Schools with the best/worst lifestyle?

[beana03]

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Hello! I'm applying to med schools this May and am working on my school list right now. I am a big work hard/play hard person and have a lot of hobbies outside of school and work that I don't want to give up completely in med school. I wanted to ask what schools have good or bad lifestyles. Obviously it's med school, it will be tough anywhere, but are there schools that are especially competitive/don't prioritize student wellness that I should avoid? Are there schools who prefer students with a balance of medical/nonmedical activities?

 

[Moko]

Hello! I'm applying to med schools this May and am working on my school list right now. I am a big work hard/play hard person and have a lot of hobbies outside of school and work that I don't want to give up completely in med school. I wanted to ask what schools have good or bad lifestyles. Obviously it's med school, it will be tough anywhere, but are there schools that are especially competitive/don't prioritize student wellness that I should avoid? Are there schools who prefer students with a balance of medical/nonmedical activities?

Recorded lectures, minimal amount of mandatory activities, and P/F curriculum are generally seen as good "lifestyle" indicators. Location also matters depending on your hobbies and interests.

 

[LelouchLamperouge]

I feel like school in any capacity is what you make of it. There definitely have been people who have a hard time at the most “chill” programs, and others who have a great time at more “competitive” programs. I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder here. You can decide to open up First Aid on day one and be a shut in, or you can decide to go out with your classmates every weekend. It would help to be in a nice city, but “fun” is also relative as well.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I'm not sure what you are looking for in a "non-competitive" environment. I agree that even if the admins take away any/all markers of comparison like no-ranking, no-AOA, P/F non-clinicals and clinicals, no mandatory anything... it doesn't mean that the students themselves aren't self-motivated, that they find a way to keep the culture "competitive." If people shield old exams or Anki/UWorld resources from you, does that contribute to a competitive or non-competitive student culture?

Also, I think most medical students need to be reminded that they are being graded and measured against others. Take for example Step 1.

 

[Goro]

Location, location, location.

And lowest tuition/COA, and P/F curriculum.