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BU Medical Sciences
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Cost difference is negligible... unless healthcare policy is a key priority of yours, I would say, go with Pitt. You'd have way better networking opportunities -> matching into your desired specialty, esp now that STEP 1 P/F.

I can't speak for Pitt, but the labs/buildings at GT seemed quite dated and the school is actively undergoing construction.
I could see DC as being more desirable to live in, but within medicine, Pitt would open more doors for you.
 
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Engrailed said:
Cost difference is negligible... unless healthcare policy is a key priority of yours, I would say, go with Pitt. You'd have way better networking opportunities -> matching into your desired specialty, esp now that STEP 1 P/F.

I can't speak for Pitt, but the labs/buildings at GT seemed quite dated and the school is actively undergoing construction.
I could see DC as being more desirable to live in, but within medicine, Pitt would open more doors for you.
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Thank ya for responding! Yes, great point don't want to pick on factors like city when that won't be the majority of my life.
 
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I think Pitt, being a top 15 school is hard to give up. I'd like to think of these next 4 years as an investment into my future, and personally - would choose Pitt. The location is great, sports scene is great, food is great, and of course - school and research is elite tier. I also got into Pitt, and it is definitely one of my top choices atm even though I'll be long distance from my SO and family.
 
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Pitt will be cheaper by a non-trivial amount when you consider the cost of living and it will also have more opportunities for clinical research. I think Pittsburgh would be a fine place to live for four years, too. I thought their hospital system was pretty gorgeous.

However, does your SO have to stay in DC, and for how long? I would be very hesitant to attempt a long-distance relationship while in medical school, especially if it's for all four years. That and your interest in healthcare policy may tip the scales towards Georgetown for me. Yes, Georgetown is less prestigious, but that really only matters if you want to match into a competitive specialty and/or at a top residency program.
 
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Yorick said:
Pitt blows Georgetown of the water. It’s really not a close decision unless you would be absolutely miserable in Pittsburgh. Even if you don’t want to go into a competitive specialty, the top programs are extremely competitive and youll be thankful you’re coming from a program like Pitt instead of Gtown for greater peace of mind come residency app time. Maybe you’ll grow to like Pittsburgh but med school will keep you pretty busy anyway. Pitt offers better research opportunities as well, better physicians, higher caliber class, and better networking.
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But if getting into a "top program" for residency isn't a priority for OP, other factors may outweigh prestige.
 
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I used to drive to DC from Pittsburgh to see my fiancé all the time when we were long distance. I wasn’t in med school at the time but was working on a dual degree and was captain of the hockey team. While not ideal, the drive really isn’t that bad. 4 to 4.5 hours at most. I know it doesn’t contribute much to the discussion but something to consider. Overall, I think Pitt is the clear choice tbh.

Also, love the name @YerAWizardKhalifa. I think we know your stance on the matter 😛 #blackandyellow
 
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NotSoObvious said:
I used to drive to DC from Pittsburgh to see my fiancé all the time when we were long distance. I wasn’t in med school at the time but was working on a dual degree and was captain of the hockey team. While not ideal, the drive really isn’t that bad. 4 to 4.5 hours at most. I know it doesn’t contribute much to the discussion but something to consider. Overall, I think Pitt is the clear choice tbh.

Also, love the name @YerAWizardKhalifa. I think we know your stance on the matter 😛 #blackandyellow
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LOOOOOL
 
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PapayaJambalaya said:
Pitt will be cheaper by a non-trivial amount when you consider the cost of living and it will also have more opportunities for clinical research. I think Pittsburgh would be a fine place to live for four years, too. I thought their hospital system was pretty gorgeous.

However, does your SO have to stay in DC, and for how long? I would be very hesitant to attempt a long-distance relationship while in medical school, especially if it's for all four years. That and your interest in healthcare policy may tip the scales towards Georgetown for me. Yes, Georgetown is less prestigious, but that really only matters if you want to match into a competitive specialty and/or at a top residency program.
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My SO could relocate to Pittsburgh if need be, but loves DC just as I do! And that's my main debate, I know my heart loved Georgetown, especially if I do go pediatrics, which is not as difficult to match into. But I know Pitt is such a good opportunity and I don't know where I'll end up ultimately, so down the line I may be grateful to be in such a good program. Ugh
 
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Yorick said:
Pitt blows Georgetown of the water. It’s really not a close decision unless you would be absolutely miserable in Pittsburgh. Even if you don’t want to go into a competitive specialty, the top programs are extremely competitive and youll be thankful you’re coming from a program like Pitt instead of Gtown for greater peace of mind come residency app time. Maybe you’ll grow to like Pittsburgh but med school will keep you pretty busy anyway. Pitt offers better research opportunities as well, better physicians, higher caliber class, and better networking.
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Yeah I know I would come to feel at home in Pittsburgh in time, and you're right I won't be out and about in the city I live in every day of med school! It's definitely a hard opportunity to pass up
 
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PAMD820 said:
My SO could relocate to Pittsburgh if need be, but loves DC just as I do! And that's my main debate, I know my heart loved Georgetown, especially if I do go pediatrics, which is not as difficult to match into. But I know Pitt is such a good opportunity and I don't know where I'll end up ultimately, so down the line I may be grateful to be in such a good program. Ugh
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Fair enough! It’s good to have options. And there is no wrong choice.
 
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PAMD820 said:
My SO could relocate to Pittsburgh if need be, but loves DC just as I do! And that's my main debate, I know my heart loved Georgetown, especially if I do go pediatrics, which is not as difficult to match into. But I know Pitt is such a good opportunity and I don't know where I'll end up ultimately, so down the line I may be grateful to be in such a good program. Ugh
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I would remain open minded on specialties for now. It may change entirely in med school (and often does for many people). If you truly love DC, there are still many paths to return there (residency, fellowships, etc). If going to Pitt gives you the resources and opportunities to best position yourself for residency, it may even be your best chance at making DC your long term place of residence If you choose to match there.
 
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