Most OVERRATED and UNDERRATED schools?

[flaahless]

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yeah i suppose MN must not be cool as CA since it is one of the most progressive states in the entire nation--consistently rated as having one of the best education systems along with excellent health care coverage (91% residents are covered), high standard of living, nation's lowest premature death rate, highest percentage of residents who engage in exercise--plus being at the forefront in such measures as banning smoking in certain public locales, banning mercury from cosmetics, and other noble deeds. CA isn't superficial or anything but seriously who elects a celebrity as governor?

Touche. But I was at the beach today. 😀

 

[Running Water]

Touche. But I was at the beach today. 😀

i threw a snowball at someone today. doesn't that count for something? maybe?

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Id rather have Arnold as our president than our current one and any of the ones running for next term! I would say its pretty remarkable when you can work your way up from a poor immigrant, to a multimillionare, and then to head of the largest state in america

 

[flaahless]

i threw a snowball at someone today. doesn't that count for something? maybe?

Actually it does. Snow is fun... in moderation.

 

[sirachsong]

yeah i suppose MN must not be cool as CA since it is one of the most progressive states in the entire nation--consistently rated as having one of the best education systems along with excellent health care coverage (91% residents are covered), high standard of living, nation's lowest premature death rate, highest percentage of residents who engage in exercise--plus being at the forefront in such measures as banning smoking in certain public locales, banning mercury from cosmetics, and other noble deeds. CA isn't superficial or anything but seriously who elects a celebrity as governor?

I'm a huge fan of Minnesota - didn't grow up there, and I don't currently live there (in other words, I have very little bias other than my encounters with Minnesota folks). But the state is tremendously progressive, and the Minnesota students and residents I've interacted with are impressive people. And snow is fun - two thumbs up for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

I've also heard fantastic things about Minneapolis, but I've never visited the city.

 

[Running Water]

having lived here my whole life, i'm a wee bit biased towards it. snow for some is an acquired taste. winter can get a little chilly but the snow makes up for it; the summers here are awesome--clear sky's, no smog or cancer inducing pollution, 80-90 degrees everyday, and good ole fashioned smiles all the way. yeah we might not get all the big music artists to make a stop here on every tour they have like Chicago, but i'm not losing any sleep over it.

 

[pntgrd]

I'm a huge fan of Minnesota - didn't grow up there, and I don't currently live there (in other words, I have very little bias other than my encounters with Minnesota folks). But the state is tremendously progressive, and the Minnesota students and residents I've interacted with are impressive people. And snow is fun - two thumbs up for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

I've also heard fantastic things about Minneapolis, but I've never visited the city.

Cold and leftist, the worst combination. Reminds me of my time in the USSR. I'll take warm and conservative Southern California anytime.

 

[Textuality]

I think University of Pittsburgh is underrated. The general populace just thinks of it as another public med school, but I think it's a great place 🙂

 

[maestro1625]

.

 

[aaj117]

I would vote morehouse as most under-rated...people look at average acceptance stats and think it must be a lousy school. This is a very new med school, and the accomplishments they have already are outstanding. The 100% step 1 first time pass rate, when considering that they accept students with lower stats, really says something to me. Like they said at the interview, any school can take great test-takers and make them perform well on an exam. They must have really phenominal teachers to bring those students with the will but not necessarily the numbers up to the same level as those who significantly outscored them in the past. This school is fairly cheap for a private school, and really has its s**t together. The tablet laptops are great, the family environment is great, and the education seems to be as well.

 

[gotmeds?]

CA isn't superficial or anything but seriously who elects a celebrity as governor?

Well, the whole country elected Ronald Regan as president back in the day.

 

[Running Water]

Jesse Ventura doesn't count?

Except for the fact that he had more political experience prior to governorship--mayor of a MN city for a number of years. Plus he was intimately involved with the state from high school football coach to radio talkshow host to public service a la NAVY SEAL. As tough as Arnold is, I don't think he has risked as much of his personal life for his state nor the country as jesse. Mr. Ventura rly isn't a celebrity as much as Arnold--went to a local community college, didn't even want to live in the state appointed mansion, graduated from a local high school, lived in a modest suburb (no glitz or bling here) not too far from where i live. He knows his roots.

Arnold is a good guy but a celebrity in every sense of the word. Arnold's commitment to society involves:serving on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and Red Cross "ambassador" (a mostly ceremonial role fulfilled by celebrities). And a la wikipedia-

Schwarzenegger and his family currently live in their 11,000-square-foot home in Brentwood.[56][57] They used to own a home in the Pacific Palisades.[58] The family owns vacation homes in Sun Valley, Idaho and Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.[59] Schwarzenegger does not have a home in Sacramento. However, whenever he is in the state capitol, he lives in the Hyatt Regency hotel suite. The suite costs about $65,000 a year.

 

[spanamit]

Except for the fact that he had more political experience prior to governorship--mayor of a MN city for a number of years. Plus he was intimately involved with the state from high school football coach to radio talkshow host to public service a la NAVY SEAL. As tough as Arnold is, I don't think he has risked as much of his personal life for his state nor the country as jesse. Mr. Ventura rly isn't a celebrity as much as Arnold--went to a local community college, didn't even want to live in the state appointed mansion, graduated from a local high school, lived in a modest suburb (no glitz or bling here) not too far from where i live. He knows his roots.

Arnold is a good guy but a celebrity in every sense of the word. Arnold's commitment to society involves:serving on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and Red Cross "ambassador" (a mostly ceremonial role fulfilled by celebrities). And a la wikipedia-

Schwarzenegger and his family currently live in their 11,000-square-foot home in Brentwood.[56][57] They used to own a home in the Pacific Palisades.[58] The family owns vacation homes in Sun Valley, Idaho and Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.[59] Schwarzenegger does not have a home in Sacramento. However, whenever he is in the state capitol, he lives in the Hyatt Regency hotel suite. The suite costs about $65,000 a year.

The governator has style. So what's your point?

 

[shantster]

I think University of Pittsburgh is underrated. The general populace just thinks of it as another public med school, but I think it's a great place 🙂

Which I always find funny because it's not even public.

 

[Running Water]

The governator has style. So what's your point?

one of these fits the urban dictionary definition of celebrity very well while the other does not:

celebrity -
The least useful type of job there is available for anyone to do, they make money 10x the amount of money in a day any average person can make in his life and contribute nothing to humanity other than giving people entertainment that cost more than the minimum wage for one hour



did you get that?

now to return this thread to its originally programmed purpose....

 

[SoupWithAFork]

one of these fits the urban dictionary definition of celebrity very well while the other does not:

celebrity -
The least useful type of job there is available for anyone to do, they make money 10x the amount of money in a day any average person can make in his life and contribute nothing to humanity other than giving people entertainment that cost more than the minimum wage for one hour



did you get that?

now to return this thread to its originally programmed purpose....

Well cited, Running Water 👍

 

[luckycharms08]

I'd second Tulane as underrated. The environment there is AMAZING. The people are phenomenal and the amount of clinical experience you gain is superb. The only thing not so great is the price tag. 🙁

 

[Running Water]

I'd second Tulane as underrated. The environment there is AMAZING. The people are phenomenal and the amount of clinical experience you gain is superb. The only thing not so great is the price tag. 🙁

just in general (not you specifically)---i wouldn't place such a huge factor on price in choosing a school. the difference between $150k and $200k isn't a drastic difference when you're on loans; choosing a cheaper school and being in a place that does not make you happy isn't worth that savings--at least for me. but it sounds like Tulane gives you quite a bit for your money...

 

[AggieSean]

I think UTMB is underrated. They always match students to great residencies and their 1st time Step 1 average was 229 last year. As well, they have a great organ systems curriculum and never take more than 2 classes at once. I think the worst thing about it is Galveston itself.

I also think Baylor is overrated. After interviewing there, I still don't see what all the fuss is about. Oh well. Just my opinion.

 

[lacesoutdan]

one of these fits the urban dictionary definition of celebrity very well while the other does not:

celebrity -
The least useful type of job there is available for anyone to do, they make money 10x the amount of money in a day any average person can make in his life and contribute nothing to humanity other than giving people entertainment that cost more than the minimum wage for one hour



did you get that?

now to return this thread to its originally programmed purpose....

Jesse Ventura would never have been elected if he wasn't a celebrity.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

Most underrated: University of South Florida...#1 in state of Florida research funding, but lost in the fray w/ UF and Miami...awesome clinical experiences...incredibly thorough curriculum...high Step 1 scores...Amazing Residency placements

Most overrated: Who cares?

 

[badasshairday]

WashU. I think it is underrated by the general public. Even though it is awesome and on the same tier as UCSF, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc, it just doens't get the same recognition.

 

[Bushido416]

I think Hopkins is probably the most overrated I live in the area and I go there for grad classes. It's not the best place to live unfortunately and I've not really encountered many helpful people in the admissions process for grad or medical school. However, the faculty is great and very helpful. Out of all the places I've interviewed I think Penn State is probably underrated based upon when you get there it looks like you're in the middle of no where but people forget it's 10miles from the Capital of the state and Lexington and surrounding areas usually go there for treatment. Plus for a self contained medical center and education facility it's really one of the best I've seen.

 

[Climberak]

I think Tulane is underrated. That school is amazing.

I was thinking about applying there, why do you think that?

I think George Washington University is a bit underrated. They have a great study abroad program, and an entire floor of the George Washington Hospital is devoted solely to teaching medical students. D.C. is a great town with lots of culture, and it is large enough that you will definately see some interesting pathologies on your rotations.

 

[beachblonde]

I don't think either VCU or EVMS get enough credit, given the overshadowing from UVa (at least, within VA this is the perspective). EVMS really has some great stuff going for them, but I think most people see them as a backup.

Tulane doesn't get enough credit, either. NOLA's quite the cool city.

I dunno about GW being underrated-good grief, they get a lot of apps. Good school, I would have been happy to go there, though. The parentals were not so keen on paying for it, though! $65,000+ a year is a whole lot of dough.

 

[Sinfekl]

Hey, I'm a current Hopkins student, thought I'd check out studentdoc real quick just for the memories, stumbled on this thread.

Umm, we have tests every 2 weeks for the first two months. They're on stuff you've already covered, like biochem. And they're pretty easy unless you got away without completing your pre-med requirements. After that its a test per month or so. Honestly, now I wish we had tests every two weeks cause that makes each test pretty easy, I never keep up with my studying and now end up cramming cause I haven't touched a book in weeks.

Now that I'm in med school, I realize most of what I heard on this website and the interview circuit is pretty much wrong. Make your own opinions, go with your gut (/follow the money), all med schools are pretty good and whether you'll be happy and learn a lot has more to do with you than the school.

P.S. I love JHop, great school, perfect combo of taking time to relax and still learning a bunch of cool stuff about medicine, amazing accessible profs, some of the best research in the world (and some of the best professors) in basic science and especially public health, I'm really happy with it. Don't really know where a lot of the info thats flying around about Hopkins comes from. If you're interested in the school, I'd be happy to answer some questions, also check out the website for the Bloomberg School of Public Health, that and our research resources are Hopkins biggest assets.

 

[MEDUSA23]

overrated: going to school in a big city, as if I'm going to have time to enjoy all there is to see and do while I'm overwhelmed with science material.

underrated: Iowa. They have some amazing facilities, lots of research opportunities, and a great teaching hospital that has several highly regarded specialties...and yet it seems often overlooked by applicants because of its location

I completely agree. Iowa offers everything a medical student could ask for and yet it is often overlooked. I think private schools get overrated based on name while public schools are often underrated.

 

[MDRus]

WashU. I think it is underrated by the general public. Even though it is awesome and on the same tier as UCSF, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc, it just doens't get the same recognition.

i think washu is the most OVERRATED school!! it is a legend in its own mind. they beef up and manipulate their stats to try to compete with the top schools.

its all smoke and mirrors.

it is unseemly.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

i think washu is the most OVERRATED school!! it is a legend in its own mind. they beef up and manipulate their stats to try to compete with the top schools.

its all smoke and mirrors.

it is unseemly.

I know you're being slightly facetious, but there is probably some truth to that

 

[badasshairday]

i think washu is the most OVERRATED school!! it is a legend in its own mind. they beef up and manipulate their stats to try to compete with the top schools.

its all smoke and mirrors.

it is unseemly.

True. I was about to say they are both overrated and underated. They are overated just because of the fact they only pick those with the highest numbers. But they are underated because you would think that a school that boasts an acerage MCAT of a 38 would be a lot better known to even non-medical people.

 

[gotmeds?]

True. I was about to say they are both overrated and underated. They are overated just because of the fact they only pick those with the highest numbers. But they are underated because you would think that a school that boasts an acerage MCAT of a 38 would be a lot better known to even non-medical people.

Non-medical people only know Harvard, Hopkins, and a few of the ivies. They'd probably tell you that Princeton is a better choice for med school than UCSF.

 

[somemaybedoc]

I think that the general public underrates UCSF.

 

[MDRus]

True. I was about to say they are both overrated and underated. They are overated just because of the fact they only pick those with the highest numbers. But they are underated because you would think that a school that boasts an acerage MCAT of a 38 would be a lot better known to even non-medical people.

agree.

i also agree that nonmed people underrate UCSF. "The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman" went there and none of my non premed friends had ever heard of it.

 

[chudog15]

mount sinai...underrated outside of the northeast

 

[vicinihil]

Personally, most school in california is overrated in my opinion.

None of them are all that good, except UCSF and Stanford and that's solely on research, but everyone wants a shot (even me at USC). UCI, UCD, Loma Linda are more competitive than many of the much better schools but I don't think they are as reputable in medical and non-medical circles.

 

[TexanGirl]

mount sinai...underrated outside of the northeast

But not underrated on my list!

 

[154465]

I'm also gonna add Loyola to the underrated list. I know very little about the school but, for some reason, I am in love with it.

 

[TexanGirl]

Personally, most school in california is overrated in my opinion.

None of them are all that good, except UCSF and Stanford and that's solely on research, but everyone wants a shot (even me at USC). UCI, UCD, Loma Linda are more competitive than many of the much better schools but I don't think they are as reputable in medical and non-medical circles.

That's because of the level of competition that exists in California. But the truth is, getting into any UC school for CA residents is pretty sweet for the cheap price and good locations.

 

[vicinihil]

I guess if you're a fan of yellow summers, wet winters and no seasons 😛.

 

[Phoenix.]

I'm also gonna add Loyola to the underrated list. I know very little about the school but, for some reason, I am in love with it.

👍

 

[flaahless]

Personally, most school in california is overrated in my opinion.

None of them are all that good, except UCSF and Stanford and that's solely on research, but everyone wants a shot (even me at USC). UCI, UCD, Loma Linda are more competitive than many of the much better schools but I don't think they are as reputable in medical and non-medical circles.

I actually believe USC is underrated. The curriculum is awesome, the use of technology is top notch, the students do well on the boards, and most importantly, the clinical training is tops in the nation.

 

[Doublecortin]

True. I was about to say they are both overrated and underated. They are overated just because of the fact they only pick those with the highest numbers. But they are underated because you would think that a school that boasts an acerage MCAT of a 38 would be a lot better known to even non-medical people.

so I've been wondering about WashU's INSANELY high averages. How do they do it? Do they strictly pick kids with the highest #s?

Their MCAT and GPA averages are even higher than Harvard, Hopkins, Yale, Stanford. . . . I mean, if someone has insanely high numbers, why do they choose to go to WashU vs. an Ivy, or a Stanford, Duke? Yeah, I know, it's a great school and all, but outside the medical community, name wise, WashU is almost unheard of in the general population

 

[Max8]

overrated = dartmouth. big name, not so great program.

👍

 

[chudog15]

hence overrated

 

[Max8]

I think that the general public underrates UCSF.

especially on the East Coast....

 

[shadowclaws]

Pretty much any of the schools not ranked by usnews is underrated. Like only the top 50 are on there and that just makes the rest of the schools look bad, when they are really not.

 

[thoffen]

I mean, if someone has insanely high numbers, why do they choose to go to WashU vs. an Ivy, or a Stanford, Duke?

Because they care about what their peers think more than the general population (i.e. competitive people).

 

[vicinihil]

Because they care about what their peers think more than the general population (i.e. competitive people).

Isn't residency more important than name of med school and I'm sure people who to go to Wash U end up in similar residencies as someone that goes to say....Tufts.

 

[LovelyMD]

so I've been wondering about WashU's INSANELY high averages. How do they do it? Do they strictly pick kids with the highest #s?

Their MCAT and GPA averages are even higher than Harvard, Hopkins, Yale, Stanford. . . . I mean, if someone has insanely high numbers, why do they choose to go to WashU vs. an Ivy, or a Stanford, Duke? Yeah, I know, it's a great school and all, but outside the medical community, name wise, WashU is almost unheard of in the general population

I don't know that much about WashU's program, but I do know that they offer a good number of merit based scholarships, which probably helps attract those students.

 

[MDRus]

overrated: Brown and Dartmouth. Because they are Ivies, people like to say they went there, but their programs are not competitive with many, many others.