Advice on which interview to drop

[mTORC]

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I am in somewhat of a predicament. Long story short, I need to pick between interviewing one of two programs, either Baylor College of Medicine or University of Wisconsin- Madison. There's no way around this having to pick one or the other. Unfortunately, I have never visited either program, so I can't evaluate for myself which I would prefer so I would love some insights from the all-knowledgeable SDN. As far as I know, a priori, I like both programs equally; as far as I know, both programs are good for my research interests, which lie predominantly in microbiology and immunology.

PROS for UW:

• I like a small-town feel, like Madison. I also only hear good things about this town.
• Feels metropolitan (from what I hear)
• UW pays up to $300 for flights

CONS for UW:

• Interview ends one day before my next interview (so scheduling and flights become complex) and I will be tired.
• The apocalyptic cold weather

PROS for BCM:

• Texas Medical Center -- I heard it is amazing, and I don't know if I want to forgo this opportunity without even seeing it for myself.
• Good microbiome research, which I may be interested in.
• Ends two days before my next interview, and flight is less likely to be cancelled due to snowstorms.
• Cheap to live here

CONS for BCM:

• Large town feel/Suburbia. Will need to drive a car to everything
• Humidity/hurricanes
• Does not help pay for flights
• Their rescheduling policies are too strict (just a negative impression, but nothing that put me off to the school)

Would love some help with this decision. I've been thinking about this decision for quite some time but I keep falling short of a decision.

Thank you!

mTORC

 

[theproffer]

Congrats on both II, two very good schools don't think you can go wrong. At least IMO, for MD-PhD programs, other than the fit research-wise and maybe prestige, the most important factor for this (best case) 7 year endeavor is quality of life of where you will be studying/working. I can't comment on Baylor, but having done my undergrad at UW, in my totally biased opinion it is truly a wonderful place to live and study. Yes, it gets super cold, but you will not find a city of more passionate, down to earth citizens. I'm not sure what your hobbies are, but I'm sure you would find something to do when you aren't studying (tons of concerts, sports, art shows, plays, etc.). They area itself is also dynamic, have low-key area on the lake, bustling city area, tons of bike lanes but also paths to run on by the water/trails. I'm totally with you about the Texas Medical Center pull, but if your main reason for not visiting UW is the cold, I personally think you are missing out. From someone who absolutely hates winter/snow/cold, I have interviews at very warms climates, but if I get an acceptance from UW I am taking it in a heartbeat. Again, just my (very) biased opinion. Good luck!

 

[gbwillner]

It really depends on what your interests are. I don't know what UW's strengths are, but BCM is a genetics powerhouse, with strengths in MCB and neuroscience. It is also a nationally recognized MSTP and medical school.

 

[mTORC]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Decided to pick UW-Madison! I figured I can't go wrong either way, and UW-Madison seems to have a lot of things I like. Just made the decision. Hopefully some other lucky person gets my interview slot at BCM!! Good luck!