AE vs. Northwestern

[stressedout]

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So, I got into NW and I have an interview scheduled for AE soon...just wondering what you guys thought of AE when you went. Would you choose it over NW????


Also, Have you heard if they provide any sort of financial aid? I heard NW doesn't do a very good job which makes me worry. Any info would be great. Thanks very much.

 

[calebho501]

I interviewed at AECOM but not NWU yet, but I got to visit NWU b/c my friend is a 1st year med student there.

In terms of location, NWU clearly wins. AECOM is in Bronx, but a nice part of Bronx. Nevertheless, it's not very convenient as the campus is a bit far away from the subway station (The best way to get to Manhattan is by an express bus)

AECOM also doesn't have its own bookstore, and the Bronx hospital is very small compared to other schools (But they do have affiliated hospitals in Manhattan)

The one thing that impressed me about AECOM was its support for students to do international clinical rotations in the 4th year. The school pays for 75% of the economy class ticket.

 

[exmike]

Correct me if im wrong, but I believe AE students do their clinical rotations in the City, which entails a horrendous commute for two years (from what I've heard).

I'd pick NWU, hands down. Don't waste your money at AE.

 

[Wrigleyville]

Financial aid at Northwestern is done in arrears. After four years, they calculate up the average debt of all the students in the class. They then forgive the part of the debt above that average for anyone who owes more than the average. It stinks not to know what you'll owe ahead of time, but the system works well otherwise.

 

[highclass]

AE students do not necessarily do their clinical rotations in the city. They have an option to do so and AECOM has housing in the city for the students who need it. So, there is no commute. There are many great hospitals affiliated with AECOM in the Bronx, within shuttle bus or walking distance. Overall, I think that AECOM has an excellent clinical program with plenty of opportunity sans commute.

 

[dara678]

Even though I didn't apply to NU Med School, I go to Northwestern for undergrad and I have friends who are MS1's there right now.

Hands down, Northwestern has the BEST frickin' location of any medical school I've ever seen. It's located right on the magnificent mile, in the midst of one of the busiest shopping districts in the country. Clubs and bars are just a couple of blocks away (in walking distance) and the dorms have views overlooking Lake Michigan. If you go to NU, you'll have the opportunity to live like rich people in million dollar condos on Michigan Ave., except you'll be a med student. 🙂

On the academic side, NU is really PBL-focused so if you're not into that it might not be as good of a choice ... but all in all it has a great reputation, has higher rankings than Einstein in US News (if that matters to you), and has a lot of bright and amazing people as students (I know ... I was in the same classes they were).

Hope this helps.

 

[stressedout]

thanx everyone for your advice! i really appreciate it and think i may just stick with NW. thanks!