UChicago Pritzker vs. Duke

[sunflowerpeaches]

Hey y’all, I feel a bit lost in my decision and would love some input. I am a first-gen student going straight through from undergrad with no speciality in mind (but vague interests in EM/trauma, surgery, maybe OB/GYN). I do know that I want to pursue academic medicine, teaching, and med ed in my future career. Also do not go based on length of pro/cons list because sometimes I ramble and have a counter point in it lol.

What’s important to me: A supportive admin that listens to feedback and constantly improves, scholarly opps in medical education, policy, health care disparities (not sure exactly how I will want to pursue these interests so I like flexibility), early clinical exposure to different specialities, teaching opportunities, and to be surrounded by great/supportive classmates.

-UChicago Pritzker (COA ~ $264k after half-tuition scholarship - trying to negotiate) UPDATE: Now 75% tuition scholarship, COA ~$200k before interest)
Pros

• Strong social justice/advocacy work with underserved populations
• Medical Education scholarship track that I am very interested in, and haven’t seen anything specifically set up for med ed research/activities at any other school
• 5 student run free clinics (i think duke has none/1)
• Southside of Chicago has an extremely diverse patient population that seems great for medical training and has a level 1 trauma center
• I loved Chicago every time I have visited (although it was summer lol) and feel really excited to explore it and live there
• Amazing vibes at my interview day
• Small class size (90) -> better/stronger faculty relationships and more attention?

Cons

• Weather - I grew up in the south
• Location not as convenient - I already have a car and am not sure what that would look like, if I should bring it, or what to do with it if I don’t for year 1 and 2 bc I heard a lot of students have a car 3rd year
• Traditional 2-year preclinical (really 18 months); not sure how much of a con this is but I liked the early clinical exposure at duke (idk what specialty I want to pursue, just vague interests), but I have heard from Pritzker students that since academics are more relaxed they have a lot of time to shadow in multiple specialties and have longitudinal programs and selectives in preclinical to help with this

Neutral

• Crime can be bad here?

-Duke (COA ~ $206k after 44k/year grant - will negotiate if no merit offered)
NOTE: the grant is re-evaluated yearly based on need and could/will fluctuate every year so this is a vague estimate and worries me since idk what the future years will look like financially.

Pros

• 1 year preclinical -> early clinical exposure, open 3rd year, but less flexibility with time in first two years to explore interests so not sure which is better for me
• Weather
• Seems like a clinical powerhouse
• I already have a car and the transition will definitely be easier, it’s the type of city/transportation I am used to
• Much closer to family
• Slightly higher prestige, and they seem pretty strong in every area of medicine and research
• No AOA

Cons

• Didn’t get a strong impression/vibe at my interview day (kinda stressful interview), and so not a good gut feeling initially. Idk if it’s just bc of the virtual set up though, I got a much better vibe during SLW but still not sure if I would fit in well with my class
• Have to be more independent in finding research/opps in med ed compared to Pritzker’s curriculum design that would make it a piece of cake
• No level 1 trauma center and I am kinda interested in EM/trauma but not sure how big a deal this is
• Larger class size (although 120-130 isn’t huge either)

Neutral

• Durham - I know everyone who lives there loves it, including the med students, but it’s hard for me to get excited to move there over Chicago. I was excited to leave the South, and although I will still be moving out of state to a completely new environment which was my goal this cycle, it doesn’t feel as new as Chicago.

Summary: My struggle has been trying to figure out which would be better for my goals and where I would enjoy more, and it's been hard for me to gauge virtually (so any insight on either school will help tremendously). I know Pritzker has specific opportunities I would enjoy in med ed/policy and has it set up to make it really convenient, but Duke seems like a powerhouse and may give me better connections for the future. Earlier clinical exposure at Duke, but have recently heard how Pritzker incorporates this anyway into their 1.5-2 year preclinical anyway. Durham living is more convenient and closer to family, but Chicago excites me and I want to explore outside the south. HELP.

UPDATE: UChicago has increased my scholarship to 75% tuition (about ~199k COA in loans before interest)! I also am really feeling the fit at Pritzker over Duke after finishing both SLW's. The only real pro's of Duke I see atm is the slight bump in prestige and closer to my parents (but again, flying home for holidays is not a deal breaker for me and I think will be fine) - I want to put myself outside of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in a brand new environment. I am a naturally independent person and don't see that being too big a deal for me.

I also did not mention that I cried happy tears when I received my interview and acceptance to Pritzker (not the same for Duke A bc of weird interview experience). Basically, I am now just curious to hear if anyone has strong opinions on if Duke might be significantly better or if I am following my heart too strongly over my head with this decision? Everyone says to follow your gut if finances aren't too different, but with everything being virtual I am a bit scared to do this. (I am asking on here because I feel like some of y'all know way more about both of these schools/the process more than any person in my actual life lol.) Thank you!

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[BritainKittenMittens]

Around 60k difference across 4 years is negligible enough for you to pick whatever one you'll feel happier with. I'd ignore any "prestige" and go with the location, curriculum, and opportunities factor. Even though I love Chicago the city, I personally prefer the 1 year pre-clinical and no AOA with Duke. Sounds like your family is closer to Duke and it has the added benefit of being cheaper. UChicago is in hyde park, with close access to downtown. However, I imagine Durham with close access to the research triangle is similar. There is something to be said about trying a different place, but in this case, I think it'd have to be a really strong reason.

Also important to note when comparing merit aid vs need-based aid, merit aid does not change (provided you make good progress) while financial aid depends on your situation and the school's finances every year. It's unlikely to change or sometimes can even change in your favor, but sometimes good to know that the aid is guaranteed.

 

[Kracin]

Interesting - you've written the post in a way that makes it very difficult to actually say what would be better. In most of these X vs. Y threads, I give a suggestion but for this one, you need to step back and place yourself in the position of these schools

* Do you want to be in the south, at a 1-year preclinical school that has less trauma exposure but gives you an entire year to do research and build your exposures?
* Do you want to be in Chicago with easier access to MedEd, a more diverse population, and more trauma exposure?

These are two very different ways to go about 4 years. I suggest you reflect on which environment you'd actually be happier in and then run with it. If it were me, I'd pick Duke.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

If you dread moving back to the south, I would highly recommend Chicago. When time gets tough, if you are at a place you don’t want to be to begin with, you will feel miserable. And the thing is time WILL get tough.

 

[Banco]

I don’t know how much “trauma” exposure should even factor in to your decision at this level. That’s more of a residency consideration. As long as they have strong home EM departments you’re good. For general surgery both have strong programs, but edge goes to Duke.

Otherwise I think you should go where you like, as the price difference isn’t massive. Both will place you well on a career path.

 

[16ccjones]

I think Duke would be really good, they have a really high ranking as well and you can't discount a good support system closer by. Plus I have heard dukes curriculum is really well designed from friends that go there.

 

[MediocreClimber]

I’m pretty sure Duke is a level 1 trauma center but someone feel free to correct me! Will most likely be attending Duke and am interested in EM.

 

[deleted1065184]

I’m pretty sure Duke is a level 1 trauma center but someone feel free to correct me! Will most likely be attending Duke and am interested in EM.

Yep: NC DHSR OEMS: Designated Trauma Centers

 

[mlua1811]

I don't know much about Duke but I will address your Pritzker cons...

As a Californian I hear you on the weather but honestly all you can really do is bundle up and deal with it- it's not as bad as people make it out to be.

It's not a requirement to have a car but plenty of students do have one during first and second year (Hyde Park is drivable & there's plenty of street parking so I wouldn't worry about that).

It seems like you already know that the "2 year pre-clinical" isn't actually the full 2 years/ it allows you plenty of time to work in student-run clinics, shadow, get started on research, etc

AOA- You didn't list it as a con at Pritzker but rather as a pro that Duke doesn't have it. Yeah it's not ideal but important to note that it's not something that makes or breaks you- plenty of students matched into competitive specialties at top programs who weren't AOA.

Given you have a competing scholarship I'm sure you could get Pritzker to match. Just some other thoughts- given you're not exactly sure how you want to pursue your interests, the flexibility & guided mentorship at Pritzker could definitely help w that (i.e when it comes to their research tracks students can start in one and change their mind or even pursue research in one track & do other research outside of the tracks). Pritzker really is like a family (not even just among the students but staff & faculty included) so I think you'll definitely feel that support you're looking for. Best of luck making your decision!

 

[sunflowerpeaches]

Interesting - you've written the post in a way that makes it very difficult to actually say what would be better. In most of these X vs. Y threads, I give a suggestion but for this one, you need to step back and place yourself in the position of these schools

* Do you want to be in the south, at a 1-year preclinical school that has less trauma exposure but gives you an entire year to do research and build your exposures?
* Do you want to be in Chicago with easier access to MedEd, a more diverse population, and more trauma exposure?

These are two very different ways to go about 4 years. I suggest you reflect on which environment you'd actually be happier in and then run with it. If it were me, I'd pick Duke.

This is actually so helpful. They are both great schools, but veryyy different schools. I've been finding it difficult to figure out which one would be the best fit for me and have been waiting for some clarity to hit but that doesn't seem to be happening haha. I will definitely take a step back and try to reflect on this a bit more

 

[sunflowerpeaches]

I don't know much about Duke but I will address your Pritzker cons...

As a Californian I hear you on the weather but honestly all you can really do is bundle up and deal with it- it's not as bad as people make it out to be.

It's not a requirement to have a car but plenty of students do have one during first and second year (Hyde Park is drivable & there's plenty of street parking so I wouldn't worry about that).

It seems like you already know that the "2 year pre-clinical" isn't actually the full 2 years/ it allows you plenty of time to work in student-run clinics, shadow, get started on research, etc

AOA- You didn't list it as a con at Pritzker but rather as a pro that Duke doesn't have it. Yeah it's not ideal but important to note that it's not something that makes or breaks you- plenty of students matched into competitive specialties at top programs who weren't AOA.

Given you have a competing scholarship I'm sure you could get Pritzker to match. Just some other thoughts- given you're not exactly sure how you want to pursue your interests, the flexibility & guided mentorship at Pritzker could definitely help w that (i.e when it comes to their research tracks students can start in one and change their mind or even pursue research in one track & do other research outside of the tracks). Pritzker really is like a family (not even just among the students but staff & faculty included) so I think you'll definitely feel that support you're looking for. Best of luck making your decision!

Thank you! Yeah I definitely think the guided mentorship and flexibility of S&D at Pritzker may be better for me considering there's a lot I want to explore before committing to a project and I definitely need some guidance. Duke seems to have more of an independent approach with less time during the first two years to figure it out (besides the fact of getting early clinical rotations, but this doesn't have to do with other interests of research like med ed, health disparities, etc. and more just specialty focused). I would hate to end up on a project for an entire year 3rd year and realize it's not what I wanted to do.

Also thank you for addressing some of those specific cons in detail!

 

[mlua1811]

Thank you! Yeah I definitely think the guided mentorship and flexibility of S&D at Pritzker may be better for me considering there's a lot I want to explore before committing to a project and I definitely need some guidance. Duke seems to have more of an independent approach with less time during the first two years to figure it out (besides the fact of getting early clinical rotations, but this doesn't have to do with other interests of research like med ed, health disparities, etc. and more just specialty focused). I would hate to end up on a project for an entire year 3rd year and realize it's not what I wanted to do.

Also thank you for addressing some of those specific cons in detail!

For sure! Feel free to PM me if you wanna talk about anything else. I'm also a prospective but I already committed so maybe we'll be future classmates! Goodluck with your decision- I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you 🙂

 

[sunflowerpeaches]

UPDATE: UChicago has increased my scholarship to 75% tuition (about ~199k COA in loans before interest)! I also am really feeling the fit at Pritzker over Duke after finishing both SLW's. The only real pro's of Duke I see atm is the slight bump in prestige and closer to my parents (but again, flying home for holidays is not a deal breaker for me and I think will be fine) - I want to put myself outside of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in a brand new environment. I am a naturally independent person and don't see that being too big a deal for me.

I also did not mention that I cried happy tears when I received my interview and acceptance to Pritzker (not the same for Duke A bc of weird interview experience). Basically, I am now just curious to hear if anyone has strong opinions on if Duke might be significantly better or if I am following my heart too strongly over my head with this decision? Everyone says to follow your gut if finances aren't too different, but with everything being virtual I am a bit scared to do this. (I am asking on here because I feel like some of y'all know way more about both of these schools/the process more than any person in my actual life lol.) Thank you!

 

[roasted_oolong]

UPDATE: UChicago has increased my scholarship to 75% tuition (about ~199k COA in loans before interest)! I also am really feeling the fit at Pritzker over Duke after finishing both SLW's. The only real pro's of Duke I see atm is the slight bump in prestige and closer to my parents (but again, flying home for holidays is not a deal breaker for me and I think will be fine) - I want to put myself outside of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in a brand new environment. I am a naturally independent person and don't see that being too big a deal for me.

I also did not mention that I cried happy tears when I received my interview and acceptance to Pritzker (not the same for Duke A bc of weird interview experience). Basically, I am now just curious to hear if anyone has strong opinions on if Duke might be significantly better or if I am following my heart too strongly over my head with this decision? Everyone says to follow your gut if finances aren't too different, but with everything being virtual I am a bit scared to do this. (I am asking on here because I feel like some of y'all know way more about both of these schools/the process more than any person in my actual life lol.) Thank you!

I don't know much about Duke, but I spoke to a current MS3 at Pritzker today who said that all the wonderful gut feelings she had about Pritzker turned out to be absolutely true. I think both schools are amazing and will get you to where you want to be in your career, and I'm also a sucker for following your heart, so I'm team Pritzker for you!

 

[Banco]

UPDATE: UChicago has increased my scholarship to 75% tuition (about ~199k COA in loans before interest)! I also am really feeling the fit at Pritzker over Duke after finishing both SLW's. The only real pro's of Duke I see atm is the slight bump in prestige and closer to my parents (but again, flying home for holidays is not a deal breaker for me and I think will be fine) - I want to put myself outside of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in a brand new environment. I am a naturally independent person and don't see that being too big a deal for me.

I also did not mention that I cried happy tears when I received my interview and acceptance to Pritzker (not the same for Duke A bc of weird interview experience). Basically, I am now just curious to hear if anyone has strong opinions on if Duke might be significantly better or if I am following my heart too strongly over my head with this decision? Everyone says to follow your gut if finances aren't too different, but with everything being virtual I am a bit scared to do this. (I am asking on here because I feel like some of y'all know way more about both of these schools/the process more than any person in my actual life lol.) Thank you!

Well looks like the decision is made then. You like UChicago better and it’s now the same price. Congrats, go there!

 

[crimson-cat]

UPDATE: UChicago has increased my scholarship to 75% tuition (about ~199k COA in loans before interest)! I also am really feeling the fit at Pritzker over Duke after finishing both SLW's. The only real pro's of Duke I see atm is the slight bump in prestige and closer to my parents (but again, flying home for holidays is not a deal breaker for me and I think will be fine) - I want to put myself outside of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in a brand new environment. I am a naturally independent person and don't see that being too big a deal for me.

I also did not mention that I cried happy tears when I received my interview and acceptance to Pritzker (not the same for Duke A bc of weird interview experience). Basically, I am now just curious to hear if anyone has strong opinions on if Duke might be significantly better or if I am following my heart too strongly over my head with this decision? Everyone says to follow your gut if finances aren't too different, but with everything being virtual I am a bit scared to do this. (I am asking on here because I feel like some of y'all know way more about both of these schools/the process more than any person in my actual life lol.) Thank you!

Don't overthink it at this point. The prestige difference is negligible (and will vary by specialty and which region of the country you are asking in). In a paper that re-ranked medical school based on student outcomes rather than vague process measures, UChicago was actually in the top 3 at actually producing well-published successful academic physicians. Everyone I know that has gone there seem happy and supported, and the university as a whole does so many things well that you'll be fine whichever direction you go.

Congrats