LSU-NO vs LSU-Shreveport

[medstudent10]

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Does anyone have any advice to help me make a decision between going to school at LSU-New Orleans and LSU-Shreveport. Pre Katrina I'd be partial to school in New Orleans (because I'm from here), but its hard to decipher whats really going on with the school and whats only gosssip. Any help would be appreciated to help me compare them. Thanks!

 

[Lanced]

My girlfriend's sister graduated from LSU Shreveport 2 years ago and is now a OB/Gyn resident at Vanderbilt. She loved her experience there, felt it was great teaching, close knit class, and got into a top 10 residency. She obviously didn't love Shreveport but said it was fine for med school. Hope that helps.

Does anyone have any advice to help me make a decision between going to school at LSU-New Orleans and LSU-Shreveport. Pre Katrina I'd be partial to school in New Orleans (because I'm from here), but its hard to decipher whats really going on with the school and whats only gosssip. Any help would be appreciated to help me compare them. Thanks!

 

[anon-y-mouse]

Does anyone have any advice to help me make a decision between going to school at LSU-New Orleans and LSU-Shreveport. Pre Katrina I'd be partial to school in New Orleans (because I'm from here), but its hard to decipher whats really going on with the school and whats only gosssip. Any help would be appreciated to help me compare them. Thanks!

do you really want to be stuck in shreveport for 4 years? 🙂
you should try to talk to current lsu-no students if you can.

 

[medstudent10]

Thanks so much for the replies... Like I said, i'm partial to NO since i'm from here, but the whole storm recovery thing scares me (Rumors of the school going bankrupt and having no charity hospital for residents..) But I've also heard rumors LSU-S was on accreditation probation. Not to mention its in Shreveport 😉 .. This is probably the worst year to have to choose between these two schools... 😕

 

[drjds]

One more slot for me, Thanks and Stop hating on Shreveport, if you don't know nothing about it. 👎

 

[medstudent10]

I think the Sherve comments were meant as jokes.. no need to be defensive. If you have an informed comment to add it would be appreciated. The thread was started to people who know something about either school could help dispel rumors. Pros and Cons for both schools would be appreciated if ya have something to add

 

[Jbienven]

I am in the exact same boat. (Haven't been accepted to Shreveport yet, hoping that I will be.)

I am hoping I'll have a choice.

 

[futuremd22283]

medstudent, I know several of the people associated w/ the charity system in Baton Rouge. Charity has already bought out 2 smaller hospitals in New Orleans to replace the spots at Big Charity. One hospital is going to be mostly Trauma Center and ER type stuff and the other will be everything else. There will be spots for students at New Orleans hospitals. The HSC is supposed to be back up and running in New Orleans over the summer. Many of the 3rd and 4th years will still be spread around the state, however. LSUHSC-S is a fine school as well. I haven't heard anything about the accreditation rumors. I'm already accepted there, and will probably attend b/c I know a good bit of ppl up there. As far as the city, most of my buddies that are there said that you could make a good time of the city if you want to. My main concern w/ New Orleans is the economy and what will be going and what will not. I know the city is largely back on its feet already, but it's prob. going to cost a good bit to live there for a while (many of the landlords have tripled rent!). That's the down and dirty that I know. Good luck everyone!

 

[NO_lives_on]

Let me first say that when choosing a medical school, you want to look at a few things, including the city (b/c you will be living there for some time), the accreditation status of the school, the clinical experiences and rotations, and faculty. LSU-Shreveport: LSU-S is a perfectly okay school. Yes, I did hear that they were on probation for their low board scores following revamping of their curriculum. I also heard that they are now off probation and recovering quite well. The city of Shreveport is last on my list of places to live, but that is personal opinion. I don't know too much about their faculty except that the class size is small and some may like this small size and think they are receiving "personal attention in a cozy atmosphere". LSU-New Orleans: LSU-NO is an excellent school. Despite FALSE RUMORS regarding the status of LSU-NO, we are here, we are alive, we are recovering very well, and we will be back better than ever (if that's possible!!!). The city is as fun as ever considering our places to go out is still there (trust me, going out keeps you sane). A few weeks ago, our accreditation was renewed for another 10 years, even in our current situation in Baton Rouge. Our faculty is absolutely the best you will ever meet. Our class size is 2x as large as Shreveport, but we receive the same personal attention, regardless of size. Our professors spend more time after class tending to our questions so that we may have this "personal" attention. PLEASE VERIFY ALL RUMORS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY DECISIONS.

 

[Termwean]

I just finished my first semester at LSU-NO.....rumors are rumors........we are going to be fine. If anything.the storm made our class stronger. I believe that no med school student has ever gone through a semester as tough as ours. Orleans is recovering..despite what the media will tell ya. But I do think that housing will be a problem for awhile. Probably need to get bigger place and split btw more students to make affordable.

Let me first say that when choosing a medical school, you want to look at a few things, including the city (b/c you will be living there for some time), the accreditation status of the school, the clinical experiences and rotations, and faculty. LSU-Shreveport: LSU-S is a perfectly okay school. Yes, I did hear that they were on probation for their low board scores following revamping of their curriculum. I also heard that they are now off probation and recovering quite well. The city of Shreveport is last on my list of places to live, but that is personal opinion. I don't know too much about their faculty except that the class size is small and some may like this small size and think they are receiving "personal attention in a cozy atmosphere". LSU-New Orleans: LSU-NO is an excellent school. Despite FALSE RUMORS regarding the status of LSU-NO, we are here, we are alive, we are recovering very well, and we will be back better than ever (if that's possible!!!). The city is as fun as ever considering our places to go out is still there (trust me, going out keeps you sane). A few weeks ago, our accreditation was renewed for another 10 years, even in our current situation in Baton Rouge. Our faculty is absolutely the best you will ever meet. Our class size is 2x as large as Shreveport, but we receive the same personal attention, regardless of size. Our professors spend more time after class tending to our questions so that we may have this "personal" attention. PLEASE VERIFY ALL RUMORS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY DECISIONS.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Just curious, but, if they had a choice, would most Louisiana residents choose to go to LSU (S or NO) for med school or Tulane?

 

[Jbienven]

Just curious, but, if they had a choice, would most Louisiana residents choose to go to LSU (S or NO) for med school or Tulane?

LSU. No question. Tulane is a good school, granted. But both Shreveport and New Orleans are just as good, and in some peoples minds, better.

I could never justify 40k a year in Tulane tuition compared to 12-15k for LSU.

 

[drlatina]

Both Tulane AND LSU are great schools. I think the only time it really mattered, is if you were going to stay in LA. At that point, Tulane, I think had the upper hand because of it's reputation. Let's face it, if you wanted to get any kind of job in NOLA, and you said you went to Tulane, people were immediately like, " OOOOhhhhh Tulane" The Tulane/LSU rivalry has been around forever, whether sports or education. LSU people thought LSU was better because it could provide better experiences i.e. charity, being a state school working w/ more "disadvantaged" patients, more variety, etc. Tulane people thought it was better because it was a private school w higher calibar students and faculty. Despite past views and opinions, hopefully both will see each other equally now, considering charity is lost, and NOLA must re-vamp itself. The future of medicne in NOLA is going to be different, but it will interesting to see how so. All I know is, I want to be there for the ride.
And as far as Shreveport goes, it's a good school, but I didn't want to live there before Katrina, and I still woudn't want to live there. NOLA forever baby! 😍

 

[NO_lives_on]

In response to LSU vs. Tulane, I think it is a no-brainer that LSU is better. Tulane has been riding on the coat-tail of its name from the 1960's. Numerous physicians that I have spoken to say they are not impressed with the product that Tulane produces. Of course I am going to be partial to LSU, but all aside, I don't someone in Louisiana is going to hire a Tulane doc over an LSU doc just b/c of where they went to school. Furthermore, most (not all) employers put more emphasis on where you did your residency!!

 

[2tall]

Med Student Numreo 10, if I were you (given the current situation of our hometown), I'd base my decision on more than location. There are pretty big differences between NO and Shreveport in terms of curriculum (or so I hear). You interviewed at both...so YOU tell us which is more conducive to your learning style and your future goals in medicine.

As far as Tulane vs LSU, LSU has a much stronger reputation in-state. Most of the NO docs I've spoken with weren't impressed at all with Tulane. I talked to one doc who was a graduate of Tulane and faculty at both Tulane and LSU, he didn't have anything positive to say about Tulane and told me I'd get a better education at LSU.

I'd assume the national reputation of Tulane and LSU-NO are equal. You went to school in NO. You rotated at Charity. Hooray for you.

I interviewed at both schools last year. I loved Tulane. The facilities weren't all that, but the students were so damn friendly. It was like one big love fest. Their students would see you in your interviews digs (clothes) and strike up a conversation with you. It wasn't forced. It was very natural. I hadn't seen that type of comraderie at any other school. I don't think I talked to any LSU-NO students on interview day.

Does it matter where you go? Hell no. Does anyone really care expect premeds and medical students? Probably not. No matter where you graduate...they'll address you as Dr.

I like LSU-NO. I'm not in love yet, but I'm enjoying this courtship. Do I think it's the best medical in the state? Yes (honest answer). Do I think it's the best medical school in the southeastern United States? Yes (honest answer). Do I think it's the best medical school in the nation? Yes (Ummm...only because I matriculated here).

 

[branlove]

LSUHSC- Shreveport is actually a very good medical school. Sure the class is only 100 as compared to New Orleans 175 (i think), but I don't think it really makes a difference. Shreveport graduates competent physicians every year just like New Orleans. I think they are both very good schools and feel that we have two excellent choices in state schools in Louisiana. I am sure right now it is a very tough decision to make considering the state of LSU-NO, but I think that you will be a great physician graduating from either. Being a med student at NO may be a little more chaotic for a while, but surely every knows that going in and is making an informed decision. No, Shreveport is NOT New Orleans and it doesn't "feel" like Louisiana for everyone under I-10, but it isn't that bad. Everyone still goes to the LSU football games and Mardi Gras, you just have a longer drive. You get what you put into the experience and for me it was great, I would have decided on Shreveport again. The faculty is great, education is good, and rotations are excellent. However, I do think that the downfall to most people is that it is in Shreveport and for the most part they don't know much about the city. It is growing so much right now and it is a great place to live if only for 4 years. Just remember that this is your medical education and you have to do what is best for you, both LSU-NO & Shreveport excellent choices!!

 

[bayougirl]

I am from New Orleans and wanted to respond to some of the questions concerning Charity. A family friend who happens to be one of the doctors that overseas some of the surgical residents said that what he has been informed is that what the main plan being proposed is instead of re-opening Big Charity to open numerous smaller clinic-like setups with fully functioning ER and surgery wards in the more impoverished areas of the city and outlying areas. He says the idea behind this is that patients will have better acess to the same quality medicine. Who knows whether this will occur or not, we must remember this is Louisiana politics, but I believe by the time this years incoming class or next year class comes through the 3rd and 4th year rotations that the rotations will be up to the same caliber that they were pre-Katrina (which by the way is my least favorite word becaue it is used to describe everything about life in NO.)

 

[Jbienven]

I am from New Orleans and wanted to respond to some of the questions concerning Charity. A family friend who happens to be one of the doctors that overseas some of the surgical residents said that what he has been informed is that what the main plan being proposed is instead of re-opening Big Charity to open numerous smaller clinic-like setups with fully functioning ER and surgery wards in the more impoverished areas of the city and outlying areas. He says the idea behind this is that patients will have better acess to the same quality medicine. Who knows whether this will occur or not, we must remember this is Louisiana politics, but I believe by the time this years incoming class or next year class comes through the 3rd and 4th year rotations that the rotations will be up to the same caliber that they were pre-Katrina (which by the way is my least favorite word becaue it is used to describe everything about life in NO.)

That seems like a very strange way to re-instate the charity hospital system. I understand the reasoning behind it, however financially...don't you think one large facility that contained everything would be cheaper than numerous smaller clinics that contain everything to make it fully functional in the ER dept.? It seems as though the CEO of LSU's hospitals is dragging his feet for a new hospital, while Larry Hollier (Dean of the medical school) is trying to get charity re-opened so that residents have a place to learn. It absolutely smells of Louisiana politics...and after Katrina, (even before) I don't trust Louisiana politics.

 

[futuremd22283]

Alright, I've been accepted into both NO and Shreveport! Now I have to make a decision and I only have 2 weeks to make it b/c Shreveport has moved up the committment date to April 15. I think I still like Shreveport better, but any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[psipsina]

Alright, I've been accepted into both NO and Shreveport! Now I have to make a decision and I only have 2 weeks to make it b/c Shreveport has moved up the committment date to April 15. I think I still like Shreveport better, but any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hey, I interviewed at both schools. I am waitlisted at Shreveport and in at NO, which is really funny because I guess they felt the same way about me as I felt about them! I think both are great schools but you really need to go with your gut instinct, . . where did you feel more at home, more like you belonged? I didn't click at all with the folks out at Shreveport, whereas I made some great connections with the folks at NO. Its all about where you think you'll be the happiest, as both schools provide the same excellent opportunities.

In reference to other posts on this thread, I'm currently having the LSU-NO vs Tulane debate in my mind. I am, however, strongly leaning towards LSU-No. Both are great schools, but LSU seems like it has its stuff more together post Katrina, and I think that financially LSU is a much better choice for me, . . I'm waiting on Tulane's financial aid package, as if they offer me a need-based scholarship like they did in undergrad, it could make up for the difference in tuition. However, LSU was considered a better education by most locals pre-Katrina, and from what I've seen, aren't struggling as much post katrina . . . we'll see.

 

[mstald1]

Hey, I interviewed at both schools. I am waitlisted at Shreveport and in at NO, which is really funny because I guess they felt the same way about me as I felt about them! I think both are great schools but you really need to go with your gut instinct, . . where did you feel more at home, more like you belonged? I didn't click at all with the folks out at Shreveport, whereas I made some great connections with the folks at NO. Its all about where you think you'll be the happiest, as both schools provide the same excellent opportunities.

In reference to other posts on this thread, I'm currently having the LSU-NO vs Tulane debate in my mind. I am, however, strongly leaning towards LSU-No. Both are great schools, but LSU seems like it has its stuff more together post Katrina, and I think that financially LSU is a much better choice for me, . . I'm waiting on Tulane's financial aid package, as if they offer me a need-based scholarship like they did in undergrad, it could make up for the difference in tuition. However, LSU was considered a better education by most locals pre-Katrina, and from what I've seen, aren't struggling as much post katrina . . . we'll see.

I am having the same debate, however I have been of the opinion that Tulane seemed like it has its stuff together more so than LSU. So I was wondering what has made you believe the opposite is true. Your insight would be very helpful as I am having a difficult time deciding.

 

[Jbienven]

Well, you know where I stand...

I sent my withdrawal letter to LSU-New Orleans yesterday. I'm going to Shreveport. I do not want to uproot every 3 months as a 3rd and 4th year medical student to travel all around S.E. LA. I want stability. I want an actual teaching hospital, and while I've always wanted to go to LSU-NO...I just don't see it as a smart choice right now.

 

[psipsina]

I am having the same debate, however I have been of the opinion that Tulane seemed like it has its stuff together more so than LSU. So I was wondering what has made you believe the opposite is true. Your insight would be very helpful as I am having a difficult time deciding.

I feel like LSU has been on the ball with communicating with future students. All I've gotten from Tulane was an e-mail about Fin Aid Packets coming and a pamphlet about the MD-MPH program. LSU has contacted about housing, about holding multiple acceptances, about fin aid, about camp tiger and even had one of their students get in touch with me in case I had any questions. I also had a weird experience of sitting next to a LSU-NO proff on my flight home from that interview, and we totally clicked and had this great conversation and he was talking about how they hadn't lost as many basic science faculty and that LSU was going to come back much stronger than Tulane. Of course his viewpoint was biased, but everyone I've spoken to in my old department at Tulane med has actually seemed unconfident in Tulanes ability for a swift recovery. And my dealings with the med school as an employee have shown me how un put together they really are, they haven't even managed to officially fire me yet . . . I haven't been to work since before katrina. I have so much love for tulane, as my alma mater it is where I really wanted to go when I started this application cycle, but my gut instinct is that LSU is a stronger program right now, and that I certainly don't want more debt for a weaker or even equal program. The one thing holding me to the idea of going to Tulane is the connection I felt with the students there, I really felt like I fit. I didn't get to meet any students at LSU except my student interviewer, but my fellow interviewees seemed young and not very fun, whereas at tulane the interviewees were diverse and interesting . . .who knows what my final decision will be, . . . but I'd love to hear what you know and what gave u the impression that tulane was more put together.

 

[Jbienven]

I feel like LSU has been on the ball with communicating with future students. All I've gotten from Tulane was an e-mail about Fin Aid Packets coming and a pamphlet about the MD-MPH program. LSU has contacted about housing, about holding multiple acceptances, about fin aid, about camp tiger and even had one of their students get in touch with me in case I had any questions. I also had a weird experience of sitting next to a LSU-NO proff on my flight home from that interview, and we totally clicked and had this great conversation and he was talking about how they hadn't lost as many basic science faculty and that LSU was going to come back much stronger than Tulane. Of course his viewpoint was biased, but everyone I've spoken to in my old department at Tulane med has actually seemed unconfident in Tulanes ability for a swift recovery. And my dealings with the med school as an employee have shown me how un put together they really are, they haven't even managed to officially fire me yet . . . I haven't been to work since before katrina. I have so much love for tulane, as my alma mater it is where I really wanted to go when I started this application cycle, but my gut instinct is that LSU is a stronger program right now, and that I certainly don't want more debt for a weaker or even equal program. The one thing holding me to the idea of going to Tulane is the connection I felt with the students there, I really felt like I fit. I didn't get to meet any students at LSU except my student interviewer, but my fellow interviewees seemed young and not very fun, whereas at tulane the interviewees were diverse and interesting . . .who knows what my final decision will be, . . . but I'd love to hear what you know and what gave u the impression that tulane was more put together.

As far as information to students... LSU-NO leaves alot to be desired. Camp tiger gives me no insight into their program, the email on housing was about how you can apply for it, even though it may not be available. The multiple acceptance email I just got today sounds quite desperate, although I understand why they sent it.

However, my problem isn't with the medical school...its with the idiots "re-building this city". It was announced today that levee cost to get to "pre-Katrina" levels is going to cost 6 Billion instead of 3 billion. There is still no clear hospital plan. And Blanco keeps cutting funding to public healthcare when its quite obvious that LSU-NO needs a major bail out.

The mayoral canidates lack vision...the governor lacks the ability to speak clearly. They are steering this ship into the banks. Its going to take 10 years for New Orleans to come close to being like it was before. The rebuilding is slow, and unorganized...I don't know how anyone can trust the fact that they will come back stronger than ever.

 

[futuremd22283]

I think the hardest thing to do in this process is to see past all the b/s that ppl throw at you. Most of the ppl at the med schools will tell you whatever it takes for you to go to their school. I have a lot of doubts about New Orleans itself. After a disaster like Katrina, in the back of your mind, you're expecting something to be wrong. I think that's why I'm having so many doubts when they tell me that everything's going to be alright. J, I agree w/ you about the emails also. The one about the double holding sounded quite desperate. I was actually the one who brought this matter up to Dr. Eubanks b/c I told him that I had to let Shreveport know by April 15. Obviously he was worried, but I don't know if I can believe that
"Schools may request applicants who are holding positions at their
schools to commit to them before May 15th. THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST. You
cannot lose your position at that school if you choose not to make a
definite commitment to that school by a specific date."
This was part of the actual email, so I'm not sure what to think of it. Oh well, 2 weeks to decide...

 

[8744]

I graduated from LSU Shreveport and I want to put in a good word for it. I have nothing against New Orleans but here are some advantages to Shreveport:

1. Smaller class, more cohesiveness.

2. "New Curriculum" which means you won't spend eight hours per day for two years in lecture. We usually got out pretty early and my class which was the first to do the new curriculum did just as well on Step 1 as the previous class. Not to mention that many of our class matched very impressively.

3. Less expensive city. Look, it's not New Orleans (which will rise again). You will not find whorehouses on Texas Avenue or Youree Drive. On the other hand, there is nightlife is that's your thing. But you can live cheaply and get anywhere in town in ten minutes. And park. And not worry too much about your car being stolen or your house being broken into when you are on call.

4. Charlotte in Student Affairs and Mr. Cockerham and his team in the registrars office who will bend over backwards to make your four years rn smoothly.

5. Not in a hurricane zone.

 

[futuremd22283]

5. Not in a hurricane zone.

I think this is the one that speaks the most to us this year. I have always been on the fence between NO and Shreve. I've rathered Sheve's curriculum, but rathered NO's clinical experience. They're pretty much even on most things now, but not being in a hurricane zone adds a bit of stability to the equation!

 

[Jbienven]

2. "New Curriculum" which means you won't spend eight hours per day for two years in lecture. We usually got out pretty early and my class which was the first to do the new curriculum did just as well on Step 1 as the previous class. Not to mention that many of our class matched very impressively.

On average, what time would you say you did get out of class?

 

[mstald1]

I feel like LSU has been on the ball with communicating with future students. All I've gotten from Tulane was an e-mail about Fin Aid Packets coming and a pamphlet about the MD-MPH program. LSU has contacted about housing, about holding multiple acceptances, about fin aid, about camp tiger and even had one of their students get in touch with me in case I had any questions. I also had a weird experience of sitting next to a LSU-NO proff on my flight home from that interview, and we totally clicked and had this great conversation and he was talking about how they hadn't lost as many basic science faculty and that LSU was going to come back much stronger than Tulane. Of course his viewpoint was biased, but everyone I've spoken to in my old department at Tulane med has actually seemed unconfident in Tulanes ability for a swift recovery. And my dealings with the med school as an employee have shown me how un put together they really are, they haven't even managed to officially fire me yet . . . I haven't been to work since before katrina. I have so much love for tulane, as my alma mater it is where I really wanted to go when I started this application cycle, but my gut instinct is that LSU is a stronger program right now, and that I certainly don't want more debt for a weaker or even equal program. The one thing holding me to the idea of going to Tulane is the connection I felt with the students there, I really felt like I fit. I didn't get to meet any students at LSU except my student interviewer, but my fellow interviewees seemed young and not very fun, whereas at tulane the interviewees were diverse and interesting . . .who knows what my final decision will be, . . . but I'd love to hear what you know and what gave u the impression that tulane was more put together.

I guess it was a mix of my gut instinct from the two interview experiences as well as my knowledge of LSU from the point of view of a long-time student. At the Tulane interview the people I spoke with simply seemed more honest and upfront with the situation (and they were very friendly). At my LSU interview it came across as a sales pitch, which was a bit of a turn-off, and also made it seem like they weren't totally forthcoming. This is, of course, solely my take on the respective experiences. Additionally, I attended LSU as both an undergrad and as a graduate student and throughout those nearly 8 years of schooling was rarely impressed with the educational experience, and thoroughly unimpressed with the leadership and organization of the institution as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate LSU. I have had a great time here, and I've learned a great deal, just never been impressed. Honestly, if it were last year I would pick LSU over Tulane. But there are so many questions now...very questionable state funding for LSU-NO vs. Tulane with private funds available (somewhat)...Tulane with rotations in NO vs. LSU with rotations across the state...$250,000 for 4 years at Tulane vs. $150,000 for 4 years at LSU. This is my dilemna, and these are my thoughts...

 

[8744]

On average, what time would you say you did get out of class?

Usually by two PM. And during some second year modules I'm embarrassed to tell you how little lecture we had. But, I repeat, my class did well on Step 1.

Medical school is largely self-study anyways. Might as well have more time to self-study.

 

[Dr_ShAkaZuLu]

When did you interview at NO futuremd22283? And I am assuming you received your acceptance this week? I interviewed in early march. Just curious if I am still in the running.

 

[futuremd22283]

When did you interview at NO futuremd22283? And I am assuming you received your acceptance this week? I interviewed in early march. Just curious if I am still in the running.

Hey, I interviewed on March 14, if I recall right. I recieved my letter this week. I think that New Orleans is going to be interviewing into later April. So, I think you should still have a good shot at it. Also, a lot of ppl that I know are choosing Shreveport over New Orleans, so they should have some empty spots. Good luck!

 

[southerncomfort]

When I interviewed at Tulane, my first interviewer asked where I was from. When I said Louisiana, he asked if I was applying to LSU also. When I said yes, he replied, "If you get in at LSU, you should really consider going there. I went to LSU for medical school and then Tulane for residency, and LSU has a really good program..." and on and on for quite a while. Of course, this was rather awkward for me considering it was the Tulane interview. I mean, should I agree with him or what? 😉

But, when a Tulane faculty member is telling you at the Tulane INTERVIEW that LSU is the better choice, that carries some weight. 🙂

 

[Jbienven]

Usually by two PM. And during some second year modules I'm embarrassed to tell you how little lecture we had. But, I repeat, my class did well on Step 1.

Medical school is largely self-study anyways. Might as well have more time to self-study.

Thanks, I completely agree. While I learn plenty in class...most of my knowledge comes from something I sit down with and really learn it myself.

 

[8744]

Thanks, I completely agree. While I learn plenty in class...most of my knowledge comes from something I sit down with and really learn it myself.

Come to think of it, unless your school has mandatory attendance I guess it doesn't really matter where you go unless, God forbid, the school has a problem-based learning curriculum which would mean you'd have to show up.

 

[psipsina]

So today I made calls to try and contact the financial aid offices of both Tulane and LSU-No, LSU-No picks up on the second ring, very helpful, tells me everything I need to know. . . . Tulanes phone system transfers me to a dead end and hangs up on me, lol . . . so then I find an e-mail addy and get an instant reply to my e-mail that they are heavily understaffed and therefore it will proabably be a long time until they can answer me. . . . huge difference. This is a pretty big deal as I need to speak to someone because I can't provide parental financial info, because my mom is menatlly ill and can't provide her own financial info, and there are usually some pretty drawn out procedures to get around this requirement that I should be starting on now. Yet again it seems to me that LSU is more put together than Tulane at this point.

 

[GeauxMD]

But, I repeat, my class did well on Step 1.

If you know the data, could you please quantify how your class did on step 1. LSUHSC-NO and LSUHSC-S were the only schools who didn't tell me what their average USMLE scores were, and that made me really nervous. The only thing I ever got out of either of them was a nebulous, "We do well on the boards," from one student in Shreveport.

I would also appreciate it if anyone has the data on New Orleans.

 

[psipsina]

If you know the data, could you please quantify how your class did on step 1. LSUHSC-NO and LSUHSC-S were the only schools who didn't tell me what their average USMLE scores were, and that made me really nervous. The only thing I ever got out of either of them was a nebulous, "We do well on the boards," from one student in Shreveport.

I would also appreciate it if anyone has the data on New Orleans.

My understanding of New Olreans is that we have a very high pass rate but a pretty average average . . . but this could be reflective of the large number of students at LSU who plan on doing primary care and so don't kill themselves for a 230+ .

 

[GeauxMD]

My understanding of New Olreans is that we have a very high pass rate but a pretty average average . . . but this could be reflective of the large number of students at LSU who plan on doing primary care and so don't kill themselves for a 230+ .

Thanks for the info psipsina. I wish they would just release this data for everyone to see, it makes it seem like they are hiding something. Even if the scores are just average, that would be a good thing considering the fact that the incoming MCAT scores are below average.

 

[psipsina]

Thanks for the info psipsina. I wish they would just release this data for everyone to see, it makes it seem like they are hiding something. Even if the scores are just average, that would be a good thing considering the fact that the incoming MCAT scores are below average.

I think the main thing to remember is that if a school prepares you adequately you pass, I think going above and beyond this is a reflection of the individual, not the school. LSU shreveport is the one that had accredidation issues, meaning they weren't preparing their students adequately at one point. They admitted to this and discussed what they were doing to fix it when I was there, so it might be a null point by now. Anywho. If you're going to rock the USMLE I don't think where you go will change that, and if you're going to pass at your best I don't think where you go will change that, unless you aren't adequately prepared. I think this is why high ranked schools have such high averages, because they attract the type of kids who are going to throw themselves at getting a 130+, and I think those kids would have excelled no matter where they went, they just have a tendency to pick a named school because its more prestigious. Long story short, unless accreditation/pass rate is at stake I don't think USMLE scores are a good way to judge a school, which is why they tend not to release the info.

The curriculums, locations and atmospheres between New Orleans and Shreveport really couldn't be different and this is what I would focus on. I went with my gut and couldn't be more happy. New Orleans is amazing, the teachers care about us so much and are really there for you. They don't hold your hand by any means, the curriculum is very challenging, but they are there to help guide you through it. I actually got sick last block and the support I recieved from the faculty went beyond anything I ever expected. Its also awesome to be in New Orleans so when you do have your minute moment of free time after exams you can have some serious fun with it. Katrina has barely had a noticeable effect on my education, we don't use our first floors still which has caused a small shortage of study spots on campus when the L1 and L2 classes are both cramming, and at the very beginning of the year they didn't have fresh cadavers to do procedure labs on, but by the time your class enters even these minimal bumps should be taken care of. Anyways, I really love my school and wanted to share. making your decision.

 

[danielmd06]

Completed medical school in Mississippi, but am familiar with the Louisiana scene and interviewed for residency at both LSU's post-Katrina.

I have nothing but positive comments for all three (including Tulane). If you have been accepted to more than one, I think the wisest course of action would be to go with your instincts. My personal preference was LSU-NO.

You probably already know which school you would prefer to go to...

 

[GeauxMD]

I think the main thing to remember is that if a school prepares you adequately you pass, I think going above and beyond this is a reflection of the individual, not the school.

If I understand correctly, every Allopathic school in this country would meet this definition because I think all schools have a high pass rate. However, some schools do an excellent job of preparing their students, and some are just average or worse. I simply want to have a way to determine which schools prepare a person better, and I am cautious about Louisiana schools because our undergrad system seems to prepare people very poorly for the MCAT.

The data in the table above show that approximately 1/3 of Louisiana Tech students achieve. the "benchmark" score of 25 or better on the MCAT.


This is the only data that I could find about how Louisiana Schools do on the MCAT, and our average applicant has a MCAT of 25.6 while the national average is 27.6 from here


I am concerned about being competitive nationally, and do not want to be locked into going into Primary Care because my school did not prepare me well enough for the board exams.

 

[edinOH]

I'm a recent out-of-state graduate of the LSU emergency medicine residency in Baton Rouge. I was one of the chief residents last year.

For what it's worth, I thought the Shreveport students/interns were much more advanced clinically than their NO counterparts. This was pre-Katrina.

More than half of our current second year resident class is from Shreveport and we couldn't be happier.

If you go to Shreveport you will get an excellent education. I don't know what the situation in NOLA is after Katrina. Last I heard (this was last spring) the NOLA students were going to school on a cruise ship docked in the Mississippi in Baton Rouge. I'm sure the situation has changed by now.

 

[psipsina]

If I understand correctly, every Allopathic school in this country would meet this definition because I think all schools have a high pass rate. However, some schools do an excellent job of preparing their students, and some are just average or worse. I simply want to have a way to determine which schools prepare a person better, and I am cautious about Louisiana schools because our undergrad system seems to prepare people very poorly for the MCAT.

The data in the table above show that approximately 1/3 of Louisiana Tech students achieve. the "benchmark" score of 25 or better on the MCAT.


This is the only data that I could find about how Louisiana Schools do on the MCAT, and our average applicant has a MCAT of 25.6 while the national average is 27.6 from here


I am concerned about being competitive nationally, and do not want to be locked into going into Primary Care because my school did not prepare me well enough for the board exams.

I certainly don't think how Ltech students do on the mcat is any marker of how LSU medschools prepare their students for the USMLE. First they aren't even the same school. Secondly, state undergrads don't really have that much riding on how well their students do on the MCAT. Every medschool has its accreditation riding on its student's performance on the USMLE (amongst other things). There is also a mentality in medschool that they want you to do your best, instead of trying to weed you out, so in general its a much more supportive environment. I still stand by the fact that as long as you're at a school that has an adequate pass rate (which is most US allo schools, maybe with the exception of those having accredidations struggles) you'll be fine, and that wheather you just pass or you rock the USMLE isn't really a result of classroom preparation but a result of how hard you push yourself. The differences between schools USMLE scores are a result of the type of students they can recruit, not of how they are preparing them. Of course harvard (insert and super selective school here) is going to have higher averages on the USMLE, because the type of personality it takes to even get admitted there means you're going to in all liklihood throw yourself at the USMLE too.

 

[p9142]

I certainly don't think how Ltech students do on the mcat is any marker of how LSU medschools prepare their students for the USMLE. First they aren't even the same school. Secondly, state undergrads don't really have that much riding on how well their students do on the MCAT. Every medschool has its accreditation riding on its student's performance on the USMLE (amongst other things). There is also a mentality in medschool that they want you to do your best, instead of trying to weed you out, so in general its a much more supportive environment. I still stand by the fact that as long as you're at a school that has an adequate pass rate (which is most US allo schools, maybe with the exception of those having accredidations struggles) you'll be fine, and that wheather you just pass or you rock the USMLE isn't really a result of classroom preparation but a result of how hard you push yourself. The differences between schools USMLE scores are a result of the type of students they can recruit, not of how they are preparing them. Of course harvard (insert and super selective school here) is going to have higher averages on the USMLE, because the type of personality it takes to even get admitted there means you're going to in all liklihood throw yourself at the USMLE too.

^I Totally agree. You can ace the USMLE no matter what school you go to.