University of Maryland vs. Jefferson (Sidney Kimmel)

[ronth3man]

Maryland
Pros

• Higher prestige (I think). World renowned trauma center.
• Extremely nice facilities. Library, gym, anatomy lab, all are super well put together.

Cons

• Higher cost (almost 33% higher)
• Graded curriculum
• Not a huge fan of Baltimore

Jefferson
Pros

• In the BEST part of Philly (am a Philly native and love the city)
• Cheaper
• Pass/Fail

Cons

• Not as highly ranked as UMD
• Large class size (I'm social, so this may be good, but I don't know how it affects opportunities for research and mentorships and all)

Summary: I am currently looking to try to go into more competitive specialties, and I definitely have interests to be more on the academic side of medicine in the future. I am having trouble making the "business" decision of which school would be better for me. Both were so welcoming and amazing, I really enjoyed my time visiting these schools and this decision is a very difficult one. Would love any feedback, especially if you know more about life at these schools. Thank you!

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[puahate]

Jefferson has a higher PD ranking than UMD

IMO I'd go with Jeff.

 

[ronth3man]

Thanks for the advice @puahate ! I would like to hear more about why people are voting for Maryland without elaborating. I'm really having trouble with this decision and would love some of their perspectives, too. Thank you!

 

[CarpeDiem1993]

If you are interested in academic medicine/competitive specialties then you want to go to the school that sets you up better for that. I think people are saying that is Maryland because their reputation in medicine is simply stronger than Jefferson. That subsequently impacts everything- match list, perceived prestige, connections, etc. Prestige is often pretty overrated-phenomenal physicians come from everywhere and people go into all kinds of stellar specialties from all over- BUT in academia name actually matters to people.

So...that is why I'd also lean Maryland. Unless you really didn't like it there or are dreading that idea of grades (which is definitely a bummer with so many schools going P/F).

 

[ronth3man]

Yeah, I get that! Thank you @CarpeDiem1993

 

[lalalallala]

I don't think Jefferson is that much less prestigious than UMD. I think you want to go to Jefferson so i think you should

 

[Pharaoh95]

I've been accepted to Maryland and put on the HPWL at Jefferson but I've withdrawn from both; between the two I would have chosen Jefferson hands down. Philadelphia >>> Baltimore, Jefferson's grading system is way better than Maryland's, and the students seemed much happier to me at Jefferson.

 

[OSUbee355]

UMD has graded curriculum which is a red flag to me. Jeff has ranked P/F (better but still ranked). Between Baltimore and Philly (center city), I'd choose center city every day. Jeff students are amongst the happiest, so one vote for Jeff.