So after all these interviews Ive started to notice the things that I like/dislike about schools:
Price:
While there is a huge difference between a 160,000 dollar school and a 400,000 dollar school, I would honestly pick the more expensive one if it meant a better education. At first I though Ill just see which schools accept me and pick the cheapest one but I would be doing a huge disservice to myself. Not all schools are created equal. You have to take some things into consideration such as
Patient availability:
Some schools have more patients that they know what to do with while others actually make go out, hunt people down and beg them to come pay for you to use them as guinea pigs. Plus, this way I feel like Id be shortchanged when it comes to
Clinical experience:
Some schools have a certain amount of procedures you have to do, some have no such guidelines and you just do whatever ? Yet others give you **** tons of clinical experience which, besides the obvious as being more competent deal, it makes you more competitive for graduate programs and jobs. In order to give the best care, its also important to have good
Facilities:
Ive visited both extremely old schools, and schools that are barely starting this year or are aggressively renovating the place and there is a HUGE difference. While great facilities are important, another thing you have to consider is
Location:
Some schools are in beautiful suburbs, and some are in what seems like a lawless ghetto. I want to be on a safe campus, and be able to go to class without worrying about being mugged. Besides being safe outside, you have to be comfortable inside, so another thing that comes into play is
Environment:
The professors being nice and helpful is so crucial! You can instantly see the difference between (a school in which the professors lock their rooms if youre a second late, or give frequent tests, or try to ****ing scare you saying that their school is so hard that you wont even have time to work out), and (schools where the professor and students describe their relationship as a family and students are encouraged to work out and do a bunch of recreational activities.) Now, I dont go around fire expecting not to sweat, but I do think about
hardness:
Im willing to work hard, but I dont want to go to a school that prides itself on making your life a living hell just cause they get off on it. I like to talk to the current students and make sure theyre happy. While were on the topic of schoolwork
Lab work:
While I understand the importance of lab work, in reality I will NEVER do that again. So dont get me wrong, I want to do it, but at the same time, I dont want to unnecessarily focus on it too much, specially if its too the point where it cuts into clinical time. And at the end of the day I want to be able to hit up the
Rec:
I want a good gym on campus. I dont think thats too much to ask for. Obviously, this is not my biggest priority, but working out is extremely important to me; all things being equal between two schools, a gym could make or break.
Did I miss anything? What else will you guys consider when choosing a school?
Price:
While there is a huge difference between a 160,000 dollar school and a 400,000 dollar school, I would honestly pick the more expensive one if it meant a better education. At first I though Ill just see which schools accept me and pick the cheapest one but I would be doing a huge disservice to myself. Not all schools are created equal. You have to take some things into consideration such as
Patient availability:
Some schools have more patients that they know what to do with while others actually make go out, hunt people down and beg them to come pay for you to use them as guinea pigs. Plus, this way I feel like Id be shortchanged when it comes to
Clinical experience:
Some schools have a certain amount of procedures you have to do, some have no such guidelines and you just do whatever ? Yet others give you **** tons of clinical experience which, besides the obvious as being more competent deal, it makes you more competitive for graduate programs and jobs. In order to give the best care, its also important to have good
Facilities:
Ive visited both extremely old schools, and schools that are barely starting this year or are aggressively renovating the place and there is a HUGE difference. While great facilities are important, another thing you have to consider is
Location:
Some schools are in beautiful suburbs, and some are in what seems like a lawless ghetto. I want to be on a safe campus, and be able to go to class without worrying about being mugged. Besides being safe outside, you have to be comfortable inside, so another thing that comes into play is
Environment:
The professors being nice and helpful is so crucial! You can instantly see the difference between (a school in which the professors lock their rooms if youre a second late, or give frequent tests, or try to ****ing scare you saying that their school is so hard that you wont even have time to work out), and (schools where the professor and students describe their relationship as a family and students are encouraged to work out and do a bunch of recreational activities.) Now, I dont go around fire expecting not to sweat, but I do think about
hardness:
Im willing to work hard, but I dont want to go to a school that prides itself on making your life a living hell just cause they get off on it. I like to talk to the current students and make sure theyre happy. While were on the topic of schoolwork
Lab work:
While I understand the importance of lab work, in reality I will NEVER do that again. So dont get me wrong, I want to do it, but at the same time, I dont want to unnecessarily focus on it too much, specially if its too the point where it cuts into clinical time. And at the end of the day I want to be able to hit up the
Rec:
I want a good gym on campus. I dont think thats too much to ask for. Obviously, this is not my biggest priority, but working out is extremely important to me; all things being equal between two schools, a gym could make or break.
Did I miss anything? What else will you guys consider when choosing a school?
