OUWB vs. Drexel

[Tryrosine]

Hey SDN,

I was hoping to get some advice about these two schools. I plan to go into surgery or oncology (I know they are way different haha). I am also married with a daughter and would love to be somewhat present for them while I am in medical school. Here are my perceived pro's and cons:

OUWB Pros:

• Seriously some nice people to deal with so far. The dean has gotten back to me personally about questions, they are incredibly responsive and student-oriented. I know every med school says this, but OUWB really embodies this humanistic attitude.
• Great access to a level-one trauma center at Beaumont teaching hospital
• Solid match list (from what I have seen)
• The area is pretty and family housing is relatively inexpensive

OUWB Cons:

• OUWB is a newer school and I do not know much about its reputation
• Required attendance for honors
• Michigan is cold

Drexel Pros:

• Well-established, dinosaur of a medical school. I feel like this would confer some stability
• Good match list
• Has great teaching hospitals, etc.
• Philadelphia has a lot of culture, history, and a lot to do for a family with a kid
• P/F curriculum would mean lots of flexibility

Drexel Cons:

• More expensive cost of living
• HUGE class size (260 students)
• Housing is hard to find near campus, I would like to be close enough to run home if I needed to
• While faculty at Drexel were kind/etc., people in Philadelphia seemed... angry? I don't mean to be offensive or have thin skin, it was just something I noticed when I was exploring the area. I mostly found this funny being from the West where things are noticeably more laid back.

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[puahate]

Lol yes people from the East are more gritty especially philly and NYC. One of the reasons why i want to move out west. I met a couple people doing research in San Diego and they were super chill. Cali people just have that care free vibe. People here are way more straight arrow. Although i would not put too much stock into this.

I'd go Drexel for the all around better and established school. Philly is packed with opportunities as well.

 

[Master Thinker]

I would pick Drexel of the two assuming costs are similar. You get Philly and a more established school with a great match list

 

[ciestar]

Lol yes people from the East are more gritty especially philly and NYC. One of the reasons why i want to move out west. I met a couple people doing research in San Diego and they were super chill. Cali people just have that care free vibe. People here are way more straight arrow. Although i would not put too much stock into this.

I'd go Drexel for the all around better and established school. Philly is packed with opportunities as well.

Yes we are

 

[ciestar]

All joking aside OP, it is likely just a culture shock thing.

Housing really isn’t too hard to find. Where were you looking?

Plus side for rotations as a third year.. with a kid, they won’t send you anywhere far.

 

[Tryrosine]

All joking aside OP, it is likely just a culture shock thing.

Housing really isn’t too hard to find. Where were you looking?

Plus side for rotations as a third year.. with a kid, they won’t send you anywhere far.

Hahaha, I am ideally looking very close to campus, but I honestly know very little about the area including where students typically live. I need to do some more research and maybe talk to some current students I guess.

 

[ciestar]

Hahaha, I am ideally looking very close to campus, but I honestly know very little about the area including where students typically live. I need to do some more research and maybe talk to some current students I guess.

Feel free to message me!

 

[VincentAdultman]

I'm biased, and I didnt have an issue with finding housing (nor anyone I know who went there)

I think it comes down to whether youd prefer to live in Rochester or Royal Oak vs East Falls/Philadelphia.

 

[futuredoc0307]

michigan is not cold.. michigan is stupid cold. so cold I often choose to stay inside doors and suffer from hunger for hours than to walk to my car to grab food.