As of now Jefferson is my only acceptance and I have not been hearing happy things from the other schools I interviewed, SO I am taking my Jefferson acceptance more seriously, but I really don't know much about the attractions of the school.
I'm a Jefferson student, so hopefully I can help.
I am a bit turned off by the 255 class size and the lack of diversity my host mentioned to me.
I actually like a bigger class size. Granted, I've only attended Jefferson, but, since you're in such close quarters with these people, and the school year is
sooo long (August to June!), I think you need buffer space, so you don't kill each other. I remembered going to Governor's school when I was in high school, and 5 weeks in close proximity with the same 60 people was awful - by the 4th week we were at each other's throats. I don't feel lost in a crowd or just another number, and, since you do so many things in small group sessions, you get to know quite a number of people really closely. In addition, since most people live near campus, everyone knows everyone else, just because they live so close. The professors have been teaching at Jeff for years (some are even alumni), and they know how to manage a large class without making you feel lost and faceless.
I don't know what your host told you by "lack of diversity." There are fewer foreign exchange students - this isn't undergrad - and, based on what people have said, there are fewer African American or Hispanic students than at other schools. I don't know why that is - the Minority Affairs office works overtime to make minority students feel at home. I don't think it's anything that Jefferson is doing wrong - I think it's just a vicious cycle: Minority students hear that there aren't many minorities here, so they don't come either. They have so many programs here that celebrate diversity and other cultures, so it's not like it's a white-boy club here. (I'm not white and I don't feel marginalized in any way, so don't worry!)
Everyone raves about their fellow classmates, which I like, but are they known for any special programs or specialties?
JeffHOPE, JeffHOPE, JeffHOPE. JeffHope is huge, and a really popular program among students. People tend to like it a lot. There are a lot of student activities here that are pretty active.
Jefferson has a good family med program, and, if you're interested in community health, there are a lot of opportunities to see patients even as a first year. Plus, all the attendings here are so helpful and willing to let students tag along as they do rounds in the hospital or as they see patients, so it's really easy. Jefferson also has good ophtho departments (Wills Eye is a great hospital), as well as a great ortho department (Rothman institute). Students, I think, tend to match well, because there's so many advisors and mentors to help you map out the process early. Right now, all the 4th years are holding seminars, teaching the 3rd years what to look for when THEY start the match process next year.
Hope this helps ease some of your concerns. Good luck!
