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Can't even believe I get to choose between these schools, and I understand that I probably can’t go wrong with either of these amazing programs, but I am still very conflicted in which to choose. Curious to see what people think / if I am not considering a factor.
I am very interested in IM (PC or sub-specialty) and public health / health economics. Originally from CA, I went to undergrad on the east coast and see myself matching in the east coast as well. I am interested in academic medicine or a career where I’d be able to practice and get involved in health policy.
While I was admitted to UCSD and WashU, I have already narrowed down my decision to Hopkins and Penn as my partner will be following me and would like to live on the east coast. I would be taking out loans for the full COA at both institutions. My initial pros and cons for each option are below. Thank you in advance!
University of Pennsylvania
Pros:
(+)(+)(+) Health Econ / health policy opportunities are vast and span research areas I am most interested in
(+)(+) Penn campus is well-connected, all academic centers are in the same part of the city
(+) close to NYC, where I have many close friends
(+) Philly, at least where Penn is, seems to be a better city than Baltimore
Cons:
(-)(-)(-) Internal Rank (no idea how it works / would like some clarity)
(-)(-) Graded clinicals, but I’ve heard clinical exams are pass/fail and most people can get honors if they put in the time/effort (please correct me if this thinking is inaccurate)
(-) IM match list seems to be marginally weaker than Hopkins
Johns Hopkins
Pros:
(+)(+)(+) Almost completely P/F
(+)(+)(+) IM match list is incredibly strong
(+)(+) Have some extended family / friends in the DMV area who would be a support system
(+)(+) Students seem to be happy and not competitive at all
Cons:
(-)(-)(-) Baltimore, specifically the area around the SOM
(-)(-) More public health focused research rather than health economics
(-)(-) Potential for P/F grades for clinicals to be changed back to H/HP/P/F
(-) Could end up being more expensive than Penn if I don’t get any aid; seems like having a car is necessary and living in a “nice” part of the city would be more expensive than an equivalent part of Philly
I am very interested in IM (PC or sub-specialty) and public health / health economics. Originally from CA, I went to undergrad on the east coast and see myself matching in the east coast as well. I am interested in academic medicine or a career where I’d be able to practice and get involved in health policy.
While I was admitted to UCSD and WashU, I have already narrowed down my decision to Hopkins and Penn as my partner will be following me and would like to live on the east coast. I would be taking out loans for the full COA at both institutions. My initial pros and cons for each option are below. Thank you in advance!
University of Pennsylvania
Pros:
(+)(+)(+) Health Econ / health policy opportunities are vast and span research areas I am most interested in
(+)(+) Penn campus is well-connected, all academic centers are in the same part of the city
(+) close to NYC, where I have many close friends
(+) Philly, at least where Penn is, seems to be a better city than Baltimore
Cons:
(-)(-)(-) Internal Rank (no idea how it works / would like some clarity)
(-)(-) Graded clinicals, but I’ve heard clinical exams are pass/fail and most people can get honors if they put in the time/effort (please correct me if this thinking is inaccurate)
(-) IM match list seems to be marginally weaker than Hopkins
Johns Hopkins
Pros:
(+)(+)(+) Almost completely P/F
(+)(+)(+) IM match list is incredibly strong
(+)(+) Have some extended family / friends in the DMV area who would be a support system
(+)(+) Students seem to be happy and not competitive at all
Cons:
(-)(-)(-) Baltimore, specifically the area around the SOM
(-)(-) More public health focused research rather than health economics
(-)(-) Potential for P/F grades for clinicals to be changed back to H/HP/P/F
(-) Could end up being more expensive than Penn if I don’t get any aid; seems like having a car is necessary and living in a “nice” part of the city would be more expensive than an equivalent part of Philly
