Penn State (PSU) vs. Quinnipiac (Netter)

[cppsam]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I originally applied to Penn State specifically due to interest in one of their 3+ accelerated programs that guarantees residency there, but now I am not so sure I want to be locked into a specialty before starting school. I really loved Netter on interview day but am having trouble justifying slightly higher COA for a school without its own hospital. Wondering if Penn State has a "bigger name" that might help, especially with Step 1 going P/F. Please help

Netter Pros:
-closer to home, lived in CT my entire life other than for college, more familiar
-super welcoming and individualized vibe, smaller class size (95)
-MESH program pairs you with a community physician for first 2 years- really unique and structured clinical opportunity
-Brand new facilities (anatomy lab was amazing)

Netter Cons:
-at least 38k more over 4 years (based on tuition alone, excluding living expenses)
-does not have its own hospital or home residency programs. more driving for rotations (up to an hour)
- no on campus housing, although I am not too concerned about this


PSU Pros:
-although farther from home and more unfamiliar, Hershey is arguably a nicer area than North Haven/New Haven (unsure of this but this was the feeling I got)
-On campus housing as an option
-Hospital on site- potentially more research opportunities
-Cheaper COA (about 38k assuming no financial aid)

PSU Cons:
-feels like a large institution/less individualized, administration seemed colder
-less structured/frequent clinical experiences in year 1/2
-farther from home/more unfamiliar location
-Possibly older facilities? did not see any classrooms or anatomy lab on interview day

 

[openstage]

I think that’s very wise to leave your doors open. You’re not just investing 3-5 years, but a 20+ year career. What if you’re unhappy? Going back to your last posts it seemed like your heart was more at Q, but you were asking people to talk you out of it. Just my impression...

 

[greatjoyousday]

I will say at PSU they have two programs in their curriculum which pair you with a few patients throughout your M1 and M2 years. Patient Navigation and Patients as Teachers. I spoke with one medical student who said she ended up choosing PSU because of the Patient Navigation program and absolutely loves it (she's even been calling her patient just to chat and check in throughout this pandemic). Additionally, I've heard from multiple different students that the administration really listens to student feedback and supports and cares for the student experience. I don't remember the classrooms or anatomy lab but I do remember being really impressed by the number of sim labs/gear they had (3D printers, VR stuff, medical dummies, etc.), so I don't think old facilities are a problem (although I did interview like 7 months ago so don't take my word as gospel 🙂). I'm not saying PSU is the school for you, but I just wanted to address a few of the things on your con list to give you some more info!