Cincinnati vs. Case

[pokjoko]

Hi everyone! I am an Ohio resident trying to narrow down my options here before April 30th. I am taking out loans for medical school, so I'm trying to see which option would be the best decision for me long-term. In terms of specialty, I am pretty open but have been considering FM, gen surgery (or a sub-specialty like peds surg), and maybe pediatrics. However, I haven't really had much exposure in any of these fields so I can see this changing. I also don't necessarily want to stay in the midwest for residency/the rest of my career. Also currently WL at UPenn, Columbia, and WashU (don't have high hopes but we'll see)

Case
Pros

• More prestige and resources?
• 1 hr drive from home
• I like Cleveland (lol)
• Match list more geographically varied

Cons

• Received no scholarships (440k in loans over 4 years)
• Mandatory PBL

Cincinnati
Pros

• One of the best peds hospitals
• Cheaper (270k w/o aid, haven't received financial aid package yet so may potentially be cheaper)
• Cincinnati is a very cheap and nice place to live

Cons

• 4 hrs away from home (not the biggest deal)
• Ranked well, but not as well-known as Case (?)

Summary: I know Case isn't ranked that much higher than Cincinnati, but I just don't want to close any doors for myself

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[madamemichaelscott]

what are the vibes you got from each school’s current students? case has cleveland clinic and matches very well but cinci also has a big pediatric focus, which is one of the specialties you indicated some interest in. it’s hard to choose with cinci’s FA too though - do you know when this comes?

 

[pokjoko]

what are the vibes you got from each school’s current students? case has cleveland clinic and matches very well but cinci also has a big pediatric focus, which is one of the specialties you indicated some interest in. it’s hard to choose with cinci’s FA too though - do you know when this comes?

Unfortunately, they did not give a straight answer abt getting financial aid before April 30th which is part of the reason why I'm a bit stressed. I honestly liked the vibes at both schools so thankfully I think I'd be ok at both

 

[pokjoko]

Update: seems like I won’t be getting any substantial from Cincy, so I guess my question gets simplified down to this: Is the “prestige boost” I would get at Case worth the extra 170k? Seems like probably not, but then again I don’t want to close any doors for myself

 

[m1redsox]

Update: seems like I won’t be getting any substantial from Cincy, so I guess my question gets simplified down to this: Is the “prestige boost” I would get at Case worth the extra 170k? Seems like probably not, but then again I don’t want to close any doors for myself

Cincy is a great school, and is well-known within medicine. Sure, maybe Case’s name is slightly better, but I’ll tell you with confidence that it isn’t worth $170k + interest

 

[Dr. Sahab]

Cinci is still a very strong school. It doesn't seem like you have any particular pro at case that would make it worth 170k extra. I would say cinci is the best option for you.

 

[hockeyguy69]

cincy please case is so expensive for what (case also gives no merit scholarships hence why you got no scholarship)