Temple vs. SLU

[givemecoffee]

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Hello all! I've been lucky to be accepted to several schools; as of now Temple and SLU are my top two. I am trying to get an early start on deciding so that I can free up a seat for someone else. Here is what I have so far:

Temple
Pros:
-Beautiful, new facilities
-Liked the idea of a two-pass curriculum
-Faculty and students seemed to be very friendly and loved Temple/Philadelphia
-Philly seems like a great, fun city with lots to do
-EDIT: Ranked higher than SLU

Cons:
-More expensive cost of living
-FAR from family/friends

SLU
Pros:
-New hospital to be opened 2020
-Well ranked program
-Potentially lower cost of living
-Decent amount of stuff to do in St. Louis

Cons:
-Under probation (hopefully to be lifted next fall). Faculty did not seem too concerned about this during interview day/think it provides an opportunity to better improve the program
-Older buildings/facilities

I am OOS for both programs, and tuition is nearly equivalent (hoping I will get a scholarship that will help me in my decision). Please give me your input! What do you know about matching success at each program? Also, what are your thoughts on SLU's probation?

 

[libertyyne]

Are there specialties you are interested in, do both programs have residency programs in those areas? I would personally go to SLU since the probation item will not impact you in any significant fashion. The older facilities don't warrant turning down a higher ranked school.

 

[SLU Student]

What specialties are you interested in? Take a look at their statistics on their websites. You'll match no matter which school you choose.

SLU's probation means nothing. It'll be lifted in the next year. No medical school has lost accreditation.

A single in a decent apartment complex is around $900 dollars around both SLU campuses. There are also a bunch of houses around the med campus; renting a room out would be lot cheaper, but you'll have to have roommates. The area around SLU is also pretty rough. Just some things to keep in mind.

I have no input on Temple.

 

[givemecoffee]

I am highly interested in pursuing radiation oncology or general surgery. I realize that both of these are highly competitive. Temple's class of 2017 had two students match into radiation oncology, and more students matching into general surgery than at SLU. It appears that both schools have students that match into top programs

 

[1203xx]

"Temple cons: not ranked as high as SLU"

Uhm Temple is more than 10 ranks higher than SLU....

Temple is 55 and SLU is 67

 

[SLU Student]

Those are competitive fields, but they're definitely attainable. I think even more so with general surgery.

Just go where you feel more comfortable. The rank difference doesn't matter much. If you have time, take a small vacay to each city for a few days. Test out the waters.

 

[3toedsloth]

Edit: Ok I see that temple is ranked higher in terms of research, but that SLU is ranked higher for primary care. Is one generally more important than the other?

People don't generally pay attention to the primary care rankings. The research rankings are what matter, especially if you're not going into primary care.

I'd vote that you should go to Temple. Better facilities, better ranking, better match, better city (maybe? Can't quite tell what you think. I think it's better though, lol).

 

[givemecoffee]

People don't generally pay attention to the primary care rankings. The research rankings are what matter, especially if you're not going into primary care.

I'd vote that you should go to Temple. Better facilities, better ranking, better match, better city (maybe? Can't quite tell what you think. I think it's better though, lol).

Great thanks for the insight! I really did love Temple

 

[didley]

I think Temple is a better fit if you more into Research and specialties you have chosen.