I really, really, really, don't feel comfortable posting this sort of thing on here, however given how close it is to decision day, I could use as much input as possible on this. After getting accepted to Wayne in December, I pretty much was set on it, but still had an interview at the new Oakland University William Beaumont school of medicine because it was so close, not honestly expecting too much. The school did really impress me but, being more expensive than Wayne State, and being having a new program, I decided on Wayne even before finding out I was wait listed.
So comes today, I get home from lab, my message machine had a message from Oakland asking me to call them. Sure enough I got an invite, and a scholarship to boot. I've been racking my brain over this, and would like some outside opinions.
So as far as major Pro's of Wayne over Oakland: Well established program which matches well, the DMC, Henry Ford, and the many other affiliate hospitals, location - I've volunteered in Trauma one in Detroit and you see things you probably wouldn't see elsewhere, many great volunteer opportunities, a political advocacy program
Major Pro's of Oakland over Wayne: The half scholarship ($21K) would make Oakland $10K cheaper per year than Wayne, I live 4 miles away and could probably bike to class (compared to a 35-70 minute drive to Detroit), the curriculum seems very innovative, the facilities are obviously brand new, the class size is very small, being the first class I'm sure we'll have great faculty support
The huge issue with Oakland is, obviously, that the program is brand new. This has advantages since they can take the best of other programs, but there is rightly still reason to worry the unknown, and it would be wishful thinking to believe that there won't be some kinks to be ironed out. It also really sucks not knowing how the quality of clinical years would compare. Another important thing here is residency opportunity. While Beaumont is an amazing hospital, I'm wondering if Wayne would give me more residency opportunities.
I don't think I'll lose here, either way, but any opinions would still be very much appreciated. Thanks for any help.
So comes today, I get home from lab, my message machine had a message from Oakland asking me to call them. Sure enough I got an invite, and a scholarship to boot. I've been racking my brain over this, and would like some outside opinions.
So as far as major Pro's of Wayne over Oakland: Well established program which matches well, the DMC, Henry Ford, and the many other affiliate hospitals, location - I've volunteered in Trauma one in Detroit and you see things you probably wouldn't see elsewhere, many great volunteer opportunities, a political advocacy program
Major Pro's of Oakland over Wayne: The half scholarship ($21K) would make Oakland $10K cheaper per year than Wayne, I live 4 miles away and could probably bike to class (compared to a 35-70 minute drive to Detroit), the curriculum seems very innovative, the facilities are obviously brand new, the class size is very small, being the first class I'm sure we'll have great faculty support
The huge issue with Oakland is, obviously, that the program is brand new. This has advantages since they can take the best of other programs, but there is rightly still reason to worry the unknown, and it would be wishful thinking to believe that there won't be some kinks to be ironed out. It also really sucks not knowing how the quality of clinical years would compare. Another important thing here is residency opportunity. While Beaumont is an amazing hospital, I'm wondering if Wayne would give me more residency opportunities.
I don't think I'll lose here, either way, but any opinions would still be very much appreciated. Thanks for any help.
