Imperial GEP or Barts GEP?

[LP77]

I know these threads are really annoying but if anyone can help me make a choice I would be incredibly greatful with any tips or advice you could offer! I have done my research and I find I like them both for very different reasons. Of course the Imperial GEP course is less established than the Barts one which could be a worry. Imperial has the Wellcome trust centre for tropical disease research which is what I eventually want to specialise in although Barts has a catchment area with more people who are likely to have tropical diseases and therefore I would get more experience. The Imperial and Barts hospitals are all top-class and they are both very highly rated med schools. I am slightly worried as I have friends at Imperial who have said that the other students in the Med school are not so friendly and highly competitive, I dont know how true this is? Imperial also has a good union and sports facilities. Barts has more of a history and people have suggested it is friendlier and more sociable. It is also in a nicer area (I think east London may have more going on than West London, more of a community feel, and is closer to central London plus rent is likely to be cheaper) I would reckon the Imperial students wouldnt be overly competitive and would care more about working for themselves than to compete. So I am in a dilemma, I really love both medical schools, of course I will visit them both but if people have any more advice please tell me your experiences at either med school!
I realise I am incredibly lucky and I know there is no wrong choice with those med schools I just want to find the place that is most compatible for me and will be an environment that will be enjoyable to study in as well give support and help me progress to the area I want to specialise in.

[jdr06]

hey, dont know much about bart's but yeah the imperial one isnt very established, i think your year is the 1st year doing it? so that may be a worry, although if its new they will be really keen for it to work so youl probably get taken care of well. as for competition at imperial, there is definitely some of that but again you will find very competitive individuals at all medical schools, BMAT introduction may well have upped the competitive side of things aswell and there are lots of very friendly people in the medschool and iv found older years are always keen to help you out.

as for the areas, i guess you guys doing the GEP course will be in hammersmith hospital in acton for the 1st year which isnt a very nice area, but once you move into your clinical years youl be in places like chelsea, fulham/hammersmith paddington which are a bit nicer than acton. again dont know much about bart's so cant comment. rent is likely to be cheaper in east london and iv never found getting into central london a problem from fulham.

as for the community at imperial, iv had a brilliant time here, iv really gotten to know lots of people right the way through the years and am really enjoying the course. regards sports i only know about rugby and we beat Bart's at that aswell as every other medschool in london.

i hope thats of some use.

[LP77]

Thanks, its nice to hear that there is a community at Imperial aside from lots of people using the 'we are the best arguement', you are right aswell that im sure that as it is the first year of the new course the organisers will be very determined to make sure it succeeds so that shouldnt be a worry. I visit Imperial on Thursday so I really hope I find I like the atmosphere!

[jdr06]

go down to the reynolds bar at charing cross hospital if you stay around for the evening, 2nd years finish exams on thursday so there will be some sort of party going on there.