Kings or Imperial?

[levantine]

Originally Posted by baskem

ICSM is a world class medical school at a world class university.
GKT is also an awesome medical school, but at an average university.

Easy choice, innit?

Can't honestly agree that King's is an 'average' university, though Imperial ranks higher...

Kings and Imperial are both currently in the world's top 25 universities - a very impressive statistic in general. However, Imperial ranks higher overall - 5th globally, and usually 3rd nationally - think King's is something like 24th globally, and in the top 6-8 or so nationally. However, King's is less exclusive with regards to who it takes in, hence slightly lower outputs etc, plus is a very large university (largest medical school in Europe) and it's easier to do not so well in some areas when you're that massive... Personally, I like the idea of being at an excellent institution, but at the same time it's nice to be at a (slightly) less elitist place that gives opportunities to people who may not have been blessed with perfect academic records etc.

If you're one of those people who like being part of a university with greater range, I'd go for King's... Imperial is a bit more specialist in terms of subjects fields etc.

There are particular speciality strengths and weaknesses for every medical school... I can't speak for Imperial off the top of my head, but, for instance, King's Institute of Psychiatry is OUTSTANDING, both academically and in terms of the amazing staff there. So look at your own medical interests and then at their particular strengths.

One last slightly biased thought (I graduated and now work at King's) - King's is generally friendlier ; ) Even an Imperial admissions tutor admitted to us (somewhat apologetically!) that Imperial can be pretty mean... >_>

[baskem]

Splendid post above, and you are right, saying that King's is an 'average' uni is abit harsh.

[switchday]

Hmm...I had this tossup about about two years ago...this was the response I got:

Reignite the fire: GKT vs Imperial

Reignite the fire: Imperial vs GKT

Being in my second year at Imperial now, I'm glad I chose ICSM over GKT. They're both excellent med schools but what swung me towards ICSM was:

- the area is a lot better than London Bridge and it's a bit of a myth to say it's so much more expensive. Probably slightly in terms of rent...but only just...and everything else e.g. pubs, restaurants, Tesco's is the same.

- exams all at the end of the year. i think GKT have continual assessment...which i'd find annoying as i'd have to work my arse off all the time as opposed to dossing all year and working hard in the last term.

- imperial is RICH....and therefore the facilities here are amazing. ICT is great, free gym and comfy lecture theatre seats.

- much more patient contact in your pre-clinical years at ICSM. let's face it, the ball game is all about dealing with people...might as well get used to it from day 1.

- i never got the feeling that gkt had an amazing social atmosphere as medics. ICSM has its own SU (separate from the imperial SU), which organises some pretty cool events - freshers fortnight, RAG dash, circle line pub crawl to name a few.

and as someone said earlier, although king's does have non-scientists, being at Guy's means you'll only come across scientists anyway...and you'll have to put up with the annoyance of dentists telling you how tough their life is (it really isn't)

also it was said earlier that imperial was elitist...i don't think this is the case. i haven't come across much snobbery here...of course there are a few..but i'm sure this will be the case at any university. it's a mixed bag.

ultimately, remember that you're splitting hairs between two world class medical schools. it's practically impossible to make the "wrong" decision.

[shatteredmedic]

ive heard imperial is quite good.

[Gurubhar]

Thanks you all for your great inputs!

[Gurubhar]

Shatteredmedic, i am sure to be missing something here... after getting those offers in 2006, why did you have to reapply in 2007? Sorry for my naivity.

Originally Posted by shatteredmedic

ive heard imperial is quite good.

[Gizmo says -]

ah, but why not, macca?

tis an 'ole barrel of fun, reapplyin'.

[Gizmo says -]

However, King's is less exclusive with regards to who it takes in, hence slightly lower outputs etc,

why do you say this, macca?

for instance, King's Institute of Psychiatry is OUTSTANDING, both academically and in terms of the amazing staff there.

thats interesting, macca. Can you tell us why its outstanding, exactly and precisely, and ow this affects an undergraduate?

One last slightly biased thought (I graduated and now work at King's) - King's is generally friendlier ; ) Even an Imperial admissions tutor admitted to us (somewhat apologetically!) that Imperial can be pretty mean... >_>

where exactly is the unfriendliness, macca? or do you mean the vicinity of south london is more open and friendly bustlin than west london self interested peeple?

[agneishd]

Originally Posted by Gurubhar

Shatteredmedic, i am sure to be missing something here... after getting those offers in 2006, why did you have to reapply in 2007? Sorry for my naivity.

look below -

offers were conditional - unless you get the grades you can't get in - the final hurdle in med school admissions!

[GuruMitul]

I haven't posted on here for ages...the last time I saw this place was when I was applying.

I know switchday (unfortunately), he is a COLOSSAL pedant...but he's absolutely right.