New School Ranking

Started by wishingprayinghoping
BU Medical Sciences
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
wishingprayinghoping

wishingprayinghoping

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
How would you rank the following new private schools? On their potential/hospital affiliations/community/location, whatever you may, no wrong answers obviously.

Frank H. Netter M.D. SOM at Quinnipiac University
Oakland University William Beaumont
Hofstra North Shore - LIJ
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D.
 
wishingprayinghoping said:
How would you rank the following new private schools? On their potential/hospital affiliations/community/location, whatever you may, no wrong answers obviously.

Frank H. Netter M.D. SOM at Quinnipiac University
Oakland University William Beaumont
Hofstra North Shore - LIJ
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D.
Click to expand...

This is very difficult since Quinnipiac for example has not even graduated a class yet. I know Oakland U has some very well respected residency program for ortho and some others. I don't know much about the others.

Overall though as new MD schools I would rank them all about the same, it's just too early in the lives of these schools for them to distinguish themselves in any meaningful way.

That being said I will advocate for what I know about Quinnipiac since it is the school I will attend if I don't get into my state school.
Pros:
Great teaching oriented faculty
Great facilities
An extra 3rd year elective (their 3rd year ends about 6 weeks early to facilitate this)
Plenty of research opportunities both within the school and at Yale just 10 min away.
Cool place to spend 4 years equidistant between NYC and Boston

Cons:
They have no match list to boast as of yet
No teaching hospital (although they will be directly affiliated with st. Vincent's in Bridgeport, which is a very good hospital from my understanding.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Look at the history of how Hofstra was created - they basically used the same model that Mt. Sinai was created on several decades ago (and we all know how good Mt. Sinai is). That, plus their faculty all being former Mt. Sinai faculty, and their association with a GREAT hospital system makes me rank them first in this list.
 
wishingprayinghoping said:
How would you rank the following new private schools? On their potential/hospital affiliations/community/location, whatever you may, no wrong answers obviously.

Frank H. Netter M.D. SOM at Quinnipiac University
Oakland University William Beaumont
Hofstra North Shore - LIJ
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D.
Click to expand...


I can give my limited impressions of the MI schools you listed.

OUWB is a hidden gem in my opinion. With its first match list, students seem well placed. In addition, my friends seem reasonably happy and Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak campus mainly) is on par with Henry Ford and University of Michigan as the best state hospitals nationally ranked in multiple areas.

As for WMUHSMD, I can speak very little about it. Having interviewed there, however, I was not impressed and am not sure the facilities have been fully developed. Every time I asked whether this or that would be available...they were like, yup! You could be someone to start these initiatives. In addition, I was not impressed with the area nor the tuition price (50K). Their hospital affiliations are also to lesser known hospitals as you would expect with any new school OUWB being the exception (Beaumont is solid and was previously being used by Wayne State students). Also, when I hear talk of meeting the primary care physician shortage, WMU and Central are mentioned, but OUWB isn't in that group even though it started at a similar time.
 
Last edited:
OUWB had a great first match and is attached to the best hospital in Michigan. Definitely up-and-coming. Don't know much about the others, but I think I'd rank OUWB first 🙂
 
Yes, Beaumont isn't "on par" with those hospitals, it IS the best hospital in the state. Big selling point for Oakland.
 
From what I remember from a few years ago OUWB had quite a set-up. The hospital was really impressive as were the teaching facilities. The faculty were also very welcoming and I'm not at all surprised they had a good match.
 
I was accepted to QU. I won't be going there, but I was favorably impressed. I see FNMDSOM as QU's baby--they spent tens of millions of $$ on it, and by golly, it's gonna succeed. They seem to go out of their way for the comfort of their students, which is great. It might not necessarily translate into success in medicine though.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Does anyone know about their acceptance info? Hofstra, Western Michigan, and OUWB don't have anything on MSAR and was wondering if anyone could give me a general GPA MCAT range for these schools?

Edit: Just kidding, MSAR logged me off and I couldn't see any of that information...
 
Last edited:
wishingprayinghoping said:
How would you rank the following new private schools? On their potential/hospital affiliations/community/location, whatever you may, no wrong answers obviously.

Frank H. Netter M.D. SOM at Quinnipiac University
Oakland University William Beaumont
Hofstra North Shore - LIJ
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D.
Click to expand...

Hofstra is associated with north shore LIJ - a large and well known hospital system in Long Island/ NY metro area. With an avg mcat of 34 it has become pretty competitive for such a young school. The other schools have avg mcat scores of 31-32
 
Last edited:
Yeah Hofstra with the NS-LIJ affiliation is on the up and up; their stats are more mid-tier level. Its also been giving some good merit packages to recruit students.

Plus location is pretty good as well; you could reach NYC in like a 30-40 minute drive.
 
wishingprayinghoping said:
How would you rank the following new private schools? On their potential/hospital affiliations/community/location, whatever you may, no wrong answers obviously.

Frank H. Netter M.D. SOM at Quinnipiac University
Oakland University William Beaumont
Hofstra North Shore - LIJ
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D.
Click to expand...
Hofstra






the rest.
 
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
 
WedgeDawg said:
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

There is validity in this from what I've seen.
 
WedgeDawg said:
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE!

DOES NOT COMPUTE.
 
WedgeDawg said:
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Only things I'll add is a) I don't know if Hofstra is only looking at Ivy League. My limited knowledge of this school through my own time spent researching the school and talking with a number of friends who have applied is they are rather open to high MCAT qualified applicants even if they went to Penn St instead of Penn. Again just my limited experience talking to a those I know who interviewed at Hofstra and who know about the school. Hardly some strict rule but I think the emphasis on MCAT and pressure situations is really what's worh emphasizing not just name of undergrad institution.
2) The" stress interview" depiction is absolutely something I've heard about repeatedly as well. It extends a step further; from MCAT to interview to other things Hofstra has a interest in making their own evaluation of you beyond your transcript. Naturally many who benefit from this are Ivy League grads with high MCATs but transcripts that aren't exactly what they hoped. I tend to be rather impressed by this philosophy and willingness to have their own unique evaluation of what they think are worthy applicants

All in all those are my thoughts and impressions of Hofstra are very positive. They are doing a lot of good work and are exactly the type of med school that can gain increasing notoriety and respect in coming years
 
GrapesofRath said:
I agree with this. Only things I'll add is a) I don't know if Hofstra is only looking at Ivy League. My limited knowledge of this school through my own time spent researching the school and talking with a number of friends who have applied is they are rather open to high MCAT qualified applicants even if they went to Penn St instead of Penn. Again just my limited experience talking to a those I know who interviewed at Hofstra and who know about the school. Hardly some strict rule but I think the emphasis on MCAT and pressure situations is really what's worh emphasizing not just name of undergrad institution.
2) The" stress interview" depiction is absolutely something I've heard about repeatedly as well. It extends a step further; from MCAT to interview to other things Hofstra has a interest in making their own evaluation of you beyond your transcript. Naturally many who benefit from this are Ivy League grads with high MCATs but transcripts that aren't exactly what they hoped. I tend to be rather impressed by this philosophy and willingness to have their own unique evaluation of what they think are worthy applicants

All in all those are my thoughts and impressions of Hofstra are very positive. They are doing a lot of good work and are exactly the type of med school that can gain increasing notoriety and respect in coming years
Click to expand...

I certainly agree that they're not looking exclusively at Ivies or equivalents! However, if you asked me which schools placed emphasis on where you went to undergrad, I would place Hofstra somewhere on that list.
 
So would you guys say that Ivy League grads with high MCAT and high gpa would have a good shot at Hofstra? Or are they targeting lower gpa's?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Cotterpin said:
So would you guys say that Ivy League grads with high MCAT and high gpa would have a good shot at Hofstra? Or are they targeting lower gpa's?
Click to expand...

Ivy league grads with high MCAT and high GPA have a good shot anywhere. There is no reason to suspect that Hofstra is specifically targeting high MCAT, low GPA candidates.

But Ivy league grads with relatively lower GPAs/high MCATs may not be able to make it to the tip top schools, and now Hofstra can swoop in, entice them with some sweet merit money, and have a strong class to legitimize itself as a good school.

And again, I don't think Hofstra is seeking ivy league grads specifically. Everyone loves the top schools. But from my own personal experience I know some people from my college (ivy) who will be heading off to Hofstra this upcoming year - they are all pretty solid applicants.
 
WedgeDawg said:
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

the two people I know who interviewed at hofstra said it was very relaxed, but I'm sure it just depends on the interviewer.
also, I'm not sure about the low GPA thing. perhaps low compared to top 20 schools, but not low compared to other US MD schools.
according to the latest MSAR data, hofstra's average overall/science GPA is 3.7
 
WedgeDawg said:
My experience with Hofstra is that they are trying to recruit high MCAT low GPA Ivy League students. There are a million reasons to be doing this, but my guess is that

1) they are using undergraduate school as a proxy for desirable characteristics
2) they are hoping to sway some students with scholarships to help them pass up more established schools
3) they are trying to increase their standing ("prestige?") by "feeding" from strong undergrads
4) they value MCAT as a proxy for academic prowess over GPA, which also seems to be the trend at top med schools

This is all speculation and based on my experience and the experience of people I know in real life based on their interview days and general overall impressions. They also seem to favor the "stress interview" archetype. This leads me to believe they place the highest value on ability to respond well to high pressure situations, standardized testing success, and trend of prior long-term achievement.

I think it has the makings of a very strong school and out of the 4 listed, I think that it has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

What's this stress interview? Can anyone elaborate? Targeting this school when I apply.
 
nolookpass said:
What's this stress interview? Can anyone elaborate? Targeting this school when I apply.
Click to expand...

It refers to an interview technique in which the interviewer intentionally asks questions that may throw the interviewee completely off guard. If you were in a stress interview and were not aware of such a thing, you might logically draw a conclusion that the interview was very tough, harsh, or even rude.

Others could probably provide more advice than I can, but I think the main "trick" is to just answer the questions calmly, admit if you aren't sure of something, politely defend yourself if needed, etc. Your answers probably matter less than your coherent presentation of them.
 
ChrisMack390 said:
It refers to an interview technique in which the interviewer intentionally asks questions that may throw the interviewee completely off guard. If you were in a stress interview and were not aware of such a thing, you might logically draw a conclusion that the interview was very tough, harsh, or even rude.

Others could probably provide more advice than I can, but I think the main "trick" is to just answer the questions calmly, admit if you aren't sure of something, politely defend yourself if needed, etc. Your answers probably matter less than your coherent presentation of them.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Any specific examples of stress interview type questions, or behavior.
 
nolookpass said:
What's this stress interview? Can anyone elaborate? Targeting this school when I apply.
Click to expand...

In my experience, the stress interview is more often interviewer dependent than school dependent. for example, I had an extremely relaxed, conversational interview at one school and after the interview, I was talking to another person who interviewed that day who had a high stress interview (her interviewer was asking her random physiology questions and focusing almost entirely on non-A grades on her transcript).
Then I was at a school where I had a horrible interview, very high stress, in which my interviewer was arguing with me and started laughing at something completely not funny I said (I couldn't make this stuff up).
This is one of the reasons why MMI has become more popular. research indicates that the MMI format can provide a more reliable assessment and limit interview biases due to the increased number of interactions
 
I dunno, maybe an example could be "So I see that you got a C in undergraduate chemistry. How do you expect to be able to perform well in medical school?"
 
My stress interview at Hofstra looked like this:

Why Hofstra?
<give answer>
I still don't really get what you're saying - why Hofstra?
<try to rephrase what I said in a clearer way>
I'm not understanding what you're saying. Like what about Hofstra makes you want to come here?
<thinking: am I really this bad at communicating? am i not giving proper answers? is he really not understanding me?>

I think that the why Hofstra question came up even more than 3 times in a row. Perhaps 4-5?

If I recall correctly, I think I made an audible sigh - not because I thought the interviewer was being annoying/hard to deal with, but because I was kind of annoyed with myself that it appeared that I could not communicate what I was thinking in an effective manner.

Had I known that there was going to be a stress interview, I would've been fine continuing to dance around, explaining the same thing in different words without breaking a sweat. Do your research.
 
KungFuPanda123 said:
My stress interview at Hofstra looked like this:

Why Hofstra?
<give answer>
I still don't really get what you're saying - why Hofstra?
<try to rephrase what I said in a clearer way>
I'm not understanding what you're saying. Like what about Hofstra makes you want to come here?
<thinking: am I really this bad at communicating? am i not giving proper answers? is he really not understanding me?>

I think that the why Hofstra question came up even more than 3 times in a row. Perhaps 4-5?

If I recall correctly, I think I made an audible sigh - not because I thought the interviewer was being annoying/hard to deal with, but because I was kind of annoyed with myself that it appeared that I could not communicate what I was thinking in an effective manner.

Had I known that there was going to be a stress interview, I would've been fine continuing to dance around, explaining the same thing in different words without breaking a sweat. Do your research.
Click to expand...

"Because I want to be a doctor and your school trains doctors, is this really a secret?"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.