Why Poznan?

[sidneyaz]

For those going to Poznan or attending Poznan: why did you opt for Poznan over Warsaw and Jag?

[gvanderv]

Hi,

There are a lot of threads here regarding why we came to PUMS. Just do a search.

Bye

[sidneyaz]

well, I found several threads that indicate why people like Poznan but nothing that states why Poznan is a better option than Jag and Warsaw, schools that appear to be more reputable and in better locations. Jag has an entrance exam and maybe that deters some applicants but it can't possibly be a real hurdle. When you get a chance, why specifically did you pick PUMS over Warsaw and Jag?

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by sidneyaz

well, I found several threads that indicate why people like Poznan but nothing that states why Poznan is a better option than Jag and Warsaw, schools that appear to be more reputable and in better locations. Jag has an entrance exam and maybe that deters some applicants but it can't possibly be a real hurdle. When you get a chance, why specifically did you pick PUMS over Warsaw and Jag?

Simply on the basis that Warsaw is an HMI school, I would be hard pressed to consider it 'more reputable'. (But, that's just my opinion.)

[sidneyaz]

I thought Warsaw was the top rated Polish school. What is HMI? I am not trying to be argumentative. I just want a concrete answer as to what makes Poznan a better choice than Warsaw and Jag.

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by sidneyaz

I thought Warsaw was the top rated Polish school. What is HMI? I am not trying to be argumentative. I just want a concrete answer as to what makes Poznan a better choice than Warsaw and Jag.

I find local rankings of medical schools to be more or less meaningless when it comes to English language programs, as locals and foreigners (usually) have very different criteria for evaluating a school.

Example: A school may be considered very desirable by locals, but may not offer US federal loans for US students.

Hope Medical Institute (HMI) is an agency that has a number of affiliate schools in Poland. Do a search on HMI (or on the full name) for more information.

[gvanderv]

Your question really can't be answered. Poznan was the better choice for me, for a number of reasons. It may not be for you. I'm tired of getting flamed everytime I answer this. I am very happy here. Just because Warsaw is a bigger city doesn't make it better. Personally I don't care for Warsaw.

All I can say is stay away from agents.

And Miklos is correct the rankings really are meaningless.

[sidneyaz]

Ok, Thanks!

I am not questioning anyone's choice. I just want to have a critical look at the options before making a decision. Do I have to go via HMI to get to Warsaw? I mean why can't I apply directly? If HMI is corrupt, why does Warsaw tolerate it? Which Polish school has the most Americans?

I am almost certain that I will go with Charles but I am looking to apply to a couple of Polish schools as well. I was set on Jag and Warsaw but I keep hearing things about PUMS. So, I just want to know a bit about PUMS and what makes it attractive.

So my understanding is that the education is identical at the 3 schools but people prefer PUMS because Warsaw deals with HMI and Jag has an entrance exam, correct?

[mutig25]

I believe Jag has an MCAT requirement for the 4-year program, and PUMS does not, so that may be another detterant.

Personally, I don't see much of a difference regarding quality of education at Warsaw, Poznan, and Krakow. Warsaw was out for me because of the HMI affiliation. Apparently, you can apply there without having to go through HMI, but I wasn't aware of that. Krakow was very appealing to me, as well, but they have the MCAT requirement for the 4-year program, and considering my timing that would have put me back another year regarding matriculation.

[carbon]

Poznan and Jag have a slight edge of the other schools in Poland because they have the most experience teaching Americans with the 4 year curriculum. It probably makes little difference which school you eventually graduate from as no one in the states has heard of any of them. What will count most in the end is your USMLE score and any US clinical experience you managed to squeeze in with LOR's. Although I am proud of my accomplishments at Poznan U, I would probably go to Krakow because it is a superior city and far more accessable.