Penn State Vs. GW

[Radbone]

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Hi everyone:

Penn State Vs. GW

go!


Im out of state for both and like clinical better than research other than that, which school has a better feel to them? What are the differences in courses, curric, daily classes...

Thank you! Also time is of the essence! 🙂

 

[ryandote]

I interviewed at GW and withdrew from their waitlist. I applied to Penn State but turned down an interview. Therefore, I only have a little bit of opinion to give about GW.

In short, I really liked it. I get the impression that they are way more focused on clinicians than researchers. You would definitely have opportunities to research, but I felt like they were looking for students who wanted to practice.

I very much enjoyed the vibe from the students that I met. They were very diverse, friendly, and it seemed like the cohesiveness of the class was excellent. That's the kind of atmosphere I'd like my med school to be, as opposed to some schools that felt lone rangerish.

Finally, international/political/public health opportunities seemed out of this world. 4 of the students at my lunch were interning on the Hill and were pretty stoked about the opportunity to understand policy.

 

[Vizsla]

Hi everyone:

Penn State Vs. GW

go!


Im out of state for both and like clinical better than research other than that, which school has a better feel to them? What are the differences in courses, curric, daily classes...

Thank you! Also time is of the essence! 🙂

this decision hinges on whats more important to you, not what SDNers tell you about the school (you should already know about each schools curric, class schedule from interviewing there). That being said, they are in radically diff locations and im pretty sure GW serves a more diverse pt popuatlion. GW has lots of international/health policy opportunities. Their tuition is pretty ridic and the cost of living in DC is very high (but in my opinion, the city is worth it). Both schools are prob comparable in reputation but I would pick GW if only for location and diversity of patients/student body.

 

[NYyanx28]

Slightly biased, but... I see Penn State a lot higher on the lists for the NIH grant money than GW for most specialties. GW you see more diverse patients, inner-city lifestyle, etc. PSU you have seemingly better research opportunities, a new cancer institute coming in Spring 2008, and a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere.

Apply to both, go to interviews and see which one you personally like. It's the only way to get that "gut feeling" that you need before you devote a quarter of a million in your education.

links:

Overall research

Individual specialties

 

[Vizsla]

I see Penn State a lot higher on the lists for the NIH grant money than GW for most specialties.

this isnt an issue since NIH is a metro ride away so if you cant find any research you like at GW, the actual labs at NIH will have all that you can handle.

 

[fleetgoddess]

I got a weird vibe from Penn State. I think the main thing to consider is the location of both schools. Can you deal with having to go to Harrisburg for a fun night out. Do you like that campus lifestyle. Remember your living there for four years. I'm just saying that would be the biggest consideration for me because the lifestyle at these two places are probably the biggest difference between them. The cost of living in dc is ridiculous though. so thats what i'd be thinking about

 

[jae9970]

Hershey is a nice place. If you like rural environments, you'll love it here. Unlike DC, the only places you could go to in Hershey are the chocolate factory and Hershey Park

some Hershey med students ive talked to told me that they've got nothing to else to do, so they naturally study a lot !

 

[Vizsla]

Hershey is a nice place. If you like rural environments, you'll love it here. Unlike DC, the only places you could go to in Hershey are the chocolate factory and Hershey Park

some Hershey med students ive talked to told me that they've got nothing to else to do, so they naturally study a lot !

well i guess it depends how important location is to you. ive always been bothered by students who claim that location isnt important "since u will always be studying". to me thats complete BS bc no matter how many gunners u have in ur class, there WILL be a mass exodus to the bars/clubs after every exam. i dunno if this will work w/ the chocolate factory tho...maybe

 

[Radbone]

Thanks for your input. I chose GW as much as I loved Penn State.
Thanks!

 

[jae9970]

Thanks for your input. I chose GW as much as I loved Penn State.
Thanks!

If it helps, Hershey is a town that smells sweet. (a nearby chocolate factory)

Does this make you change your mind?

 

[tp709]

well i guess it depends how important location is to you. ive always been bothered by students who claim that location isnt important "since u will always be studying". to me thats complete BS bc no matter how many gunners u have in ur class, there WILL be a mass exodus to the bars/clubs after every exam. i dunno if this will work w/ the chocolate factory tho...maybe

There are bars in Harrisburg...~15 min away. There's not the same selection as DC, obviously, but people at Penn State STILL DO go to bars and clubs. And party on campus