<p>A Not-So-Hypothetical Scenario:</p>
<p>(Granted that I haven't gotten into NJMS, but just assume that I have) </p>
<p>I've basically narrowed down my college choices to PSU's 6-year med program (which I've gotten into), and TCNJ/UMDNJ 7-year med program (if I get in). I'm a New Jersey resident, and so I will be getting the benefit of the doubt in terms of admissions and tuition for the UMDNJ program. I want to go to PSU's program simply because its 6 years, the medical school is solid, and I just think the campus rocks (I'm into the whole football thing), but the only problem is the tuition...I believe for non-PA residents, the total cost will amount to around $35000 a year (give or take a few thousand) for the two years, and then I heard Jefferson costs around $60000 a year. That's a total of $310000. Now, for TCNJ/UMDNJ, I'm gonna be spending $20000 a year for undergrad and about $45000 a year for UMDNJ. That amounts to $220000. So, basically its goin' to be around a $90000, and I'm not Bill Gates, so that's a pretty significant amount. If I get into UMDNJ, I'm not sure what I'm going to do....I really want to go to PSU but my parents are pushing for UMDNJ and I'm not sure if I want to put a bigger financial burden on them needlessly. </p>
<p>In terms of the med schools, I'm pretty sure Jefferson is a bit better (or so says the US News and World Report), and I'd be gettin' out a year early too.</p>
<p>So I ask you this, my friends and future colleagues. Which would you choose and why?</p>
<p>while the financial consideration can't be overlooked, I don't think that should be what you base your decision on... unless you have a family to support or are planning on having one in the next 5-6 years. You will be able to pay off your debt eventually (it's a pain in the ass, but that's the story of every doctor). </p>
<p>I think what you need to do is find out which med school is more compatible with your interests. Research their teaching format--is it PBL? traditional? system based? How is their clinical training? Are you exposed to a diversity of cases? What have you heard about professors? Are students happy and do they feel they are well prepared for Step 1? Check out this survey generator to see what some students have said about both med schools: <a href="http://www.amsa.org/premed/medsurvey/%5B/url%5D">http://www.amsa.org/premed/medsurvey/</a></p>
<p>To judge which school is "better" by US News rankings is a flaw too many of us commit coming straight out of high school.</p>
<p>I would go to PSU. I would rather save the year, because one less year in school when you are young, means one more year working. Finacially, you should break even because you will be working one more year.
But the real point is that the UMDNJ reputation has been hurt very much by the numerous recent scandals. A lot of money has been stolen by crooked politicians ( don't forget this is new jersey.) The morale is poor and the faculty is distracted.</p>
<p>I'm in the program with NJMS and there are several people in the program who chose NJMS over PSU.
I have a lot to say about this, but I have a genetic exam tomorrow that I need to study for. Yes, I have to agree that the scandals have tarnished the reputation of UMDNJ in the eyes of the public. But the scandals are more on the side of the hospital and administration. It has not hurt the medical school significantly (that's what residency directors say).
Finances are a big issue, unless you have uber support. If you have to pay off the debts, just remember that doctors aren't going around making more than a few hundred g (many a lot less). Moreover, think about the interest (locked at probably ~6.89%) you'll have to pay off. I was in a similar situation as yourself, and thus left HPME for NJMS.
You should get some sort of merit scholarship at TCNJ. Here, at Rutgers, they're giving me a full ride and stipend...for undergrad. NJMS is pretty giving in terms of money and if you do well in undergrad, you may qualify for a full ride their also.
The difference between the med. schools is not that important. If you're in a top ten school that matters; anything else is basically the same (except for the finances). As I have stressed many times before it's your residency that counts (get both schools match lists and see if there is a significant difference).
Also, I'm doing the program in six years at NJMS (but I don't think TCNJ will allow you to).
Finally, don't even look at US News -- that's the most moronic publication. I have no idea how one can plausibly rank schools...
Just go where your heart desires. But remember, you're committing for several years....
PM when you get your decision from NJMS so we can continue our discussion -- I'll help in anyway possible. I think they're deciding by the end of the week.</p>
<p>NJMS is only 35k for in-state and 45k for out of state</p>
<p>so thats 40k more saved than your original expectations</p>
<p>Instate tuition is 24,000 -- go to their financial aid website and look for the student's budget to get all combined costs.</p>
<p>I'd go with PSU.</p>
<p>Dude ... you're thinking about money? You're going to be a doctor in 6 years, and you're worried about money? you worked your ass off for 4 years, and now you've just been guaranteed a spot at psu, you're going to be a doctor. you'll be making around 100k easy in the first few years after residency / fellowship if you decide to do so, and salary only goes up from there. if you have a private practice, expect more. say you're the minority, that makes a little under 100k, because you decided to follow your heart and go with primary care. my neighbor makes a little over 90k because he volunteers the majority of his time; he went to columbia / columbia med. can you imagine his debt? no financial aid either btw. anyways, he rolls around in a 120k benz, but lives in a small apartment paying off his debt. he's in his early 30s, and has a young child. he's enjoying life while paying off his obligations, but in a few years he'll be building a house. </p>
<p>honestly, you shouldn't be worrying about money. it's important, but consider how much you'll be making in the future. rather, decide between psu and jersey by what each has to offer. but please, don't think about debts or any of that.</p>
<p>You shouldn't think about that far into the future. You don't know how much you're going make -- so, it depends on how much you want to risk. If you think that PSU can help you make a lot of money, etc, then go there. But, really, how much will PSU help you?
How can you neglect finances -- that's overly idealistic...you're in a capitalist system-think about it!</p>
<p>Consider how much the average doctor makes. even in primary care - in a state like new york, where doctors tend to make a little less, the average is at about $150,000. why should you consider finances? you've worked your butt off to get this far in life, and now that you've guaranteed a high paying future and with a solid / luxurious salary until your 60, you should go with whatever program you like the most, finance set aside.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Consider how much the average doctor makes. even in primary care - in a state like new york, where doctors tend to make a little less, the average is at about $150,000. why should you consider finances? you've worked your butt off to get this far in life, and now that you've guaranteed a high paying future and with a solid / luxurious salary until your 60, you should go with whatever program you like the most, finance set aside.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I think it's a little extreme to say that you don't have to worry about finances at all, but you're right... you'll be able to pay it off eventually because you have a steady source of income. If you live like a resident for the first few years after you're done with residency, you'll be able to pay it off fairly quickly. There's also options for moonlighting and all that stuff. Money does matter though, because ultimately, it will make your life a whole lot easier for those few years after residency if you have less debt.</p>
<p>i second son of liberty, you are right .. you simply CANT completely set aside finance. but honestly, if psu is your dream school - GO. like son of liberty said, it's a matter of living like a resident for a few years after residency. in my opinion, it's well worth it.</p>
<p>haha i knew a topic about this would attract a debate....and that debate is what's been raging in my head right now...i sat down with my dad and we did the calculations again, and now it seems that i'd be saving $120000 by going to nj. </p>
<p>Basically, umdnj and jefferson both are on equal playing fields in terms of residency from what i've been able to gather...the only thing is i'd be graduating a year earlier with jefferson but saving about $15000 a year (or more, depending on if I commute to njms, cuz i only live about 30 min away)...i love central philly a LOT more then newark tho. </p>
<p>In terms of undergrad, psu's got the football and all of that....tons more then going to tcnj...but again i'd be paying much less for it...think $17500 for each of the 4 regular semesters + $12000 for the summer sessions versus $17000 for each of the 3 YEARS for tcnj. And if I went to rutgers-newark get it down to about $9000 because i missed that damn full ride because i'm in the top 5.5%. arghhhh</p>
<p>but in any case....if it does come to me gettin' in to umdnj...wow, its gonna be a tough decision.....keep goin' with yer opinions, i'm finding this to be really helpful.</p>
<p>Will you make top 5% by the time you graduate -- that may change things...</p>
<p>i think what you're doing is right. make the calculations as to how much you'd save by going with jersey.... and now that you have a figure, consider this:</p>
<p>you graduate a year earlier with psu, meaning you start work a year earlier, meaning you make the extra 100k + by graduating a year earlier. do you save over 100k by going with jersey?</p>
<p>highly doubt it ..</p>
<p>I'm not gonna lie to you, PSU program is reasonably expensive. I think the total is going to run about 300K for me. I ended up deciding to go here because the program was fairly solid, and the guarantee was good. I don't know how the other programs and their requirements and overall feeling are. However, I have to say that in hindsight I would chose to come here with much less hesitation. The coursework requirements have been lax enough that I have the time to take classes in philosophy, psychology, economics, et cetera without overloading myself. Also, I am fairly certain that in the two extra years I have after med school, I will be able to either specialize or work, and thus make back the money I have invested. I am not sure how good of an investment PSU is compared to TCNJ, but I know that this has been a good one.</p>
<p>"Also, I am fairly certain that in the two extra years I have after med school, I will be able to either specialize or work, and thus make back the money I have invested."</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>hydrogen3k: i dunno if i will be, its on the edge right now because i have a B+ in one class, so that'll prolly put me out.</p>
<p>talk<em>about</em>ambition: Well man, honestly, I know that i'd be able to make up the difference, but the thing is, it'll put that much more pressure on me in those couple of years ya know? I know that i'm going to be specializing, so after med school is residency and fellowships...i probably won't be making good money till i'm like 29-30...and by then, interest will make my debt to maybe, idk 180,190 thousand? Ah well, we'll have to see........</p>
<p>getonthedtrain: are you a PA resident?</p>
<p>ahh i didn't read all of that, but good luck u piping hot chunk of tofu!!
ahha ok i know ....im dork but SO ARE YOU you multiple degree'er</p>
<p>Just think of it as a win-win situation. It's hard to measure the opportunity costs. At the end of the day, it all depends on if your in the habit of seeing things greener on the otherside. You will do well wherever you go.</p>
<p>mmm of course of course....it's definitely a win-win, but it still poses a problem. I know i'll do well eventually, its just a matter of how i get there. and shedoesntgetit has gone insane haha</p>