Temple vs. BU vs. Creighton Phoenix

[pats4patty]

I am happy to have a single choice, let alone three. I really don't think there is a wrong choice, but I was curious to hear some discussion between these three schools. Thank you in advance!

Temple
Pros:

• Loved my interview day, I felt really connected to the interviewers and staff. I felt there was a strong dedication to helping the north Philly community which greatly appealed to me.
• I think Philadelphia sounds like a very fun and diverse city to spend the next few years.
• I like the class size, not too big or small.
• Lowest CoA (80k/year) but not by too much.

Cons:

• I've seen/heard some iffy things about the hospital (in particular their psychiatric hospital). I'm not sure how much to believe or let this influence my decision but it is unavoidable.
• Philadelphia is totally new to me and far from any home or support.

Creighton (Phoenix)
Pros:

• I like the mission and values of dedicated service.
• I love the proximity to Mexico and subsequent opportunities to work with Mexican and Mexican-American populations.
• Phoenix sounds like a great place to live as well (amazing burrito and taco scene).
• I have family in the area and it's closer to home.
• 84k/yr CoA is more expensive than Temple but less than BU so really a tossup.

Cons:

• This will be only the second class that is in Phoenix for pre-clinical years. I'm sure some of the issues will be worked out with this first class but I imagine there will still be some troubleshooting.
• The curriculum is driven by the Omaha campus. I don't think this is a huge deal, but I could imagine it leading to some frustration and potential lack of autonomy.
• I am not religious and not sure how I would feel about attending a religiously affiliated school.

BU
Pros

• Highest ranked of all three schools. This doesn't matter too much to me personally, but it could affect matching into competitive programs.
• I went to undergrad in Boston so I am familiar with the area and have friends there.
• I love the dedication to being a social justice medical center. It sound like an awesome environment to learn in and aligns with the type of physician I want to be.
• Boston Medical Center is a phenomenal hospital and trauma center. I'm thinking I might want to do EM so I think this would be a great option

Cons

• Most expensive (90k/yr). I am kind of assuming I won't get any/much financial aid
• I already lived in Boston for five years and was ready to leave at the end. It sounds less exciting to go back than go on a new adventure.

Summary: Three great choices, all similar in rank and close enough in cost. I think all are dedicated to service which excites me, I'm not sure how prestige of any would help or hurt in the match. Thanks for the help!

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[JohnJacobJingleheimer]

I’d cut Creighton here right off the bat, based off of the other schools having better, longstanding reputations.

Between Temple and BU, I’m taking BU every time for a measly 10k a year. Double that to 20k/ year and l might choose to save my money. As you mentioned, BMC is a well regarded hospital, as is BU in terms of medical schools. Though there isn’t a massive prestige difference here, I think there is a noticeable one. While I don’t think this would provide too much of an advantage at any step of your career, I think the tesources that have allowed BU to build a solid reputation will be a difference maker. I’m thinking research opportunities and networking here… Boston is a great place to be for medicine, as you well know. Unless that 10k/ year gap widens, I think it’d be shortsighted to take Temple just because you’re excited by the prospect of being in a new city (most importantly, a city that is widely regarded as being less desirable that Boston, albeit cheaper).

I think it’s Temple or BU here, but BU would likely have the edge for most people choosing between the two at your given price points.

 

[sousa7]

Second for BU, 10k isn't enough to justify Temple imo

 

[chilly_md]

Check all 4 years and total the cost. The first year, BU says rent and utilities are $10,250. It increases up to $16,045 the 3rd and 4th years. I am not sure what actual rent is since Boston has been one of the hottest markets. They also exclude the cost of health insurance (3-4k). Something to be aware of.

I might still consider Creighton if it puts you within 1 hour of home and the Boston rent turns out to be much higher. Phoenix is a new location, but they've had a large hospital there already for many years.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

BU, better name and better hospital and not that much more expensive.