St. Georges FOM or SABA ?

[A12chives]

I am debating whether to commit to SABA or St. Georges Foundation of Medicine program.

If I choose SABA, I will be starting in January 2009.
St. Georges FOM will start in August 08. Hence, I will be starting officially in Jan 2009 as well pending a 3.2 GPA.


MONEY FACTOR:
Saba is cheaper but without those federal loans it isn't that much cheaper because of higher interest rates. After all, an extra $30G isn't that damaging considering the fact that SG is the most well known.


Class Size:
I do like the fact that Saba has a smaller class size over SG's student class of >200.


Rotations:
St. Georges got that super contract with NY hospitals, I plan to practice in NY after Im done, so that might be the most important factor.


Guys, am I overlooking anything? I would be fine with attending either school but I do prefer the one that fits my best interest. Which program will you select and why?

Thanks for all your inputs.

[creepy$crawlies]

FOM, if you are planning on returning to NY, there is not contest. SGU has its best affiliations in that state.

I would chose FOM,because I actually went through it. Consider it a 10k entrance ticket into med school basically. Some people do fail it though, dont think it is a cake walk, but it is just another obstacle in your way. An expensive one at that.

Saba is a nice school though, much more student-teacher contact, decent residency placements, cheaper. mmmm, class size in SGU is more like >400 nowdays, so.....

[cavalletti]

Originally Posted by A12chives

MONEY FACTOR:
Saba is cheaper but without those federal loans it isn't that much cheaper because of higher interest rates. After all, an extra $30G isn't that damaging considering the fact that SG is the most well known.

This is a huge consideration. Many of the big lenders are closing up shop and filing for bankruptcy protection. Even some of the Stafford backed
companies are hurting and have become more cautious. You may want to explore your financing options carfully before considering any school that does not have Federal loans.

[creepy$crawlies]

VERY good point. SGU vet school is having some problems related to that since they rely more heavily(if not completely) on private loans. SGU med has both private and federal. A good credit score is imperative in any case, or a good cosigner.

[A12chives]

Thank you all for your insightful advice.