Another comparison (yay)! Jefferson Medical in Philly vs. UTMB in Galveston, TX
Jefferson:
Pros:
- Dedicated neuroscience hospital and strong orthopedics, and I'm quite interested in neurology/ maybe PM&R
- Diverse patient population
- Seems like strong clinical training
- Location: Loved Center City, Philadelphia and like the idea of living in a walkable city
- Felt comfortable with students on interview day (although wasn't able to attend 2nd look unfortunately)
- Interested in living along east coast long-term, like the liberal environment
- Students seem quite happy / fairly close for how large the class is
- H/P/F
Cons:
- Price: No aid, and will need to take out ~100k in stafford loans to attend
UTMB:
Pros:
- 1/2 day curriculum seems nice and flexible
- PBL: I like the idea and have done it before, but not sure how it would be for medical school
- Student body seems relaxed in general
- Support: Have some friends who live in Houston / Texas that I could visit from time to time
- Opportunity to do clinicals in Houston or Austin as well as Galveston
- Price: Would graduate with minimal debt, which is sorely tempting (am OOS, not IS)
Cons:
- H/HP/P/F grading
- Location: Galveston is not my favorite place (but I would be okay living here)
- Doesn't seem to have any programs that it is known for that I would be interested in, but I don't know how significant that really is for future success
Comments:
Honestly, I prefer Jefferson to UTMB for its opportunities and location. That being said, the opportunity to graduate virtually debt-free from UTMB is not something to pass up lightly. I don't doubt my ability to pay off my loans at Jefferson long-term (relatively speaking, it's not a huge number given Jefferson's total COA), but I figure it would end up being ~240k by the time I finish paying it off.
Comments from current students on pros/cons would be especially appreciated. Thanks!
Jefferson:
Pros:
- Dedicated neuroscience hospital and strong orthopedics, and I'm quite interested in neurology/ maybe PM&R
- Diverse patient population
- Seems like strong clinical training
- Location: Loved Center City, Philadelphia and like the idea of living in a walkable city
- Felt comfortable with students on interview day (although wasn't able to attend 2nd look unfortunately)
- Interested in living along east coast long-term, like the liberal environment
- Students seem quite happy / fairly close for how large the class is
- H/P/F
Cons:
- Price: No aid, and will need to take out ~100k in stafford loans to attend
UTMB:
Pros:
- 1/2 day curriculum seems nice and flexible
- PBL: I like the idea and have done it before, but not sure how it would be for medical school
- Student body seems relaxed in general
- Support: Have some friends who live in Houston / Texas that I could visit from time to time
- Opportunity to do clinicals in Houston or Austin as well as Galveston
- Price: Would graduate with minimal debt, which is sorely tempting (am OOS, not IS)
Cons:
- H/HP/P/F grading
- Location: Galveston is not my favorite place (but I would be okay living here)
- Doesn't seem to have any programs that it is known for that I would be interested in, but I don't know how significant that really is for future success
Comments:
Honestly, I prefer Jefferson to UTMB for its opportunities and location. That being said, the opportunity to graduate virtually debt-free from UTMB is not something to pass up lightly. I don't doubt my ability to pay off my loans at Jefferson long-term (relatively speaking, it's not a huge number given Jefferson's total COA), but I figure it would end up being ~240k by the time I finish paying it off.
Comments from current students on pros/cons would be especially appreciated. Thanks!
