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Thanks for reading. I know these can sometimes come off in the wrong way, but I hope that is not the case (pun intended). A little background: I'm 23 and have been in a research project for the past year (and taking a few classes). I went to the University of North Carolina, a fine school but nothing like Harvard. No undergrad debt.
I was set on going to Case because I like the program and it's fantastic to get a full scholarship. I could be happy at Case, (even though it is in Cleveland).
Then, I found out that I was accepted to HMS this week. I really liked the HMS curriculum, etc. Location is fine as well. There is obvisously the general opinion that school reputation has a small effect on the residency application, but I can't imagine HMS networking, opportunities, 'ole boys club can't play a significant role. In fact 50% of HMS grads stay at an HMS affiliate for residency.
I am also very fortunate because my family will pay for tuition, living expenses, etc. at Harvard. I am very thankful for this We aren't filthy rich by any stretch (just live frugally), but my parents are well-set for retirment and comfortable. I would rather go to Harvard and my parents think that this is the best decision.
That being said, I am actually leaning towards Case because of the cash (difference of $200k now, but what about future value after investments?). I think I would feel less pressure because of the scholarship in that I will be able to pick a specialty because I like it (and not factor in the fact that it cost $250k). It's not like going to Harvard would make me a happier person. Would going a residency at Mass Gen really make me happier than doing one at University Hospital? I didn't "NEED" the prestige to be happy as an undergrad and had a great 4 1/2 o ) years there. Plus the small effect on residency applications paraded around SDN has really got me thinking. However that Harvard network and opportunities is hard to turn down. I just don't know.
Case obviously has some great matches, but an advisor warned me that the very "best" matches go to the MD/PhD students (and thus can seem "inflated" when seen from a regular MD student).
I would appreciate any responses. Thanks for reading!
Jacqueline
Go HEELS!
I was set on going to Case because I like the program and it's fantastic to get a full scholarship. I could be happy at Case, (even though it is in Cleveland).
Then, I found out that I was accepted to HMS this week. I really liked the HMS curriculum, etc. Location is fine as well. There is obvisously the general opinion that school reputation has a small effect on the residency application, but I can't imagine HMS networking, opportunities, 'ole boys club can't play a significant role. In fact 50% of HMS grads stay at an HMS affiliate for residency.
I am also very fortunate because my family will pay for tuition, living expenses, etc. at Harvard. I am very thankful for this We aren't filthy rich by any stretch (just live frugally), but my parents are well-set for retirment and comfortable. I would rather go to Harvard and my parents think that this is the best decision.
That being said, I am actually leaning towards Case because of the cash (difference of $200k now, but what about future value after investments?). I think I would feel less pressure because of the scholarship in that I will be able to pick a specialty because I like it (and not factor in the fact that it cost $250k). It's not like going to Harvard would make me a happier person. Would going a residency at Mass Gen really make me happier than doing one at University Hospital? I didn't "NEED" the prestige to be happy as an undergrad and had a great 4 1/2 o ) years there. Plus the small effect on residency applications paraded around SDN has really got me thinking. However that Harvard network and opportunities is hard to turn down. I just don't know.
Case obviously has some great matches, but an advisor warned me that the very "best" matches go to the MD/PhD students (and thus can seem "inflated" when seen from a regular MD student).
I would appreciate any responses. Thanks for reading!
Jacqueline
Go HEELS!