Rankings

[dr.bones]

What ranking organization seems to do a good job in your opinion? The us news and wrld rpt seems rather strange. Also, how about rankings of specialties? And what to include in composing these rankings? I think there is a great deal to discuss regarding rankings.

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[Street Philosopher]

i think the general concensus here is that people don't care much about the rankings...

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by Schoolboy:
•i think the general concensus here is that people don't care much about the rankings...•

Yup

 

[mojo]

Any med school you make is a good one

 

[mojo]

800th post... earning my tenure.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by Tony Clifton*:
•800th post... earning my tenure. •

Boy I remember the good old days when only a handful of us had posts in the hundreds...me, turtleboard, lilycat, adrianshoe. What is the world coming to when any newby can have 800 posts?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by Schoolboy:
•i think the general concensus here is that people don't care much about the rankings...•

Yep, count me in that group. The rankings are so obviously manipulated for program gain that its hard to take them seriously. What's important is how YOU rank them, based on things important to YOU.

 

[Jamier2]

Originally posted by Kimberli Cox:
•What's important is how YOU rank them, based on things important to YOU.•

Here's how I'm hoping to rank med schools next spring. Assuming I have a handfull of acceptances, I'll rank the one I choose for myself at #1. The rest can be ranked by alphabetizing them by state and city, since it really doesn't matter at all after you choose one that fits you.

 

[yigit]

The rankings have to mean something though, right? When you put aside location and price and stuff like that, how do you guys go about deciding what's a better school?

For instance I thought Tulane was very much my style and that I would like it a lot there, but in the end I chose to go somewhere else because it was ranked so much higher (other factors helped too).

Did all you guys completely ignore rankings and just go where you felt most comfortable?

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by yigit:
•Did all you guys completely ignore rankings and just go where you felt most comfortable?•

Yes.

 

[TechMan]

Its funny how you people try and pad the number of posts you have. Kimberli, was it necessary to post two times on here, couldn't you have said those two sentences in one post? If you notice, the times are w/in 1 minute of each other.

 

[Popoy]

Sometimes it's better to post a couple of times and keep it short rather than post something really long.... most peeps don't like to read long responses unless it's directed to them.... I think Dr. C. was directing answers to different people, ergo the two different post(one was Tony Clifton and the other was Schoolboy)....

Then again, what do I know

 

[Sheon]

The ranking system that works best for me is: Downstate is ranked #1, and every other school is ranked according to its distance from Downstate. That makes the top 10 as follows:

1. Downstate
2. NYU
3. Cornell
4. Columbia
5. Mount Siani
6. [That other NYC school]
7. Mew York Medical College
8. NYCOM
9. NJMD Robert Wood
10. Yale (It might not actually be closer than the Philly schools, but you can take the MetroNorth there).

By the way, I define newbie as anyone with a number over 6000. Posts are irrelevant!!! Anyone with a bunch of time can put up Michael Jordan type numbers in a few months. Persistant means more that prolific.

 

[yigit]

I want to second the comment about people who post just to post. I hate having to sift through crap. I feel stupider having read some people's posts. I think you should only answer someone else's question if you really know what you are talking about. There are people around here that talk just to talk. It drives me nucking futs. Popoy and I have been at ends for this kind of thing before. 1,800 posts in 3 months is 600 posts a month and 20 posts every single day. No one has so much expertise in medical school stuff that they have to give their opinion on every single topic. In my eyes this useless verbal diahharea is the worst aspect of the studentdoctor network. That being said, I think Kimberi Cox is one of the best posters on these boards. She seems to always know what she's talking about and rarely wastes people's time with useless posts. I think I've learned more from her than anyone else on these boards.

And I also think that totally ignoring rankings is kind of strange.

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by yigit:
•Popoy and I have been at ends for this kind of thing before.... No one has so much expertise in medical school stuff that they have to give their opinion on every single topic. In my eyes this useless verbal diahharea is the worst aspect of the studentdoctor network. That being said, I think Kimberi Cox is one of the best posters on these boards. She seems to always know what she's talking about and rarely wastes people's time with useless posts. I think I've learned more from her than anyone else on these boards.•

Yup.... We've been at ends?!

It's not a matter or "expertise" but sometimes people just want feedback as well as encouragement.... Something I'm sure they don't get from you....

I've seen worse things that "verbal diarrhea" in SDN and one of them is "verbal diarrhea of criticism of other SDNers" from folks like you....I've search the SDN and your last postings have been bickering about other members, one particular person, ME....

I see you're still kissing buttisimos to Dr. C. as like from previous postings.... You don't happen to have anything going on in front of your computer screen, huh?! Do you really see some of Dr. C.'s postings? Some are actually post padding like everyone else, so don't be telling everyone that she rarely waste people's time... I do agree that Dr. C. is one of the very good people in SDN and for that I've complimented her about during postings and chatting....

Next time you criticize someone about worthless postings, as I have mentioned to you before, you might want to get more support.... Because from what I gather from other SDNers, they do appreciate, if not grateful, from the postings I've done.... I guess you're the only one that doesn't and for that I guess I can't do anything about....

I just see you as some very bitter person....

Just imagine, if this site had no frequent visitors it would have been down several months ago.... Don't worry about me yigit, I'm about to start med school soon.... I've slowed down posting even....

Maybe once I'm gone you'll have no one else to criticize.... Oh NO!!! what then you're probably not even going to post

Again we've come at ends at this.... With that, I hope this coming to at ends will stop....

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by yigit:
•And I also think that totally ignoring rankings is kind of strange.•

Why?

Is it better for me to let someone else bias my opinion of a school before I see it? Should I let others do my thinking for me and base my decisions on what they think is best and what they think will be better for me? I have never met anyone who writes for any company that makes the rankings, so I can honestly say that they do not know me. Having said that, I can also say they do not know what is best for me. On the other hand, I do know me and I do know what is best for me. Therefore, I will rank the schools how I see fit based on my experience at my interviews and my reading about the schools and their environments. Where does US News come into play?

 

[lilycat]

Originally posted by Kimberli Cox:
•Boy I remember the good old days when only a handful of us had posts in the hundreds...me, turtleboard, lilycat, adrianshoe. What is the world coming to when any newby can have 800 posts? •

SDN is going straight to the dogs I say.

yigit -- as for your question about rankings, whenever I did feel that was starting to influence my decision-making, I tried to push it completely from my mind, and concentrate on stuff like curriculum, clinical opportunities, research opportunities, location, and finances. Ultimately, I did end up going with the "higher ranked" school, but because it was a better fit for what I wanted out of med school, not because of it's ranking. I'm withdrawing from the waitlist of a higher-ranked school, where I supposedly have a good chance at getting in, because I know I wouldn't be as happy there, thus I wouldn't go, no matter what it's ranking is.

 

[yigit]

Popoy- Look at the third post on this topic. Just one example of literally hundreds. And for the record, I've never complained about anyone else except you. I just think you're a complete idiot. If my comments quiet you down even the least bit, I will feel like I've made the world a better place. And stop calling her Dr. C. Her name is Kimberli. That's so typical of the self righteous people that go into medicine just so they can call each other Dr. And it's pretty obvious that you don't care about rankings since you are going not just to any DO school, but one I've never heard of.

 

[AJM]

Originally posted by lilycat:
•SDN is going straight to the dogs I say.

yigit -- as for your question about rankings, whenever I did feel that was starting to influence my decision-making, I tried to push it completely from my mind, and concentrate on stuff like curriculum, clinical opportunities, research opportunities, location, and finances. Ultimately, I did end up going with the "higher ranked" school, but because it was a better fit for what I wanted out of med school, not because of it's ranking. I'm withdrawing from the waitlist of a higher-ranked school, where I supposedly have a good chance at getting in, because I know I wouldn't be as happy there, thus I wouldn't go, no matter what it's ranking is.•

I think that's exactly how one should decide on schools, if you get the luxury of a choice. Rankings can often cloud the issue -- medical schools are so different from each other that it's very important to look at where you would be happiest based on factors that are not necessarily included in the rankings. The only other factor from the rankings that I might consider is the school's reputation per residency program directors -- but even then that needs to be taken with a grain of salt, because not all prgram directors respond to this question, and there can be strong biases in this rating.

 

[KeithKow]

Jesus Christ....
just reading all this crap makes me wonder if i really should show up in august...i have to live near people like you for 4 years?!?! quit your bitching and go outside and play or something...RELAX.
by the way, i truly love you all dearly and appreciate reading relevent posts, many have helped me out tremendously. others have made me say things like this post.
Keith

 

[EricCSU]

Originally posted by Sheon:
•

By the way, I define newbie as anyone with a number over 6000. Posts are irrelevant!!! Anyone with a bunch of time can put up Michael Jordan type numbers in a few months. Persistant means more that prolific.•

That's what I'm talking about. No offense to popoy or socialist, I actually enjoy the majority of your posts.

Check the memba numba biznitch!

Eric

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by EricCSU:
•That's what I'm talking about. No offense to popoy or socialist, I actually enjoy the majority of your posts.

Check the memba numba biznitch!

Eric•

Hey, I'm in the 4000's.

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by yigit:
•And for the record, I've never complained about anyone else except you....And stop calling her Dr. C. Her name is Kimberli•

Why is that?!.... Dr. C. is the way I refer to her during our chat time... You do know she's a doctor right?

That's the last I'll go in here to justify myself to midgit....I mean yigit.... Stop your bickering about me. What did I do to you anyway?

 

[soggybottomboys]

I think I'll have to support yigit's comment that Popeye does post some of the most irrelevant crap on SDN. But, I think Tony Clifton is running a close second place.

 

[abbeydesert]

Oh man...this place is starting to sound like the PR board. Come on, people, can't we all get along here? Personally, I've found Popoy's postings interesting and useful- but if I felt otherwise, I would just DISREGARD him rather than publicly disparage him.
As for the rankings issue, I can only echo the sentiments expressed above by others. You have to decide which school would be best for YOU and make your decision based on that. Myself, I turned down a top-20 school for a so-called "lowest tier" state school, primarily for family and financial reasons. Reducing my debt was much more important to me than having a degree from a big-name school.

 

[yigit]

OK,OK. I'm done being rude to Popoy. The midget comment proves that he doesn't have the mental capacity of a worthy opponent anyway. Verbal diaharrea for everyone!!!!

 

[daveshnave]

A lot of rankings place emphasis on how many research dollars are brought in by a school. If a school experiences a large increase in grant money from the NIH or other sources their rankings may jump substantially. Having worked in research the past few years, I realize the importance of it, but at the same time I think it's a poor marker of what defines a quality medical school FOR THE STUDENT. People can argue that more research money brings more prestigious researchers. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they are better teachers. I also believe that anyone that has been hired by a medical school to undertaked research and teach is more than qualified to impart their knowledge to future physicians, and no student is at a disadvantage because they may have attended a lower-ranked school. Pretty much everyone I've talked to has told me that it doesn't matter much anyway where you go to med school... it's much more important where you do your residency.

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by daveshnave:
•A lot of rankings place emphasis on how many research dollars are brought in by a school. If a school experiences a large increase in grant money from the NIH or other sources their rankings may jump substantially. Having worked in research the past few years, I realize the importance of it, but at the same time I think it's a poor marker of what defines a quality medical school FOR THE STUDENT. People can argue that more research money brings more prestigious researchers. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they are better teachers. I also believe that anyone that has been hired by a medical school to undertaked research and teach is more than qualified to impart their knowledge to future physicians, and no student is at a disadvantage because they may have attended a lower-ranked school. Pretty much everyone I've talked to has told me that it doesn't matter much anyway where you go to med school... it's much more important where you do your residency.•

I am beginning to wonder if that really matters, either. When I was applying to undergrad, I could only afford to apply to two schools, so I applied to my "dream" school and a school in which I could get in-state tuition. I was accepted into both schools, but could not afford to go to my dream school, so I went to the state school. I was told by everyone that it didn't matter where I went to undergrad, it only mattered where I went to med school. I now know that it does not matter what med school you attend and I am told what matters now is the residency I get. I do not think it does. Matters to what or whom, anyway? Will my residency at Harvard or Johns Hopkins make me a better surgeon than my residency at SLU or even <gasp> the University of Missouri in all its small town glory? Will I be turned down for a job out of residency because of the program at which I recieved my board certification to become a certified "whatever?" I really do not think so. I think exposure matters more than prestige, and that is my guiding factor in choosing my path. That being said, I will take whatever residency I can get in my field because I know I will have plenty of exposure at that institution to allow me to become certified. If not, the program would not be able to certify me.

I am not trying to attack you, daveshnave, nor single you out. I am just trying to say that I do not think any of it really matters as long as you are doing what you want to do.

 

[MRF1366]

Originally posted by abbeydesert:
•I would just DISREGARD him rather than publicly disparage him.•

It's hard to disregard him when he has a comment on EVERY SINGLE THREAD! I mean seriously, there is a world out there; can't you see it out the window? I guarantee you will wish you had spent more time exploring it once med school starts this fall...

 

[Jamier2]

Originally posted by SocialistMD:
•I am just trying to say that I do not think any of it really matters as long as you are doing what you want to do.•

I agree completely.

 

[yigit]

OK, so I'm the only one that gave any consideration at all to the ranking/reputation of the med school I chose to attend? I find this a little strange.

Jees. Next thing you know you guys are going to try to tell me that the football team doesn't matter either?!

 

[Jamier2]

Originally posted by yigit:
•Jees. Next thing you know you guys are going to try to tell me that the football team doesn't matter either?!
•

Yep, football don't count. Now basketball, that's another story. Hence my first choice - The University of Kentucky Wildcats

 

[Ryu]

Duke, UCLA, and UNC are the only three med school with excellent NCAA team. But wait a minute, why am I writing this?

 

[lilycat]

Stanford's not bad if we could stop choking during tournament time.

 

[Mango]

How about me: I chose med school at Cincy over Ohio State even though as far as sports go I am a HUGE Buckeye fan! I guess I skrewed up according to your theory Jamie.

The basketball Bearcats... uuuuuhhhg. There a bunch of criminals. And what's with those uniforms?

 

[yigit]

Rankings, schmankings...the truth comes out about why I chose UNC. Tar Heel basketball.

And Ryu, don't forget my two other alma maters Michigan and Florida. Both of them have good teams and really good med schools.

ps-After I get mad at Popoy for talking too much you guys get me started on the one thing I could talk all day about.

 

[ewells]

Anyone heard of the University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team? Definitely one of the top five programs in the country and consistently better than UCLA.

 

[bruinboy2000]

Wildcats are going to suck next year! They lost their whole team to the league. Everyone left. Bruins will rule the Pac-10 next year!!

 

[Crafty]

How can you beat the Cameron Crazies? I'm just hoping that I'll be able to get in to watch at least one Duke basketball game this year. But coming from Texas, I'm afraid I'll go into football withdrawal. Thank goodness for cable TV.

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by Crafty:
•How can you beat the Cameron Crazies? I'm just hoping that I'll be able to get in to watch at least one Duke basketball game this year. But coming from Texas, I'm afraid I'll go into football withdrawal. Thank goodness for cable TV. •

As in, Cameron in Lawton, OK? That is only 30 minutes from my hometown.

Speaking of basketball, I hear Mizzou is ranked in the top 10 in the early summer rankings. Go Mizzou!

 

[lilycat]

Originally posted by SocialistMD:
•
As in, Cameron in Lawton, OK? That is only 30 minutes from my hometown.

Speaking of basketball, I hear Mizzou is ranked in the top 10 in the early summer rankings. Go Mizzou!•

Cameron as in Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke.

Jamie, wouldn't you agree that the 1992 NCAA East Regional final was one of the greatest college basketball games ever?

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by lilycat:
•Cameron as in Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke.

Jamie, wouldn't you agree that the 1992 NCAA East Regional final was one of the greatest college basketball games ever? •

Ah, so they must be the fans there. You can tell how much I love Duke basketball.

 

[lilycat]

Originally posted by SocialistMD:
•
Ah, so they must be the fans there. You can tell how much I love Duke basketball. •

Gosh, I really hope you don't get stuck hanging out with any rabid Duke fans .

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by lilycat:
•Gosh, I really hope you don't get stuck hanging out with any rabid Duke fans .•

Honestly, I hope I don't get stuck hanging out with anything rabid.

 

[Crafty]

Lilycat, thanks for clearing up the Cameron confusion. And Socialist: don't worry, I'm not rabid (yet anyways). But I've heard that tickets to Duke basketball games are next to impossible to come by, so I might be making it to Cameron Indoor much. Socialist, since you come from Oklahoma, are you more of a Sooner football fan?

 

[bluegill]

Let's make a list of the best places to watch college sports while getting an awesome medical education:

1. Michigan (not that I'm biased or anything)
2. UNC
3. Stanford
4. UCLA

List some more!

 

[lilycat]

Originally posted by Crafty:
•are you more of a Sooner football fan?•

I actually got that one covered too.

 

[SocialistMD]

Actually, I am from Texas. That being said, I cannot claim to be a Sooners fan (although I do not dislike them nearly as much as I do the Huskers). lilycat, you are scaring me. Why must you like the schools that I do not? I feel sorry for your roommate (roommates, depending on his/her day.).

 

[TwoSteveSquared]

I think you better put UCLA up on top of that sports/med school list. They are consistantly good in baskeball, football, and often rank in the top ten for their medical school. Can't touch that...

 

[AJM]

Originally posted by bluegill:
•Let's make a list of the best places to watch college sports while getting an awesome medical education:

1. Michigan (not that I'm biased or anything)
2. UNC
3. Stanford
4. UCLA

List some more!•

I would actually put Stanford #1 on your list -- Stanford Athletics has won the Sears Cup for the best overall collegiate athletics program for at least 6 years in a row (actually, it might be 7 or 8 now). They have top teams in almost every NCAA sport (well, except football ....)

But then again, I'm a little biased -- I've been at Stanford for 8 years and counting ...