The good and the bad about JMC

[polycon7]

Hey all,

I have an interview coming up at Jefferson and have read through the interview feedback trying to get an idea of what the school is about. From some comments on the threads, Jefferson seems like a great school. For those who have interviewed, what was your overrall impression? I have never been to Philly and was wondering if the school's location is somewhat safe. Thanks in advance..

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[thedelicatessen]

Jefferson is definitely an excellent school. Their match list is pretty impressive, and it seems as though their students are pretty happy and turn out to be great clinicians. Its location is also very convenient being in Center City and relatively safe for Philly.

My only thing against the school is that the tuition is very expensive even for a private medical school. In addition, the cost of living in the heart of Philly is rather high too. Other than that, Jefferson is definitely one to consider.

 

[Monkey12]

Hey all,

I have an interview coming up at Jefferson and have read through the interview feedback trying to get an idea of what the school is about. From some comments on the threads, Jefferson seems like a great school. For those who have interviewed, what was your overrall impression? I have never been to Philly and was wondering if the school's location is somewhat safe. Thanks in advance..

I have an interview at JMC in Feb, but I had a chance to check out Jefferson when I went out there for my Drexel interview. Philadelphia seems great, Jefferson is actually right downtown near Chinatown. In terms of safety, I felt safe. My friend goes there and really likes it there, I met some of the students and they all seem happy. I'd like to know what others think. I took the train there and it was really easy, the R1.

 

[polycon7]

I always hear that Jefferson students are really happy, which is great considering that the class is fairly large (250?).

 

[polycon7]

..

 

[VCgirl]

I interviewed Jan 3 and was accepted Jan 10. I was kind of upset going there because of things that I had heard about safety. I took the commuter rail from a friend's house in suburban Philly to find that the school is not in a bad area. I also passed a number of Jefferson security personnel as I walked to the campus, which made me feel better. I was really pleased with the students that I had met and my interviewer was awesome!! She made me feel so relaxed. Everyone spoke very highly about the school and seemed very proud to work and/or study there. I have another interview before I make up my mind, but this is definitlely a place where I could see myself studying.

 

[Monkey12]

I interviewed Jan 3 and was accepted Jan 10. I was kind of upset going there because of things that I had heard about safety. I took the commuter rail from a friend's house in suburban Philly to find that the school is not in a bad area. I also passed a number of Jefferson security personnel as I walked to the campus, which made me feel better. I was really pleased with the students that I had met and my interviewer was awesome!! She made me feel so relaxed. Everyone spoke very highly about the school and seemed very proud to work and/or study there. I have another interview before I make up my mind, but this is definitlely a place where I could see myself studying.

Wow, that's a quick turnover, is Jefferson known to accept people that quickly post-interview?

 

[SmoothNC]

PROS:
1. Location (awesome part of Philly, but not for you if you don't like urban environment)...students said safety not really a big issue....just be smart
2. Curriculum: good balance...I prefer lecture to PBL.....3rd and 4th years, really have great choices about where to rotate in the large health system
3. Clinical Emphasis: Jefferson emphasizes clinical expertise. Bottom line....one of the best clinical programs out there.
4. Students: Happiest med students that I have come across by far.......the most down to earth students out there....and not so nerdy etc. A social bunch for sure....I'm down
5. Faculty: Very supportive and some big dogs..highly distinguished people up in here.
6. Extracurriculars: So many different, awesome organizations that you can become involved in
6. Residency Placement: Great match list, they have students who match in all competitive specialties at highly regarded institutions. There are a handful who also elect to stay at Jeff because they love it so much.

CONS:
1. As with any private school, cost. Tuition is like 39,000....and from what I hear, they aren't the most giving school when it comes to financial aid
2. Less research opportunities than some other top schools for sure. They tell you at the interview that Jeff is not for everybody. Many students do research, but if you are looking for the wealth of opps that you will find at top 20 research schools, you will be disappointed (jeff is top 50 in research, but they are clinically superior to many)

 

[RinaBe]

Could you elaborate on the curriculum? Is it a mix of lecture and PBL? What is the class schedule like during the first two years? Thanks.

 

[VCgirl]

Wow, that's a quick turnover, is Jefferson known to accept people that quickly post-interview?

Yes, they say that they will get back to you as long as the person that you interview with writes your recommendation by their next meeting. They meet Wednesday from 12-2. Dr. Callahan socializes with students that interview (also on Wed.) from 3-4. I received a call shortly after 4:30 the following Wednesday.

 

[polycon7]

Thats really nice that they send notifications so quickly and you don't have to wait months. 👍 Does anybody know about housing options? Are there any on-campus?

 

[VCgirl]

Thats really nice that they send notifications so quickly and you don't have to wait months. 👍 Does anybody know about housing options? Are there any on-campus?

There is on-campus housing. Check out their website.
http://www.jefferson.edu/housing/
Most of the students that I met with live on-campus. However, there were a few who chose to live around the block. One bedrooms range from ~$8-900. They tell you about this during your interview.

 

[smq123]

Could you elaborate on the curriculum? Is it a mix of lecture and PBL? What is the class schedule like during the first two years? Thanks.

It is almost entirely lecture, and very, very little PBL. You basically only get PBL in your "patient-doctor relationship" classes. I prefer it this way, because I really, really, really hate PBL.

The class schedule tends to vary a lot depending on what you're studying. Basically, you have class from 8 or 9 am until noon. From noon-1 is lunch. After lunch, you rarely have classes (occasionally you will in anatomy and in biochem, but usually not). Afternoons are usually devoted to clinical skill sessions, small group sessions (i.e. where you do your PBL), group problem-solving sessions, or lab. You'll always have a few free afternoons each week.

Class attendance is not mandatory. They record all lectures - both audio and "visual." (The powerpoint presentations are synched up with the audio. If the professor uses the computer mouse to point at things on the screen, then the recording system picks this up as well).

2nd year, you'll have affiliate visits in the afternoon every few weeks, which let you see hospitalized patients by yourself, and then report to the attending. You'll also have grand rounds, where a doctor will bring in one of his/her patients.

On-campus housing is literally next door to the lecture halls. Very, very close. There are a lot of apartments nearby as well.

 

[smq123]

Hey all,

I have an interview coming up at Jefferson and have read through the interview feedback trying to get an idea of what the school is about. From some comments on the threads, Jefferson seems like a great school. For those who have interviewed, what was your overrall impression? I have never been to Philly and was wondering if the school's location is somewhat safe. Thanks in advance..

I go to Jefferson now, as an MS2. It's a safe neighborhood, and everyone seems to feel safe. The library is literally 20 feet away from the on-campus housing.

Jefferson's really "family oriented" - the administration is very understanding of students who already have families and may have special needs because of that. Also, a lot of people here have family members who go/went to Jefferson.

Everything is pretty informal around here - the Dean gives a few renal physio lectures to the 1st and 2nd years. (Dean Nasca is a nephrologist.) Dr. Gottlieb, who was a VP of the hospital, also used to give pulmonary physiology lectures as well. Dr. Brucker, who used to be President of the University, teaches 1st year clinical skill sessions. They tend not to stand on ceremony, which is nice.

The class size is pretty big (250), which I prefer. It lets you be as anonymous or as visible as you want. Some students are really outgoing, and everyone knows who they are. Some students are really introverted and are happiest with their own small circle of friends. You can choose whichever makes you feel comfortable.

I also like the location from a clinical point of view - you're close to Chinatown, so you get to see Chinese patients. (The Asian American society has a few community clinics that they hold each year.) You're close to North Philadelphia, which is mostly African Americans. Jefferson's also in a predominantly gay neighborhood, so you get to see the whole LGBTQ spectrum. And there are a lot of Mexicans who live in South Philadelphia, which isn't far away either. So, a nice variety of patients.

It is kind of pricey, which annoys me sometimes. Some parts of the patient-physician course are a little preachy. I feel that some of those parts were inserted into the curriculum because that was somebody's pet project. For example, I don't really care for "mindful meditation," so having it inserted into the curriculum just disrupts the schedule. But, then again, they make it clear that it's not on the test and entirely optional, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

PM me with any questions! Good luck on the interview.

 

[Monkey12]

Yes, they say that they will get back to you as long as the person that you interview with writes your recommendation by their next meeting. They meet Wednesday from 12-2. Dr. Callahan socializes with students that interview (also on Wed.) from 3-4. I received a call shortly after 4:30 the following Wednesday.

Hey VCgirl,
Do you think you'll be there next year?

 

[VCgirl]

Hey VCgirl,
Do you think you'll be there next year?

I have an interview at Dartmouth this Thursday. This is the last interview that I will be going on since I only applied to three schools. Of my two acceptances, it is the place that I felt most at home. Did you get accepted?

 

[Monkey12]

I have an interview at Dartmouth this Thursday. This is the last interview that I will be going on since I only applied to three schools. Of my two acceptances, it is the place that I felt most at home. Did you get accepted?

Nope, I hope so! I interview in February!

 

[polycon7]

What hotel did you stay at for your interview? I'm tryin to book my airline ticket but im holding off to maybe book my hotel at the same time. Im trying to mapquest everything in relation to the school.

 

[VCgirl]

What hotel did you stay at for your interview? I'm tryin to book my airline ticket but im holding off to maybe book my hotel at the same time. Im trying to mapquest everything in relation to the school.

Sorry for the late reply. I actually stayed with a friend, but can offer some advice. Take the R1 from the airport. It's a 25 minute ride to Market East station and costs $5.25. Once you get out, walk up the stairs to Market St and you will see a huge white Hilton Garden Inn hotel at 1100 Arch St. Jefferson campus is about a three minute walk staight down 11th. There is also a Marriott close by, but the Hilton is almost $100 cheaper. Good luck with your interview!!

 

[polycon7]

Hey VCgirl thanks for your help!