MCW vs. Drexel - HELP!!

[plexwriter5]

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I am in the process of choosing a medical school. I have couple waitlists but since I have to select a school by May 14, I guess they are out of consideration. So my choice is between Medical College of Wisconsin and Drexel and I just can't make my mind. Both have pros and cons.

MCW has a nice facility. The students seemed to nice and happy. Good teaching hospitals that are located close to the school. The courses seemed to be more organized. However, as a southern CA girl, the weather seemed to be too cold and depressing (long winter). Chicago is close by but Milwaukee wasn't so great.

The students at Drexel also seemed to be satisfied with their school. Some people in the SDN forum pointed out that Drexel has a new facility but I found the building somewhat old and rundown. The teaching hospital was inconveniently far from the school. The reputation of the school could be better. However, I liked the city Philly better than Milwaukee and I believe the weather is less depressing. Also, as an Asian, I found more diversity in Philly than Milwaukee.

My ultimate goal is to come back to CA for residency so residency placement is an important factor in making the decision. I guess it depends on what field I want to go into but if possible (I understand the competitiveness), I would like to go into radiology or derm. Drexel seemed to do slightly better for a competitive residency but the info I have may be just year to year variations. What I noticed clearly is that many students from Drexel were placed in east coast when compared to MCW (midwest). I don't have an intention of staying in the midwest after med school. I also wonder how well these schools prepare their students for the board exam.

If anyone has any suggestions on which school I should choose, please help!

 

[brando8132]

I interviewed at both schools and I have to say, hands down, I liked MCW much more.

I happen to be from Milwaukee, BUT, I truly was not excited about going back. I spent undergrad on the east coast and was not too thrilled about returning to milwaukee. I have, however, thought of many advantages that Milwaukee does have.

The hospitals at MCW are awesome, as well as all the faculty I know and have met. They have really impressed me with their humanity, ability to work hard, and ability to have a lot of fun. I went on a medical mission to Peru through MCW and it was probably the most formative experience I have had in medicine. The children's hospital is really nice, as is the VA. I also actually liked that MCW is not affiliated with an undergrad campus because they focus their energies on the med students.

lots of people from CA end up at MCW, so you wont be alone.

Milwaukee is actually a pretty cool city. Wauwatosa, where the med school is, is not very cool, but there is a huge mall nearby with all the shopping youll need and some decent restaurants. The "east side" is very happening and a very cool place to go out etc. Having been in high school while living in milwaukee, I didnt experience it a lot, but I hear great thigns and whenever I go back its been great. also, the weather in philly didnt really strike as any better than milwaukee, a minor factor i would say.

what else...

I just generally felt better at MCW, and more welcome and at ease, but that may be different for you. Id say go with your gut instinct because the people at drexel really did seem to love it, I just knew it wasnt for me. plus, its kinda lost in the suburbs of philly. Best of luck in deciding!