cheddarcheese12
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Hi All!
I am super thankful to have been accepted to both Penn State and Virginia Tech. However, I’m a little torn making this decision because of the many differences between these programs. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!
Virginia Tech:
Pros:
-Smaller class size ~56 students (could be pro or con depending on how you view, but I’m thinking might lead to more mentorship and support)
-More of a city than Hershey (located in Roanoke)
-Have been to campus twice and like the area (impressed by the formal accepted students day, they were very convincing!) - also have already made friends from these visits that are committed and they’re lovely
-Milder winters (I’m from the northeast so it might be nice to have a little break from the cold haha)
-Outdoorsy activities are popular and I like to hike/run
-Seems more receptive to student feedback (although have heard Penn State is also pretty good about student feedback?)
-no “formal” lectures (all case based learning and small group)
Cons:
-Newer program so less established
-Recently revised curriculum as of last year (symptom-based instead of blocks, integrate several body systems — could be a pro but the novelty of it makes me hesitant)
-Farther from family (9 hr drive) and never lived more south than PA! — could be a pro if I want a new experience haha
-Not super close to other cities
Penn State:
Pros:
-Very established, pretty good reputation and more well known
-Closer to home (about a 4.5 hr drive)
-Know a few people that go here and have had great experiences so far (all current M1s)
-Have already lived in Pennsylvania before so am familiar with the climate/demographics
-Can still do a lot of outdoorsy things because somewhat in the middle of nowhere
-1h30 from Philly!
Cons:
-Larger class size (~120 I think?) - could also be a pro for finding people I’d have a lot in common with versus a smaller cohort like VT, but possibly less of a tight-knit group? Maybe more competition for volunteering or global health opportunities
-Smaller town vibe
-Have only visited the campus for a few hours (didn’t go to formal accepted students day)
-Exams are multiple choice and essay which seems different than most programs?
-Not sure if I love the mandatory humanities courses- have heard it’s “busy-work”
-One exam makes up most of “grade” for block (although it is pass fail)
Both incorporate PBL, and have similar schedules. I’ve heard students say that they have a lot of self directed study time in both schedules and they also start clinicals around similar times (mid second year). Both have pretty cheap cost of living and similar tuition. They also are pretty research oriented (although VTC seems a bit more), but I am looking to have a research project so this is ideal for me either way. Penn State also starts a few weeks earlier (mid July) than Virginia Tech (late July).
Overall, I know I’ll be receiving a great education either way and I’ll make the most of anywhere I go, but I want to hear all sides to this choice from different perspectives before choosing. Thank you!!!
I am super thankful to have been accepted to both Penn State and Virginia Tech. However, I’m a little torn making this decision because of the many differences between these programs. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!
Virginia Tech:
Pros:
-Smaller class size ~56 students (could be pro or con depending on how you view, but I’m thinking might lead to more mentorship and support)
-More of a city than Hershey (located in Roanoke)
-Have been to campus twice and like the area (impressed by the formal accepted students day, they were very convincing!) - also have already made friends from these visits that are committed and they’re lovely
-Milder winters (I’m from the northeast so it might be nice to have a little break from the cold haha)
-Outdoorsy activities are popular and I like to hike/run
-Seems more receptive to student feedback (although have heard Penn State is also pretty good about student feedback?)
-no “formal” lectures (all case based learning and small group)
Cons:
-Newer program so less established
-Recently revised curriculum as of last year (symptom-based instead of blocks, integrate several body systems — could be a pro but the novelty of it makes me hesitant)
-Farther from family (9 hr drive) and never lived more south than PA! — could be a pro if I want a new experience haha
-Not super close to other cities
Penn State:
Pros:
-Very established, pretty good reputation and more well known
-Closer to home (about a 4.5 hr drive)
-Know a few people that go here and have had great experiences so far (all current M1s)
-Have already lived in Pennsylvania before so am familiar with the climate/demographics
-Can still do a lot of outdoorsy things because somewhat in the middle of nowhere
-1h30 from Philly!
Cons:
-Larger class size (~120 I think?) - could also be a pro for finding people I’d have a lot in common with versus a smaller cohort like VT, but possibly less of a tight-knit group? Maybe more competition for volunteering or global health opportunities
-Smaller town vibe
-Have only visited the campus for a few hours (didn’t go to formal accepted students day)
-Exams are multiple choice and essay which seems different than most programs?
-Not sure if I love the mandatory humanities courses- have heard it’s “busy-work”
-One exam makes up most of “grade” for block (although it is pass fail)
Both incorporate PBL, and have similar schedules. I’ve heard students say that they have a lot of self directed study time in both schedules and they also start clinicals around similar times (mid second year). Both have pretty cheap cost of living and similar tuition. They also are pretty research oriented (although VTC seems a bit more), but I am looking to have a research project so this is ideal for me either way. Penn State also starts a few weeks earlier (mid July) than Virginia Tech (late July).
Overall, I know I’ll be receiving a great education either way and I’ll make the most of anywhere I go, but I want to hear all sides to this choice from different perspectives before choosing. Thank you!!!
