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)
-Capstone Project built into curriculum (Can be basic science research or humanities project)- each student given $2500 stipend for this
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
-potentially less research opportunities, although proximity to yale
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
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)
-Capstone Project built into curriculum (Can be basic science research or humanities project)- each student given $2500 stipend for this
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
-potentially less research opportunities, although proximity to yale
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
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