Geez guys, what's with all the cow references every time someone mentions PSU? We didn't have that many - as a matter of fact, I only saw them once and that was a special trip out to the barns (which are a ways away from campus) with one of the CT fellows. Its not like they're walking around campus!
To the OP: frankly, the area/environment around NYMC is about the same as Hershey - suburban/rural, depending on your definition. I'm not up to date with rankings, curriculum etc between the two, so I'll let the others guide that.
Hershey does get more penetrating trauma now that the EMTs are actually following the PSTF (PA state trauma federation) guidelines and bringing them to our Level 1 trauma center, as opposed to bringing them to Harrisburg Hospital (where admittedly most of the GSWs happen). But it cannot compete with Temple. Then again, as a medical student your involvement will be limited to your surgical rotation. The Amish and Mennonites also provide an interesting cultural experience here.
Obviously the environment at Temple is totally different so if you were to choose one trip out, I would go there and see the facilities, talk to the students, etc. The surgical residents I know who have graduated from Temple Medical School were very happy with it as they were very involved during their trauma rotations, got to do lots of procedures, etc. I don't know much about the rest of the years.
In the end you will get a good education regardless of where you go and there is not much difference in the rankings/experience at each of the schools you've listed. So its going to come down to geography and a feel for the program. I know the PSU students tend to be very happy and the facilities are nice. Its also a good feeling to be able to walk around the campus and to your car without fears of crime.
