Brown PLME vs Yale

jerzgrlmom
Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:28:17 +0000

When Dean Ip says PLMEs are less stressed, that does not mean they are hanging out and taking an easy courseload. Most likely, they are still working hard, pushing themselves, but choosing to do so (not being forced to do so). PLMEs are mature, self-directed students, chosen because in some way, they have shown Brown that they will take advantage of the open curriculum in a positive way. Just because you can place out of a class, doesn’t mean you would or you should. It’s an individual decision. I’m not sure why you assume PLMEs would choose to skip as much math and science as possible? How about all the kids who could do that but decide not to? Instead, they move up to higher level (more interesting) classes. Couldn’t you see yourself in that group?

From your questions about needing to live in stressed environment so as to be able to cope in med school, one would think that the majority of PLMEs would struggle through med school and perform poorly on their USMLEs, leading to horrible residency placements. This is simply is not true. Check the residency placements for 2008.

Sounds like Yale is where you want to be and you’re looking for reasons to validate that gut feeling you have. Don’t worry. You really don’t need justification. If you prefer Yale, go for it.