Go with the school that has the most established clinical s. Newer schools seem to have a harder time getting you in to hospitals. The lecture and study part is all about making good connections with upper class-man who can give you guidance about what is important for the exams. Having a study partner is great if thats how they study too. Don't rely on someone else to help you study but as a way to review a week before the exam to make sure you are on point. See if the school has study group sessions, that help as well. Good luck.