I have interviewed at 5 schools now. I am from the midwest and really dislike the weather. I see myself settling down and practicing some place warm along the west coast (I've had an internship in Irvine, CA and I fell in love with southern California--note: I don't want to go to Pomona due to it being too new--). However, I am really struggling deciding where to go to school. I've read tons of posts where people state, "choose the best school for you," "pick what feels right," etc. That makes sense....however, I cannot decide between Scholl college and California School of Podiatric Medicine. I do not have a family of my own, so location close to home doesn't matter. Scholl is a pretty good school from what I hear, however the winters and the actual school's location will be pretty bad. CSPM is in San Fran (which isn't southern cali by any stretch of the imagination) yet I've heard nothing about the quality of education I would get.
Does anyone have any input on CSPM vs. Scholl?
CSPM has no on campus housing and the traveling seemed to make me nervous. I enjoy running, though, and CSPM would have great weather for outdoor things such as that (if I ever have free time). Scholl seemed easier to get to from an apartment and less stressful due to NOT being in San Fran. Scholl does have better facilities too, but I'm just wondering if CSPM would be a better location and make it easier for me to get a residency in southern cali? Can anyone give me their opinion on this? It's so difficult deciding because there is almost NO information on CSPM on here! Thanks!!
Hi, I'm a first year at CSPM and I'll try to help answer your questions. First off, I only interviewed at CSPM because I loved it here. Choosing a school based on if you like it's location is VERY important. It's a great stress reliever when you get overwhelmed with school, cause at least you know there are things to do. I'm from SoCal,so moving to Norcal was a good change of scenery.
Your first year, you will be exclusively in Oakland not SanFran. Your second year, you start clinicals (and let me tell you, early clinicals are SO nice because they let you get out of the boring classroom material.) Clinics will be in both San Fran and Oakland, so you will have to commute at certain times during the year depending on your rotation schedule. 3rd year, from what I understand, you spend a lot of time over in San Fran so many students move over there. and 4th year, you can choose to stay in San Fran or an externship elsewhere.
Our class sizes are very small so that makes it VERY beneficial to all of us since we get our professor's full attention. You really are able to build a relationship with your professors because of this. Think about it, 1 professor for a class of 52 vs 150+. My class has 47 students, last years class has like 39 i think. It's easy to get their help if you need it too. They're all really nice!
It's true we do have weekly tests which cover ALL material every monday. The tests are based on 2 weeks worth of material (current week plus the last week). This is very tough and stressful because we don't really have a weekend off, but If you stay on top of your work during the week, you can manage. My classmates and I always talk about how much material there is to cover, and we always think it's too much, but somehow we all manage to do well.
We have 2 cafeterias in Oakland and many restaurants and delis to eat around the school too, if you're concerned about that. You can choose from BBQ, Pizza, Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese, American etc, all walking distance! if you drive 2 min away theres even more!
Housing is not far away. If you're concerned about whether or not you need a car, the answer is no. Public transportation is great! There are apartments right next to school which is all walking distance. I live 10 minutes away from campus in emeryville. Other students live 10 min away in Jack London Square or Alameda. Commutes not bad at all. Do keep in mind though, housing here in Okalnd and SF is expensive compared to other schools. You're paying for the experience, weather, and overall greatness of California! Some people don't find this worth it, but I do.
At this point, its all about self motivation in your studies because this is your career you're pursuing. Nobody can push you to do anything anymore. If you want something you'll have to work at it. With that said, you'll get a great education no matter which school you choose, which brings me back to one of my original points of location, location, location! If you come to this school, you will understand why CSPM is so special. Its something that cannot be explained online. I choose CSPM and would not think twice about it if I had to do it again.
Good luck with your decision!
