SLU vs Hofstra

[legitbeans]

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I'm located in California and would want to return here for residency, so one big thing for me is the match list. I'm currently interested in potentially pursuing ophthalmology, radiology, and maybe derm down the road, but nothing is set in stone. I'd like to continue doing research in med school, but I don't really see it being a huge part of my career in the future. In terms of prestige, I'm not too sure how these two schools compare. Price isn't really that big of an issue

Hofstra:
Pros

• Unique curriculum with assessments and integrated science and clinical curriculum
• Higher Step scores
• Location: Cmon, it's New York (or really close to the heart of it)
• Smaller class size (100 students)

Cons

• Relatively new school, so not sure how it's viewed by other professionals/residency directors
• Low PD score (5.3)
• Suboptimal match list in terms of specialty and location that I desire
• Bad interview day impression, especially from the students
• Higher cost of living

SLU:
Pros

• A lot of Californians attend the school
• good impression on interview day
• Great match list in terms of specialty and location (a lot of specialists going on to loma linda for residency in the last 3 years)
• Revamped curriculum
• High(er) PD score (6.4)
• Lower cost of living

Cons

• People say probation, but I know it's not really an issue
• It's Saint Louis. Not really the safest/most interesting place to be
• large class size 180

Shared traits:

• True P/F
• Similar prestige? At least according to USNWR (70 vs 74)
• Both not too research focused, unfortunately. Between the two though, which one would be better for research? Both are located near other great research institutions, so there might be opportunities outside of the schools.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I'd lean toward SLU. Very established. Matches well back to CA. Lower cost. Area right around SLU is ok but the neighborhoods north and south aren't good. Hempstead area in NY is not all that great either, safe but not fancy. Both schools are solid, but I'd lean toward SLU unless you have other personal reasons for Long Island.

 

[legitbeans]

I'd lean toward SLU. Very established. Matches well back to CA. Lower cost. Area right around SLU is ok but the neighborhoods north and south aren't good. Hempstead area in NY is not all that great either, safe but not fancy. Both schools are solid, but I'd lean toward SLU unless you have other personal reasons for Long Island.

Thanks! That's what I was thinking as well. I'm currently working at Stanford, and my PI has had great experiences with residents coming out of SLU. My only concern then would be research. Do you happen to know if it is plausible for SLU students to find research opportunities at WashU?

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I've heard that they do but I don't know how prevalent that is. You might reach out to a current SLU M3/M4 on the SLU thread if there is one on there. Or put a shout out for one with your specific question.

 

[legitbeans]

Thanks everyone for their input! If anyone can make a case for Hofstra, I would love to hear it.

 

[_bkworks_]

Hofstra - quick access to nyc, great city - dating opportunities, entertainment, and food. northwell is ny state's biggest health system. really good match in the northeast too. Heard hempstead might not be a good location? But the bad rep. doesn't come close to st. louis..I'd take hofstra any day