<p>I'm trying to decide between these two programs: Siena/Albany Med and St. Bonaventure/George Washington. There are a lot of things I really like about each program and I'm having a hard time choosing one! Thank you in advance for any comments or opinions.</p>
<p>What do you like about each one?
Just telling us that doesn’t go too far.</p>
<p>How do you feel about SBU vs Siena? You’re going to be there for four (?) years I believe, so you do want to like the undergraduate college somewhat.</p>
<p>Yes they’re both 8 year programs so I’ll be doing four years of undergrad before med school. I’ve seen both schools a few times and I could honestly see myself being happy at either which is why this decision is so hard for me. SBU is kind of in the middle of no where but there is a lot to do on campus and there is also a nearby hospital where premed students can do volunteer work and physician shadowing. Buffalo also isn’t that far away and I know the students like to go there to shop and spend some time away from campus. On the other hand, Siena is near Albany so there are definitely more restaurants and malls around, and of course Albany Med is only 10 minutes away. There are also a few other colleges that are close to Siena so the area is more of your typical college town.</p>
<p>Siena is a more established program, they just celebrated their 25th anniversary so the students are well respected once moving onto Albany Med. The SBU program is only in it’s 6th year now, but GW is a more renowned medical school and the graduates are typically very successful with getting their top choice residency programs.</p>
<p>Siena is slightly more expensive than SBU, but the cost of attending GW and living in DC will balance it out and the debt will be pretty much the same 8 years from now no matter which school I choose.</p>
<p>In that case, go with the more prestigious medical school since everything else seems to be equal. It might help you for competitive residencies, and you have no other deciding factors.</p>
<p>I went through the same struggle to decided. In the end, I went with my heart, where I felt was most comfortable, even though it wasn’t with the most prestigious school. I have not regretted it! You got into both programs so you are talented! In the end, you’ll be successful where ever you go!</p>
<p>Thank you all for the feedback, I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>@Med2016, out of curiosity, what were your choices and where did you decide to go?</p>
<p>My D started one of the 3 Albany Med combined programs 3 years ago. Last year she toured the med school and saw all the new construction and buildings going on with the hospital new operating suites with all the state of the art equipment going in. When asked why they advised thay are the trauma center for upper NYS, the western part of 2 New England states and southern Canada (Quebec).</p>
<p>Their students place everywhere but many stay in Albany since it has all specialities except 2 (derm and one other)for residencies. The main reason they do not place higher on Med school stats is they always decline all surveys from the US News and other groups. Why? Because they are a private corporation that also owns Union College and Albany law, been in operation as a med school since 1830 and turn away hundreds of applicants every years so they feel they are doing something right. My D also did not want to go Med school in a really big city with all that goes along with that.</p>
<p>Hey, for those who got accepted to Siena/AMC, do you guys mind posting your stats? I wanna see if I have a chance. Thanks in advance!</p>