-town and I just didn't get what was so great?

The facilities seemed old, there's a graded pre-clinical system and students are openly competitive, everyone seemed to study 24/7 (and no, they don't do this at every medical school), the on-campus research is really weak, the school is REALLY expensive as is Georgetown as an area to live in (1200k for an apartment). I do remember there were some interesting interdisciplinary programs which intrigued me...but quite frankly, every school offers something like this. It didn't seem like the G-town main campus connection was very well utilized, medical school seemed completely separate from everything else.

I came into every interview with an open mind, and I'm sure there are some really great things about G-town (DC is a cool city and Gtown is a beautiful area to live in for example)...but I still attest that I think Jeff is an overall better institution to learn/study medicine. I know it isn't as highly ranked, but I think the students there are less stressed out, get more interesting clinical experiences, and generally just seemed happier. It's not necessarily that Gtown is terrible, but in comparison for the OPs original problem, I think Jeff is better.

wmc seems convinced that Jeff is for him/her, so there's not a whole lot that defending Gtown will do at this point. But as a possible future hoya, I gotta step up with some opinions.

Facilities seeming old shouldn't affect one's decision. Sure, they influence the general impression that you have of the school, but whether a lecture hall or lab looks old or new doesn't change the quality of education / student life. If you're pursuing a double degree in interior design, however, we could have a different conversation...

On second look day I heard almost unanimously that the class was cooperative/chill/noncompetitive. Sure, there were gunners, but the grading system didn't seem to affect student behavior in the way that everyone on SDN expects. I met a guy who sings in a band and a heard about a student who's writing a novel (or something.) Certainly not the 24/7 studiers that mdeast described.

Georgetown area. mdeast is completely wrong. No one (save for the extremely rich) lives in Georgetown. Most live in cheaper neighborhoods (Rosslyn, for example, where I imagine it's not much more expensive than life in Philly.)

And as for the connection to the main campus (or "lack thereof") I have no idea why mdeast considers it isolated. It's part of a unified campus, and about 5 minutes from undergrad territory. I work at Harvard Medical School and have to take a 25 minute bus ride to get to main campus... and I don't even consider it inconvenient.

So... I kinda felt the need to counter the bias here on SDN. Georgetown is an incredible place. I've spoken to multiple physicians about it, and almost every one has said something to the effect of "Georgetown doctors really standing out for their humanism." My dad (who's a doctor) says "you can spot a Georgetown physician a mile away" (in a good way.)

If I were you, wmc, I'd think hard on this...

 

[vitty]

wmc seems convinced that Jeff is for him/her, so there's not a whole lot that defending Gtown will do at this point. But as a possible future hoya, I gotta step up with some opinions.

Facilities seeming old shouldn't affect one's decision. Sure, they influence the general impression that you have of the school, but whether a lecture hall or lab looks old or new doesn't change the quality of education / student life. If you're pursuing a double degree in interior design, however, we could have a different conversation...

On second look day I heard almost unanimously that the class was cooperative/chill/noncompetitive. Sure, there were gunners, but the grading system didn't seem to affect student behavior in the way that everyone on SDN expects. I met a guy who sings in a band and a heard about a student who's writing a novel (or something.) Certainly not the 24/7 studiers that mdeast described.

Georgetown area. mdeast is completely wrong. No one (save for the extremely rich) lives in Georgetown. Most live in cheaper neighborhoods (Rosslyn, for example, where I imagine it's not much more expensive than life in Philly.)

And as for the connection to the main campus (or "lack thereof") I have no idea why mdeast considers it isolated. It's part of a unified campus, and about 5 minutes from undergrad territory. I work at Harvard Medical School and have to take a 25 minute bus ride to get to main campus... and I don't even consider it inconvenient.

So... I kinda felt the need to counter the bias here on SDN. Georgetown is an incredible place. I've spoken to multiple physicians about it, and almost every one has said something to the effect of "Georgetown doctors really standing out for their humanism." My dad (who's a doctor) says "you can spot a Georgetown physician a mile away" (in a good way.)

If I were you, wmc, I'd think hard on this...

 

[escesc]

Facilities seeming old shouldn't affect one's decision. Sure, they influence the general impression that you have of the school, but whether a lecture hall or lab looks old or new doesn't change the quality of education / student life. If you're pursuing a double degree in interior design, however, we could have a different conversation...

It actually does influence your education when you are sitting in lecture hall with barely any space and room for you to feel comfortable. The library and its facilities (computers, printers, etc) are terrible. The library is also disgusting with no appropriate places to study and is worse than libraries I have seen at many third world countries! I even asked one of the students if this was the only library they had and he said: "yea, I know it sucks!" The technology does influence your education when the instructor can't even use the computer to give a lecture and when the mic isn't even working.

On second look day I heard almost unanimously that the class was cooperative/chill/noncompetitive. Sure, there were gunners, but the grading system didn't seem to affect student behavior in the way that everyone on SDN expects. I met a guy who sings in a band and a heard about a student who's writing a novel (or something.) Certainly not the 24/7 studiers that mdeast described.

Just wait till you see for yourself. You expect them to tell you the truth.

Georgetown area. mdeast is completely wrong. No one (save for the extremely rich) lives in Georgetown. Most live in cheaper neighborhoods (Rosslyn, for example, where I imagine it's not much more expensive than life in Philly.)

Most of the med students live in the Gtown area and close to campus since there is no parking and Gtown is not on the metro line.

And as for the connection to the main campus (or "lack thereof") I have no idea why mdeast considers it isolated. It's part of a unified campus, and about 5 minutes from undergrad territory. I work at Harvard Medical School and have to take a 25 minute bus ride to get to main campus... and I don't even consider it inconvenient.

I agree, the undergrad is pretty close.

So... I kinda felt the need to counter the bias here on SDN. Georgetown is an incredible place. I've spoken to multiple physicians about it, and almost every one has said something to the effect of "Georgetown doctors really standing out for their humanism." My dad (who's a doctor) says "you can spot a Georgetown physician a mile away" (in a good way.)

Anyone can say something like this about a school. Don't let the name fool you.

If you have other options, think carefully before you come here.

If I were you, wmc, I'd think hard on this...[/QUOTE]

 

[mdeast]

wmc seems convinced that Jeff is for him/her, so there's not a whole lot that defending Gtown will do at this point. But as a possible future hoya, I gotta step up with some opinions.

Facilities seeming old shouldn't affect one's decision. Sure, they influence the general impression that you have of the school, but whether a lecture hall or lab looks old or new doesn't change the quality of education / student life. If you're pursuing a double degree in interior design, however, we could have a different conversation...

On second look day I heard almost unanimously that the class was cooperative/chill/noncompetitive. Sure, there were gunners, but the grading system didn't seem to affect student behavior in the way that everyone on SDN expects. I met a guy who sings in a band and a heard about a student who's writing a novel (or something.) Certainly not the 24/7 studiers that mdeast described.

Georgetown area. mdeast is completely wrong. No one (save for the extremely rich) lives in Georgetown. Most live in cheaper neighborhoods (Rosslyn, for example, where I imagine it's not much more expensive than life in Philly.)

And as for the connection to the main campus (or "lack thereof") I have no idea why mdeast considers it isolated. It's part of a unified campus, and about 5 minutes from undergrad territory. I work at Harvard Medical School and have to take a 25 minute bus ride to get to main campus... and I don't even consider it inconvenient.

So... I kinda felt the need to counter the bias here on SDN. Georgetown is an incredible place. I've spoken to multiple physicians about it, and almost every one has said something to the effect of "Georgetown doctors really standing out for their humanism." My dad (who's a doctor) says "you can spot a Georgetown physician a mile away" (in a good way.)

If I were you, wmc, I'd think hard on this...

I'm glad you gave counter arguments. This is good! Everyone has different impressions coming out of interview day. Those are yes, my impressions and you're welcome to disagree. I'm gonna comment on a few of your points in a constructive (and, admittedly biased) way.

(1) Facilities. In the end, facilities don't matter too much. You'll learn the same in a basement as you will in a multi-million dollar lecture room. Jeff's facilities though, to me, function as an example of how much the administration loves it's medical students. They try and pour $$$ and great resources at them, and I didn't get this sense at G-town.

(2) Gtown is definitely more competitive than Jeff. This is a comparison. G-town openly admits there is sometimes a gunner attitude there. Jeff openly tries to convince you of how it's P/F/Honors system (not on a curve) creates collaboration. On interview day, the Deans talked about the student effort to change to P/F. There clearly wouldn't be this move by students if they weren't somewhat dissatisfied with the current system and the environment it creates. I know you don't think about this now, but when you're an MS1, taking your first exam with a bunch of people you've known for 3 weeks, you're going to start to get competitive if you get a Pass on an exam and all your friends get a High Pass or Honors. That's why I am a firm believer in P/F for the first two years...gives you a chance to get to know everyone well and form a team environment without having to worry about distinctions.

(3) Housing- I got a different sense on interview day. Most of the students I talked to lived in single family homes (rented in groups of 4) near campus. Maybe it was the select group of student I met, but I got the sense most lived nearby the first two years and potentially branched out later. Rent was about $1200/month, and I was told this was about standard for areas farther away as well.

Philly rent is significantly cheaper. I live in an awesome house in Center City right now and pay $650 living with friends. I'm not in a psuedo suburb of a city. I'm right near Rittenhouse, 15 minute bike ride from Jeff. My point was that housing was cheaper in Philly. There's also little need for a car, as you can walk most places, or bike if you live slightly farther. Although, I admit I still like having mine her (and you can in Philly! this isn't NYC).

(4) I meant academic isolation more so than physical. I work at Penn Med where there's all sorts of interdisciplinary stuff going on between the different graduate schools. There seemed like there were programs like that at Georgetown too, but I didn't get the sense the med students were really integrated into the larger university culture. Jeff has the same problem, albeit different because it's just a stand-alone medical school and has no other non-medical students (save grad students and nursing students). Philly has a neat situation because of it's high concentration of medical students (PCOM, Jeff, Temple, Drexel, Penn). Between them there's something like...1100 new MS1s in the city every year. They hold inter-university events, mixers, etc. so you get to meet other people that way. In DC, GW and Gtown are the only players, so there's less of a larger community to fit into.

I'm also NOT enrolling at either places and I've withdrawn my acceptances from both Gtown and Jeff. So, my opinions come from a real biased based on perceptions rather than any bias based on which of the two schools I chose to attend. I will admit that I have an overall Philly >>> DC perceptions which skews slightly these ideas. But, I still attest Philly superiority is a real thing Especially if you're a young med student.

 

[vitty]

Facilities seeming old shouldn't affect one's decision. Sure, they influence the general impression that you have of the school, but whether a lecture hall or lab looks old or new doesn't change the quality of education / student life. If you're pursuing a double degree in interior design, however, we could have a different conversation...

It actually does influence your education when you are sitting in lecture hall with barely any space and room for you to feel comfortable. The library and its facilities (computers, printers, etc) are terrible. The library is also disgusting with no appropriate places to study and is worse than libraries I have seen at many third world countries! I even asked one of the students if this was the only library they had and he said: "yea, I know it sucks!" The technology does influence your education when the instructor can't even use the computer to give a lecture and when the mic isn't even working.

On second look day I heard almost unanimously that the class was cooperative/chill/noncompetitive. Sure, there were gunners, but the grading system didn't seem to affect student behavior in the way that everyone on SDN expects. I met a guy who sings in a band and a heard about a student who's writing a novel (or something.) Certainly not the 24/7 studiers that mdeast described.

Just wait till you see for yourself. You expect them to tell you the truth.

Georgetown area. mdeast is completely wrong. No one (save for the extremely rich) lives in Georgetown. Most live in cheaper neighborhoods (Rosslyn, for example, where I imagine it's not much more expensive than life in Philly.)

Most of the med students live in the Gtown area and close to campus since there is no parking and Gtown is not on the metro line.

And as for the connection to the main campus (or "lack thereof") I have no idea why mdeast considers it isolated. It's part of a unified campus, and about 5 minutes from undergrad territory. I work at Harvard Medical School and have to take a 25 minute bus ride to get to main campus... and I don't even consider it inconvenient.

I agree, the undergrad is pretty close.

So... I kinda felt the need to counter the bias here on SDN. Georgetown is an incredible place. I've spoken to multiple physicians about it, and almost every one has said something to the effect of "Georgetown doctors really standing out for their humanism." My dad (who's a doctor) says "you can spot a Georgetown physician a mile away" (in a good way.)

Anyone can say something like this about a school. Don't let the name fool you.

If you have other options, think carefully before you come here.

If I were you, wmc, I'd think hard on this...

If you have other options, think carefully before you come here.[/QUOTE]

So you obviously don't like georgetown...

As far as your comment about the library/lecture halls I think you are being a little overly dramatic - third world country? I sat in on a lecture and it was no different than my undergrad lecture halls, and no, I didn't go to school in Panama or Sudan... I think the library is rather weak and not all that impressive but I wouldn't refuse to study there. Besides the main campus library is just a walk away as well as a plethora of coffee shops.

 

[handedness]

Anyone can say ANYTHING about a school. Each responder in this thread (myself included) is reporting her or his impression of the school in a completely subjective manner. That's why all of these discussions are (in my opinion) of very little value. Whether it's George or Jeff, if you study hard you'll end up being a good physician. I just wanted to counter the bias against Gtown. I truthfully have only heard praise of Georgetown - from my adviser, from physicians, from students and fellow interviewees. I've heard mixed reviews of Jefferson - a whole lotta "eh."

 

[escesc]

If you have other options, think carefully before you come here.

So you obviously don't like georgetown...

As far as your comment about the library/lecture halls I think you are being a little overly dramatic - third world country? I sat in on a lecture and it was no different than my undergrad lecture halls, and no, I didn't go to school in Panama or Sudan... I think the library is rather weak and not all that impressive but I wouldn't refuse to study there. Besides the main campus library is just a walk away as well as a plethora of coffee shops.[/QUOTE]

I was specifically trying to compare the library to some of the libraries I have seen overseas. The lecture halls need some improvement (leg room, seats, etc) but overall are about average. Now the library just needs to be teared down and rebuilt. I agree though, you can go to the main library or business school library and study there, as many students do.

 

[mdeast]

Anyone can say ANYTHING about a school. Each responder in this thread (myself included) is reporting her or his impression of the school in a completely subjective manner. That's why all of these discussions are (in my opinion) of very little value. Whether it's George or Jeff, if you study hard you'll end up being a good physician. I just wanted to counter the bias against Gtown. I truthfully have only heard praise of Georgetown - from my adviser, from physicians, from students and fellow interviewees. I've heard mixed reviews of Jefferson - a whole lotta "eh."

I think there are of value. But, yes subjective. Clearly, the OP has his own impressions of each school and it's sometimes nice to know that others either agree with you or disagree with you. It's sometimes nice to see both sides.

And sorry if I felt like I was doing any G-town bashing. I have a friend I went to college with who's a MS2 there and I know he loves it. I just personally had different feelings about the place on interview day, and was trying to give comments comparing Jeff and Georgetown for the OP. Subjective is helpeful if you hear both viewpoints (the pros and the cons), so I'm glad you posted here too for some balance!

 

[vitty]

So you obviously don't like georgetown...

As far as your comment about the library/lecture halls I think you are being a little overly dramatic - third world country? I sat in on a lecture and it was no different than my undergrad lecture halls, and no, I didn't go to school in Panama or Sudan... I think the library is rather weak and not all that impressive but I wouldn't refuse to study there. Besides the main campus library is just a walk away as well as a plethora of coffee shops.

I was specifically trying to compare the library to some of the libraries I have seen overseas. The lecture halls need some improvement (leg room, seats, etc) but overall are about average. Now the library just needs to be teared down and rebuilt. I agree though, you can go to the main library or business school library and study there, as many students do.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I really wish they would do something about that library...It just doesn't fit in with the rest of campus. I hear they want to do some large renovations to the med center and med campus but are being blocked by people who live in gtown.

 

[Mandiblespeaks]

Just an FYI,

Georgetown was ranked much higher by Residency Directors then their corresponding research rank. 30 versus what like 42/43?

Says something about the training and focus of the school.

And I am not attending but I was seriously considering it. Hope that helps. Later

 

[handedness]

I think there are of value. But, yes subjective. Clearly, the OP has his own impressions of each school and it's sometimes nice to know that others either agree with you or disagree with you. It's sometimes nice to see both sides.

And sorry if I felt like I was doing any G-town bashing. I have a friend I went to college with who's a MS2 there and I know he loves it. I just personally had different feelings about the place on interview day, and was trying to give comments comparing Jeff and Georgetown for the OP. Subjective is helpeful if you hear both viewpoints (the pros and the cons), so I'm glad you posted here too for some balance!

Actually, I just had that same thought - everyone bringing their subjective viewpoint to the table does have value. Quite a lot of value, actually. I just meant to point out the frustration of reading discussions that (I believe) are unfairly skewed in one direction.

No need to apologize, mdeast! Bash on, if it's how you feel.

 

[vitty]

Just an FYI,

Georgetown was ranked much higher by Residency Directors then their corresponding research rank. 30 versus what like 42/43?

Says something about the training and focus of the school.

And I am not attending but I was seriously considering it. Hope that helps. Later

Where are you headed Mandible?