WashU (half tuition) vs Hopkins vs UCSD vs Vandy

[abdum]

The largest factor to consider is that my family and support system is in California. I know I would be so much happier in San Diego than in St. Louis or Baltimore. My ultimate goal is to go to residency somewhere on the west coast. What do you guys think?

I think after the merit scholarship, WashU might be somewhat equal to SD (in-state) in tuition. Should I still consider Hopkins in this scenario? (Given the national reputation and prestige?)

By the way, does anyone know the likelihood/how/if I can negotiate my WashU merit scholarship with Hopkins?

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[throwaway01564]

If it's merit, no negotiating with Hopkins. It's one of those schools that does need-based. If it's need-based you might have some luck.

 

[BritainKittenMittens]

I personally would do Hopkins (location and prestige), Washu (money and prestige), UCSD (location). Tuition difference between Hopkins and Washu/UCSD is around 120k for 4 years for you? That's not egregious in the grand scheme of things if you're like me and prefer East Coast city to Midwest small city.

But in your case, I'd just go with UCSD. You'll be in just as good shape getting into a west coast residency (top competitive ones might be a different story where hopkins *might* give an edge). And family support and location is very, very important. UCSD is a great school and being in California can be great for your mental health. Cost, location, and outcomes might point to UCSD on this one.

 

[mangowolf]

i'd vote for UCSD too, but it depends on what your personal priorities are. in terms of the three main factors i can see here:

location/support: UCSD >> WashU/Hopkins
prestige: Hopkins > WashU > UCSD
cost: WashU > UCSD > Hopkins

if you only care about getting into residency on the West Coast regardless of the residency, UCSD is a great choice and matches mostly back to California. If you are super interested in a career in academic medicine, Hopkins is definitely on a level above UCSD/WashU, but it's not like UCSD will hold you back significantly.

 

[dogmomtodoc]

Wow! Congrats. Honestly can't go wrong with any of these choices.

For me, it would be between Hopkins and UCSD. I would have a hard time turning down Hopkins, but ultimately I think you should choose the school where you will be the happiest, and that sounds like UCSD for you. Go with your gut.

 

[JKars]

IMO the best choice for you will depend on what you prioritize. Ultimately each factor (location, 'prestige', and cost) functions to decrease stress, so go with the one that will have the largest net decrease - which feels to me like UCSD.

Prestige is only useful so far as it helps you match where you want to go. While Hopkins may have the name brand edge, none of these places will hold you from matching in whatever you set your mind to. Since you hope to stay West Coast, UCSD will help based on location alone, not to mention the in-state tuition, gorgeous weather, and strong support system - the latter of which truly helps decrease stress more than anything.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

Hopkins.

 

[yuhh]

neither of those schools beat having a diploma from hopkins hung up on the middle of ur wall