Temple - is it worth it?

[ashabee4]

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I have an interview at Temple in only a few days and I'm just beginning to realize that I probably shouldn't go. However, the only things I know about the school are from what I've read, and I'd like some feedback if possible.

I've already been accepted to Stony Brook and I am a resident of NY. From what I've read, I'm pretty sure I'd choose SB over Temple for a number of reasons: cost, location (I'm from a smaller area and disliked Downstate b/c of its location...it sounds like Temple's location is similar), and the fact that I don't want to specialize in a competitive field or in anything like emergency medicine (the fast-paced clinical experiences aren't entirely necessary for me).

Temple has some positive aspects that SB does not, but they don't seem to be worth the extra $20,000 a year for tuition, expensive housing, and crappy area to which I am unaccustomed. Am I overlooking anything? I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[tkdusb]

I've already been accepted to Stony Brook and I am a resident of NY.

Temple has some positive aspects that SB does not, but they don't seem to be worth the extra $20,000 a year for tuition, expensive housing, and crappy area to which I am unaccustomed.

Such as?

 

[ashabee4]

Small things. Temple has a brand new simulation center, and from what I heard from the students, SB doesn't have anything like that. Temple is more centralized - students don't need cars to get to more urban clinical experiences like they do at SB. Nothing that would cause me to choose Temple over SB...

I'm probably answering my own question here. Just wondering if there was any disagreement.

 

[tkdusb]

Well...

Stony Brook has me!

Does Temple offer that? Nope, didn't think so.

Now I think you definitely know where you want to be next year. 😉

 

[werd]

yeah man i'd go for sb. even though temple is central, students don't live near the school generally bc it's too dangerous. at least on my interview i was told most students live a 15-20 minute drive or busride to school. temple is on the up after getting slapped with probation a couple years ago, which they are off now; unless it's going to be really expensive, going for an interview can't hurt though...

 

[ashabee4]

You certainly have made up my mind...no question as to where I should be now. 😛

 

[ashabee4]

yeah man i'd go for sb. even though temple is central, students don't live near the school generally bc it's too dangerous. at least on my interview i was told most students live a 15-20 minute drive or busride to school. temple is on the up after getting slapped with probation a couple years ago, which they are off now; unless it's going to be really expensive, going for an interview can't hurt though...

werd - I didn't hear about the probation thing...what happened??

As for just going to the interview anyway...it'll be a total of 10 hours driving time and money for a hotel. Plus it'll take up a chunk of time that I should be putting into my thesis and other school work. It'd be easier to just not go if I'm sure this school is not for me. Hopefully someone else can have my interview slot. Thanks for your input!

 

[BigRedZippo]

Temple's an excellent school which will prepare you well for any field in medicine. As is Stony Brook. And 80K can go a LONG way. Easy decision, IMHO.

 

[ashabee4]

Temple's an excellent school which will prepare you well for any field in medicine. As is Stony Brook. And 80K can go a LONG way. Easy decision, IMHO.

Agreed. Can anyone tell me why Temple got a probation a few years ago?

 

[DeigoT]

Agreed. Can anyone tell me why Temple got a probation a few years ago?

During a visit there some two years ago, we were told that it had nothing do with academics. I believe the admissions person said it had to do with the high amount of debts students graduated with (although she listed other schools with similar amounts), the condition of the facility (lecture halls etc needed repair), and lack of enough study area for students. Back then we were told corrections were in progress, so I doubt that is still an issue today. Maybe a current student can attest to that.

 

[chrishuynh]

During a visit there some two years ago, we were told that it had nothing do with academics. I believe the admissions person said it had to do with the high amount of debts students graduated with (although she listed other schools with similar amounts), the condition of the facility (lecture halls etc needed repair), and lack of enough study area for students. Back then we were told corrections were in progress, so I doubt that is still an issue today. Maybe a current student can attest to that.

I was thinking about asking my interviewer about the porbation. But I read online on Temple's site, the issue has been cleared up and they have been off probation since last year (?). Temple was a great school when I visited and I really liked the tour guides who seemed very friendly. Makes my decision that much harder for which medical school would be right for me in the end.

 

[Mutt]

The probation had to do with their library facilities. It had nothing to do with their academics.

 

[Lara]

I'm a Temple student and the probation took place during my preclinical years. It was definitely due to facilities (which while not great never impeded my education, so I disagreed with it meriting probation at the time) and student debt. Nothing to do with academics. 🙂 There's been a few upgrades since, but the bulk of the improvement will be when a new med school building opens in a couple years.

Temple's a great school, unfortunately the tuition's a big drawback and I couldn't encourage someone to pick it over a state school...so I think the OP might as well follow instinct.