prp25 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 School A 40K less (in state tuition) 29 months Starts/ends sooner - not working right now, so this is really nice In a city I already live in and love Warmer weather Better attrition More condensed city - short commutes for rotations possible (hate driving) School B 27 months 1 more month of elective experience Aligned with mission/values more Good clinical affiliations New area, exciting to try a new environment Allows for away rotations Have family support nearby (potential medical connections as well) Newer program (by 3 years though) Emphasis on early clinical exposure and leadership More name-brand in medicine Overall, I feel like School B sold themselves better and I left the interview so excited and impressed with everything about the school, could really see myself there. School A, knowing they are cheaper, probably didn’t feel the need to sell themselves so I don’t know much about the curriculum details. I don’t want to be distracted by shiny private school amenities and “good vibes” when practically, I know I’ll get the same degree at the end. My family likes the idea of being closer to extended family and the name of School B, but I know they are biased. Does it matter where you go to school in the end? Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Assuming the PANCE passage rate, quality of the faculty, and access to rotations are similar -- and you can afford any money differences -- then I would just go where you want to go. You're the one going and doing the work so just figure out where YOU want to go. Be as happy as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiovolffemtp Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 The real goal is to become a PA, more specifically get a good 1st job. That's where you really learn how to be a PA. Everything before that is just hoops you have to jump through. Really the only way 1 PA program is better than another is via the contacts you make which may well help you in your initial job search. So, assuming that you pass the program (almost all do) and pass PANCE (almost all do), is program B worth $40K more in tuition & fees, plus additional living costs? Only you can decide that. I'm financially conservative, so there'd have to be a pretty big benefit to make me want to spend that much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHPA17 Posted December 1, 2021 Share Posted December 1, 2021 I would say you should consider the entire picture for you, as everyone is different. This is a very personal decision and one of the most important you will make. Cost is a huge factor, but you shouldn't go to a less desirable program for you just because of that one factor. Alumni connections, strength of clinical rotations, quality of the teachers, and the program focus all is important to shaping how you will see medicine and practice. The family support and area is also important in different ways to different people. I think being nervous is normal, but you should trust what your heart is telling you! This decision is about you and for you, so do what feels best for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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