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Any opinions?
SLU vs Albany
- Thread starter CA-MedStudent
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well...I have not done my research on Albany yet...but I can give you some info on SLU
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,506
- Reaction score
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40. Saint Louis_______________
First Year Student Budget (2007 2008): $64,563 Score: -1
Financial Aid/etc : ummmm yeah so the good thing is that this school does maintain some sort of financial aid program. The bad thing is that it seems as if the aid/scholarship opps are limited. Loans: typical federal loans through the university University loans with 9% interest rate, many private loans are offered through funds set up by alumni (and friends). Scholarships: Are scholarships are awarded based on financial need i.e. no merit based, volunteer based, etc. based scholarships oh well (I would not qualify for any major rewards). The good thing is that you just do not have to pay it back. % of Enrolled Student Receiving Financial Aid: 86%, Average Amount per Scholarship/Grant: $16,811, Average 2006 Graduate Indebtedness: $156,723 Score: 2
Curriculum/etc : Seemingly very well organized curriculum provides a coordination and integration of the basic and clinical sciences across all four years. It follows established principles of adult learning, and so is a hybrid of lectures, small-group activities, early clinical activities, self-directed learning (PBL), and problem-solving exercises. Curriculum broken up into three phases (Phases 1 3) that partially correspond to the actual year in medical school (for example Phase 1 completed during 1st year etc.). Phase 1 organized using a semi-block format Extensive basic science studying begins with focus on gross anatomy (which is good b/c) and related courses (including histology, developmental anatomy courses typically included under the title of anatomy. Students also begin the year enrolled in Patient, Physician, and Society 1 (PPS1), which is a series of modules that encompass human development, ethics, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, and other related course work. Students then move on to Cell Biology, Metabolism (aka biochemistry), and an online course called Health Information Resources, which is designed to help students identify ways of facilitating their access to medical information via the Internet. Students then move on to Microbes and Host Responses and Molecular Biology and Genetics. During the final part of Phase 1 students take Principles of Pharmacology , Introduction to Pathology, the final part of the PPS1 course, and also can choose from a diverse array of possible electives electives can include, basic science/clinical research, shadowing physicians, or other activities .generally, no early patient contact during first year (booooooooooo). Phase 2 (year 2) students presented material through a series of integrated organ-based modules (8 total modules). Students also take PPS2 throughout the year and through it are introduced to aspects of the broader environment in which medicine is practiced, as well as providing the opportunity for you to develop the skills of medical history taking and physical diagnosis. The year ends with a two-week module: Introduction to Clinical Medicine. This course helps bring the year to a finish by helping you integrate the material of the previous modules, and also helps you learn how to think like an experienced diagnostician (thats cool and necessary) .Students are also allotted time for electives during 2nd year. Phase 3 Begins in third year with core clerkships: Internal Medicine (12 weeks, 4 of the weeks are spent in ambulatory care settings), Surgery (8 weeks General Surgery), OB/GYN and Womens Health (6 weeks), Pediatrics (8 weeks), Psychiatry (4 weeks) students also choose two of three following clerkships to complete: Neurology (4 weeks), Electives at SLU or an affiliate hospital (8 weeks), of Family Medicine (4 6 weeks). SLU has several elective opportunities for students Basic science is also continually integrated into the curriculum through Basic Science Clinical Correlation (BSCC) courses that students must take during the final two years. Each BSCC course will entail a series of monthly 1-hour lectures, covering a variety of topics of current interest and impact to biomedical science. Students must attend at least 16 of the 24 sessions and pass the quizzes given during those sessions. Year 4 represents the end of Phase 3 of the curriculum this year is intended to be much more flexible to allow for vacation and residency interview time. Students are responsible for setting own schedule of required instruction, which consists of at least 36 weeks scheduled advanced rotations, BSCC courses, and electives. .Students also typically use this year to do available away rotations (although kind of limited national and international rotations still enough choices) .Curriculum Options: SLU offers an extended five-year program to students who might not be able to handle the rigor of the four year program. Curricular Innovations: Anesthesiology Laboratory and Clinical Skills Center oldest Clinical Skills Center in the nation (nice that they considered this so early on .BUT WHY HAVE THEY NOT UPDATED IT?) In addition to over 2,000 square feet of space for the practice of clinical procedures such as venipuncture and lumbar puncture, the Clinical Skills Center contains seven examination rooms complete with exam table, sink, oto-ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, and other examination equipment. Two monitoring rooms provide direct visualization via videocameras, VCRs and microphones. A Standardized Patient Program is used at this clinical skills center no simulation dolls or any major technologically advanced clinical enhancements. Grading Intervals: 3 grading intervals (Honors/Pass/Fail) used all four years. Score: 13.75
#Affiliated Hospitals/Clinical Facilities: 10 affiliated hospitals Score: 9
Selection Factors: Private, Rolling Admissions, Jesuit School so most likely will favor Catholic Students is usually how it works Average Cumulative GPA (not sure what year): 3.68, Overall Median GPA (2006): 3.74, Average Science GPA(not sure what year): 3.62, Median Science GPA: 3.7, Average MCAT (not sure of year): 31.06P Breakdown: V: 10.13, P: 10.26, B: 10.67, writing: P, Median MCAT Score: 31Q Breakdown: V: 10, P: 10, B: 10, writing: Q (Ranges: V: 6 15, P: 6 15, B: 8 15), 5627 applications for 967 interview slots Score: 6.75
Diversity: 6% URM (hahahahahahaha JOKE JOKE JOKE hahahahaha), 31% Minority (hahahahahahaha JOKE) 0.75
Dual Degree Options: MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/PhD Score: 5.75
Student Support: School seems to have strong support network for students Established Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) that organizes various programs and conferences for minority students (and other interested students). Specific programs/workshops/groups implemented by this office include: Individual Supplemental Instruction (SI), Small Group Supplemental Instruction (SI), Academic Success Workshops, USMLE Step 1 Supplemental Preparation Study Group, USMLE Step 1 Structured Board Review Course, Document of Clinical Survival Skills Booklet (DOCS), Cultural Competency Program .These are some really cool programs that you should check out on the schools website .OMA is also responsible for organizing outreach programs targeted towards elementary and high school (and to an extent college) students .Established SNMA, a few specialty interest groups (at least thats all they show on their website), and a few student support groups. Student Support Groups: SLU has established a support group system for first year students .approximately 5 7 first year students match up with 2 3 2nd students and a faculty advisor. Their major function is to provide freshmen with some knowledgeable friends to answer questions and help them get situated. They are mostly fun, with various meetings in the first two weeks including a lunch or dinner (on SLU) at a faculty-members house or a restaurant. Counseling services available school also offers peer-counseling (one on one) services as well just in case students feel more comfortable .one specific student-run counseling service is entitled Aid for Impaired Medical Students (AIMS) .Campus ministry plays role in counseling services as well Mentoring: 3rd year students link up with faculty advisors at the beginning of 3rd year to discuss career options and scheduling for the last two years .peer-mentoring groups are also utilized. Curricular Support: School has health science library (not huge but I guess it does suffice did not do that much research on it individually), Clinical Skills Center and Anesthesiology Laboratory Score: 6.75
Housing: No on campus housing for graduate/professional students, no off-campus affiliated housing, cheap regular off-campus housing available Score: 1.5
Location: Big city, potentially diverse patient population (much more diverse than class itself) Score: 5+++++++++++++++
Class Size: 176 .so approximately 18% of interviewees matriculate many more probably accepted
Residency Match List: 46% of past graduates have entered primary care residency programs, the other 54% have entered into non-primary care residency programs
Volunteer/Research Opportunities: Though it was difficult to find, I did find some information on Community Outreach programs offered within specific department of the school of medicine .Department of Surgery offers an outreach program on Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education In 1991, Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education created Adventures In Medicine & Science (AIMS), a youth community outreach program which provides health and science education information to students and teachers throughout the year. Using a combination of hands-on learning opportunities and 3-dimensional demonstrations, students get a unique look at the human body. The program offers a prevention component which provides valuable information to students regarding health risks and how to avoid medical traumas. AIMS was created so that students could enrich their scientific learning. The school year programs introduce students to human anatomy, stimulate awareness of good health practices, provide information about injury prevention and lead students to a better understanding of career choices in medicine .The school of medicine has also established other programs, such as the Health Resource Center Clinic that serves an underserved area of greater St. Louis and provides free medical services medical students are actively involved with this center under the close supervision of faculty doctors. The Office of Multicultural Affairs also offers specific outreach programs targeted towards elementary and high school students. Elementary program: 1 program specifically Brain Link: is a two week hands-on science program. Disadvantaged elementary students are offered an opportunity to encounter new avenues of learning in the areas of health, science, mathematics, and literature. The BrainLink program offers an interdisciplinary approach to promote science literacy and good health practices. In addition, the BrainLink curriculum correlates to several Missouri "Show Me Standards" in the areas of science and health providing further benefits to children participating in the program .Middle School program CAMP MASH (Missouri Academy of Science and Health): camp is a free two-week summer program offering disadvantaged 7th and 8th grade students health career exploration activities. The program focuses on specific topics each day integrating multiple avenues to offer students a better understanding and appreciation for science, math, and their real life applications. MASH Camp activities include: field trips, speakers, hands-on activities, leadership/team building activities, shadowing, mock interviewing, study skills, hospital tours, health education, and computer skills .Students are heavily involved in outreach activities through a various outlets (in addition to the ones stated above) LaClinica Clinic for Hispanic residents of St. Louis provides free medical services in Spanish (good opportunity for me to practice my Spanish skills) AIDS Education Task Force another student run program that focuses on what the name suggests (sounds really cool) Child Abuse Prevention Task Force United Way Services partnership between SLU med students and United Way (cool). Research: For the most part, students can gain the majority of their research experience through the many research electives offered as part of the curriculum it is evident that SLU Med. does have an interest in exposing ALL of its students to biomedical/clinical research (thats cool) Students have elective opportunities throughout all four years .Although I do suspect this school does offer some type of summer research program, there are no programs listed under their Summer Programs and Fellowships tab hmmmmmm School is currently building a new state-of-the art research building will allow for more efficient development of their research programs .called the Edward A. Doisy Research Center overall this school does not have as many research centers and institutes as most schools and I think this is their first mega research building (says a lot) but their biomedical/clinical research presence is growing Total NIH Funding: $33,995,130 (rank: 80th), Total NIH Research Funding: $20,503,248 Score: 7.5
Miscellaneous: Slightly informative website some pages not the most up to date but overall you can find what you need if you do enough searching. This is a Jesuit University .so Campus Ministry probably plays a much more active role on campus than it would at any other medical school (but that is fine by me). How are you the first medical school west of the Mississippi and are only building your first true research building. Score: 2.5
Total Score: NO FULL SCORE ASSIGNED UNTIL ALL SCHOOLS COMPLETED HELPS PREVENT ANY POSSIBLE INLETS FOR BIAS
First Year Student Budget (2007 2008): $64,563 Score: -1
Financial Aid/etc : ummmm yeah so the good thing is that this school does maintain some sort of financial aid program. The bad thing is that it seems as if the aid/scholarship opps are limited. Loans: typical federal loans through the university University loans with 9% interest rate, many private loans are offered through funds set up by alumni (and friends). Scholarships: Are scholarships are awarded based on financial need i.e. no merit based, volunteer based, etc. based scholarships oh well (I would not qualify for any major rewards). The good thing is that you just do not have to pay it back. % of Enrolled Student Receiving Financial Aid: 86%, Average Amount per Scholarship/Grant: $16,811, Average 2006 Graduate Indebtedness: $156,723 Score: 2
Curriculum/etc : Seemingly very well organized curriculum provides a coordination and integration of the basic and clinical sciences across all four years. It follows established principles of adult learning, and so is a hybrid of lectures, small-group activities, early clinical activities, self-directed learning (PBL), and problem-solving exercises. Curriculum broken up into three phases (Phases 1 3) that partially correspond to the actual year in medical school (for example Phase 1 completed during 1st year etc.). Phase 1 organized using a semi-block format Extensive basic science studying begins with focus on gross anatomy (which is good b/c) and related courses (including histology, developmental anatomy courses typically included under the title of anatomy. Students also begin the year enrolled in Patient, Physician, and Society 1 (PPS1), which is a series of modules that encompass human development, ethics, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, and other related course work. Students then move on to Cell Biology, Metabolism (aka biochemistry), and an online course called Health Information Resources, which is designed to help students identify ways of facilitating their access to medical information via the Internet. Students then move on to Microbes and Host Responses and Molecular Biology and Genetics. During the final part of Phase 1 students take Principles of Pharmacology , Introduction to Pathology, the final part of the PPS1 course, and also can choose from a diverse array of possible electives electives can include, basic science/clinical research, shadowing physicians, or other activities .generally, no early patient contact during first year (booooooooooo). Phase 2 (year 2) students presented material through a series of integrated organ-based modules (8 total modules). Students also take PPS2 throughout the year and through it are introduced to aspects of the broader environment in which medicine is practiced, as well as providing the opportunity for you to develop the skills of medical history taking and physical diagnosis. The year ends with a two-week module: Introduction to Clinical Medicine. This course helps bring the year to a finish by helping you integrate the material of the previous modules, and also helps you learn how to think like an experienced diagnostician (thats cool and necessary) .Students are also allotted time for electives during 2nd year. Phase 3 Begins in third year with core clerkships: Internal Medicine (12 weeks, 4 of the weeks are spent in ambulatory care settings), Surgery (8 weeks General Surgery), OB/GYN and Womens Health (6 weeks), Pediatrics (8 weeks), Psychiatry (4 weeks) students also choose two of three following clerkships to complete: Neurology (4 weeks), Electives at SLU or an affiliate hospital (8 weeks), of Family Medicine (4 6 weeks). SLU has several elective opportunities for students Basic science is also continually integrated into the curriculum through Basic Science Clinical Correlation (BSCC) courses that students must take during the final two years. Each BSCC course will entail a series of monthly 1-hour lectures, covering a variety of topics of current interest and impact to biomedical science. Students must attend at least 16 of the 24 sessions and pass the quizzes given during those sessions. Year 4 represents the end of Phase 3 of the curriculum this year is intended to be much more flexible to allow for vacation and residency interview time. Students are responsible for setting own schedule of required instruction, which consists of at least 36 weeks scheduled advanced rotations, BSCC courses, and electives. .Students also typically use this year to do available away rotations (although kind of limited national and international rotations still enough choices) .Curriculum Options: SLU offers an extended five-year program to students who might not be able to handle the rigor of the four year program. Curricular Innovations: Anesthesiology Laboratory and Clinical Skills Center oldest Clinical Skills Center in the nation (nice that they considered this so early on .BUT WHY HAVE THEY NOT UPDATED IT?) In addition to over 2,000 square feet of space for the practice of clinical procedures such as venipuncture and lumbar puncture, the Clinical Skills Center contains seven examination rooms complete with exam table, sink, oto-ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, and other examination equipment. Two monitoring rooms provide direct visualization via videocameras, VCRs and microphones. A Standardized Patient Program is used at this clinical skills center no simulation dolls or any major technologically advanced clinical enhancements. Grading Intervals: 3 grading intervals (Honors/Pass/Fail) used all four years. Score: 13.75
#Affiliated Hospitals/Clinical Facilities: 10 affiliated hospitals Score: 9
Selection Factors: Private, Rolling Admissions, Jesuit School so most likely will favor Catholic Students is usually how it works Average Cumulative GPA (not sure what year): 3.68, Overall Median GPA (2006): 3.74, Average Science GPA(not sure what year): 3.62, Median Science GPA: 3.7, Average MCAT (not sure of year): 31.06P Breakdown: V: 10.13, P: 10.26, B: 10.67, writing: P, Median MCAT Score: 31Q Breakdown: V: 10, P: 10, B: 10, writing: Q (Ranges: V: 6 15, P: 6 15, B: 8 15), 5627 applications for 967 interview slots Score: 6.75
Diversity: 6% URM (hahahahahahaha JOKE JOKE JOKE hahahahaha), 31% Minority (hahahahahahaha JOKE) 0.75
Dual Degree Options: MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/PhD Score: 5.75
Student Support: School seems to have strong support network for students Established Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) that organizes various programs and conferences for minority students (and other interested students). Specific programs/workshops/groups implemented by this office include: Individual Supplemental Instruction (SI), Small Group Supplemental Instruction (SI), Academic Success Workshops, USMLE Step 1 Supplemental Preparation Study Group, USMLE Step 1 Structured Board Review Course, Document of Clinical Survival Skills Booklet (DOCS), Cultural Competency Program .These are some really cool programs that you should check out on the schools website .OMA is also responsible for organizing outreach programs targeted towards elementary and high school (and to an extent college) students .Established SNMA, a few specialty interest groups (at least thats all they show on their website), and a few student support groups. Student Support Groups: SLU has established a support group system for first year students .approximately 5 7 first year students match up with 2 3 2nd students and a faculty advisor. Their major function is to provide freshmen with some knowledgeable friends to answer questions and help them get situated. They are mostly fun, with various meetings in the first two weeks including a lunch or dinner (on SLU) at a faculty-members house or a restaurant. Counseling services available school also offers peer-counseling (one on one) services as well just in case students feel more comfortable .one specific student-run counseling service is entitled Aid for Impaired Medical Students (AIMS) .Campus ministry plays role in counseling services as well Mentoring: 3rd year students link up with faculty advisors at the beginning of 3rd year to discuss career options and scheduling for the last two years .peer-mentoring groups are also utilized. Curricular Support: School has health science library (not huge but I guess it does suffice did not do that much research on it individually), Clinical Skills Center and Anesthesiology Laboratory Score: 6.75
Housing: No on campus housing for graduate/professional students, no off-campus affiliated housing, cheap regular off-campus housing available Score: 1.5
Location: Big city, potentially diverse patient population (much more diverse than class itself) Score: 5+++++++++++++++
Class Size: 176 .so approximately 18% of interviewees matriculate many more probably accepted
Residency Match List: 46% of past graduates have entered primary care residency programs, the other 54% have entered into non-primary care residency programs
Volunteer/Research Opportunities: Though it was difficult to find, I did find some information on Community Outreach programs offered within specific department of the school of medicine .Department of Surgery offers an outreach program on Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education In 1991, Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education created Adventures In Medicine & Science (AIMS), a youth community outreach program which provides health and science education information to students and teachers throughout the year. Using a combination of hands-on learning opportunities and 3-dimensional demonstrations, students get a unique look at the human body. The program offers a prevention component which provides valuable information to students regarding health risks and how to avoid medical traumas. AIMS was created so that students could enrich their scientific learning. The school year programs introduce students to human anatomy, stimulate awareness of good health practices, provide information about injury prevention and lead students to a better understanding of career choices in medicine .The school of medicine has also established other programs, such as the Health Resource Center Clinic that serves an underserved area of greater St. Louis and provides free medical services medical students are actively involved with this center under the close supervision of faculty doctors. The Office of Multicultural Affairs also offers specific outreach programs targeted towards elementary and high school students. Elementary program: 1 program specifically Brain Link: is a two week hands-on science program. Disadvantaged elementary students are offered an opportunity to encounter new avenues of learning in the areas of health, science, mathematics, and literature. The BrainLink program offers an interdisciplinary approach to promote science literacy and good health practices. In addition, the BrainLink curriculum correlates to several Missouri "Show Me Standards" in the areas of science and health providing further benefits to children participating in the program .Middle School program CAMP MASH (Missouri Academy of Science and Health): camp is a free two-week summer program offering disadvantaged 7th and 8th grade students health career exploration activities. The program focuses on specific topics each day integrating multiple avenues to offer students a better understanding and appreciation for science, math, and their real life applications. MASH Camp activities include: field trips, speakers, hands-on activities, leadership/team building activities, shadowing, mock interviewing, study skills, hospital tours, health education, and computer skills .Students are heavily involved in outreach activities through a various outlets (in addition to the ones stated above) LaClinica Clinic for Hispanic residents of St. Louis provides free medical services in Spanish (good opportunity for me to practice my Spanish skills) AIDS Education Task Force another student run program that focuses on what the name suggests (sounds really cool) Child Abuse Prevention Task Force United Way Services partnership between SLU med students and United Way (cool). Research: For the most part, students can gain the majority of their research experience through the many research electives offered as part of the curriculum it is evident that SLU Med. does have an interest in exposing ALL of its students to biomedical/clinical research (thats cool) Students have elective opportunities throughout all four years .Although I do suspect this school does offer some type of summer research program, there are no programs listed under their Summer Programs and Fellowships tab hmmmmmm School is currently building a new state-of-the art research building will allow for more efficient development of their research programs .called the Edward A. Doisy Research Center overall this school does not have as many research centers and institutes as most schools and I think this is their first mega research building (says a lot) but their biomedical/clinical research presence is growing Total NIH Funding: $33,995,130 (rank: 80th), Total NIH Research Funding: $20,503,248 Score: 7.5
Miscellaneous: Slightly informative website some pages not the most up to date but overall you can find what you need if you do enough searching. This is a Jesuit University .so Campus Ministry probably plays a much more active role on campus than it would at any other medical school (but that is fine by me). How are you the first medical school west of the Mississippi and are only building your first true research building. Score: 2.5
Total Score: NO FULL SCORE ASSIGNED UNTIL ALL SCHOOLS COMPLETED HELPS PREVENT ANY POSSIBLE INLETS FOR BIAS
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Thanks for the info!! Any more opinions on SLU vs Albany?
