Another help me choose thread... UNC, Yale, OSU, Baylor or Pitt?

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makeshift123

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I'm still waiting to hear back from Penn and one waitlist, but I've been so fortunate to be accepted to these places so far. I have no idea how I'm gonna choose now. It's become the best, yet hardest decision of my life. I was just offered a full tuition scholarship at UNC (OOS), no idea about fin aid at the other schools yet. My parents are, of course, all about Yale because of the name, but i want to make an informed decision. I don't think i'd fit in with the "Yale System" either after i thought real hard about it and talked to some students. After visiting each school, it always became my new "number one"

Anyone give me some tips on how to choose between these schools? which one would you choose? Gahhh, it's stressing me out hardcore that it's all I think about.

OSU = ohio state, btw.
 
makeshift123 said:
I'm still waiting to hear back from Penn and one waitlist, but I've been so fortunate to be accepted to these places so far. I have no idea how I'm gonna choose now. It's become the best, hardest decision of my life. I was just offered a full tuition scholarship at UNC, no idea about fin aid at the other schools yet. My parents are, of course, all about Yale because of the name, but i want to make an informed decision.

Anyone give me some tips on how to choose between these schools? which one would you choose? Gahhh, it's stressing me out hardcore that it's all I think about.

OSU = ohio state, btw.
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I would kill people to be you. Seriously. :lame:

I would go with UNC since you got a full scholy there (amazing btw) and it's still an amazing school. Unless the others throw you tons and tons of money, you can't pass up the quality for the price (which is none) of UNC.

Congrats.
 
makeshift123 said:
I'm still waiting to hear back from Penn and one waitlist, but I've been so fortunate to be accepted to these places so far. I have no idea how I'm gonna choose now. It's become the best, yet hardest decision of my life. I was just offered a full tuition scholarship at UNC (OOS), no idea about fin aid at the other schools yet. My parents are, of course, all about Yale because of the name, but i want to make an informed decision. I don't think i'd fit in with the "Yale System" either after i thought real hard about it and talked to some students. After visiting each school, it always became my new "number one"

Anyone give me some tips on how to choose between these schools? which one would you choose? Gahhh, it's stressing me out hardcore that it's all I think about.

OSU = ohio state, btw.
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Really, I kinda stopped reading after this. Your answer is RIGHT there. Also, your parents need to STFU unless they plan on taking your student loan debt after you graduate.
 
Geekchick921 said:
Really, I kinda stopped reading after this. Your answer is RIGHT there. Also, your parents need to STFU unless they plan on taking your student loan debt after you graduate.
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They actually are offering to help me substantially. They started a fund for me when i was born and I was fortunate enough to go to undergrad on scholarship, so they are gonna use that money to help me with tuition. I've calculated it to be about 85% total.
 
Yeah... this is really easy. UNC is not an unknown by any means, and you'll save a ton. Well unless you get similar offers from your other schools.

EDIT: oh, you posted while i was writing. Would they contribute that if you didn't go to Yale? You say you don't think Yale would be a good fit, so I'd still side with UNC.
 
d1ony5u5 said:
Yeah... this is really easy. UNC is not an unknown by any means, and you'll save a ton. Well unless you get similar offers from your other schools.

EDIT: oh, you posted while i was writing. Would they contribute that if you didn't go to Yale? You say you don't think Yale would be a good fit, so I'd still side with UNC.
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Even if they wouldn't help with expenses if he went elsewhere, I don't think he should choose Yale because that's what his parents are all about if he doesn't feel like he'd be a good fit there. Sounds like a great way to become miserable and resentful towards your parents.
 
Geekchick921 said:
Even if they wouldn't help with expenses if he went elsewhere, I don't think he should choose Yale because that's what his parents are all about if he doesn't feel like he'd be a good fit there. Sounds like a great way to become miserable and resentful towards your parents.
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Right, I was just wondering if they are willing to put that money to use somewhere else, not implying he should go to Yale even if he thinks it's not a good fit.

It's really cool that you have another option at the same, or even lower cost!
 
Moving to the School Specific Discussions subforum.

And dude, take the money and run. So few people get those kinds of scholarships. And like was mentioned, UNC is well known too.
 
I'd wait until you hear back from other schools. If you don't get any other full tuition scholarships, I'd go to UNC in a second.
 
Where do you feel that you fit in? Baylor obviously offers bang for your (or your parents) buck, especially once you obtain residency. Of course name recognition is really nothing, but I can imagine that this might be difficult for your parents to grasp.

If you see yourself as happy at UNC, it's really a no-brainer. You'll have the same letters after your name in 4 years!
 
canjosh said:
Where do you feel that you fit in? Baylor obviously offers bang for your (or your parents) buck, especially once you obtain residency. Of course name recognition is really nothing, but I can imagine that this might be difficult for your parents to grasp.

If you see yourself as happy at UNC, it's really a no-brainer. You'll have the same letters after your name in 4 years!
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The thing that really irks me about this, is that both my parents are doctors too, so i THOUGHT they would understand what graduating with no debt would mean and that name isn't everything. But i mean, if they're gonna pay for wherever i go.... what to do?

My parents have always supported me financially (paid my cell, car, insurance, food, going out money, etc.). That's just how my culture works. The whole "I'm an adult, I'm gonna do whatever I want" doesn't fly with my family/culture as a whole. If my parents have supported me my entire life, and will be supporting me in rent and part of my tuition next year, they are gonna have a big, maybe even bigger than myself, say in where i go.

It's depressing, I know, but its something I've gotten used to. I really feel like I can fit in at either of the schools. I guess I'm just nervous about the Yale System because i need the structure in my life and need someone to push me every step cuz I always find myself lacking motivation.
 
makeshift123 said:
The thing that really irks me about this, is that both my parents are doctors too, so i THOUGHT they would understand what graduating with no debt would mean and that name isn't everything. But i mean, if they're gonna pay for wherever i go.... what to do?

My parents have always supported me financially (paid my cell, car, insurance, food, going out money, etc.). That's just how my culture works. The whole "I'm an adult, I'm gonna do whatever I want" doesn't fly with my family/culture as a whole. If my parents have supported me my entire life, and will be supporting me in rent and part of my tuition next year, they are gonna have a big, maybe even bigger than myself, say in where i go.

It's depressing, I know, but its something I've gotten used to. I really feel like I can fit in at either of the schools. I guess I'm just nervous about the Yale System because i need the structure in my life and need someone to push me every step cuz I always find myself lacking motivation.
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Tell your parents that it's your life and you're gonna do what you want. You don't seem to want to go to Yale, and if you need tests and motivation and stuff, you're right, it's probably not the place for you. But you're an adult. Your parents should understand this. Why don't you sit down with them and talk it through? UNC isn't a bad place. Nor are any of the schools on your list. They shouldn't be making your decisions for you, even if that means you have to pay for stuff yourself.
 
makeshift123 said:
The thing that really irks me about this, is that both my parents are doctors too, so i THOUGHT they would understand what graduating with no debt would mean and that name isn't everything. But i mean, if they're gonna pay for wherever i go.... what to do?

My parents have always supported me financially (paid my cell, car, insurance, food, going out money, etc.). That's just how my culture works. The whole "I'm an adult, I'm gonna do whatever I want" doesn't fly with my family/culture as a whole. If my parents have supported me my entire life, and will be supporting me in rent and part of my tuition next year, they are gonna have a big, maybe even bigger than myself, say in where i go.

It's depressing, I know, but its something I've gotten used to. I really feel like I can fit in at either of the schools. I guess I'm just nervous about the Yale System because i need the structure in my life and need someone to push me every step cuz I always find myself lacking motivation.
Click to expand...

You can also take charge of your life and use loans to pay your cost of living like everyone else will be doing during med school. You won't have tuition to add to that debt if you go to UNC, so your debt will be minimal if your parents "cut you off".
 
makeshift123 said:
I'm still waiting to hear back from Penn and one waitlist, but I've been so fortunate to be accepted to these places so far. I have no idea how I'm gonna choose now. It's become the best, yet hardest decision of my life. I was just offered a full tuition scholarship at UNC (OOS), no idea about fin aid at the other schools yet. My parents are, of course, all about Yale because of the name, but i want to make an informed decision. I don't think i'd fit in with the "Yale System" either after i thought real hard about it and talked to some students. After visiting each school, it always became my new "number one"

Anyone give me some tips on how to choose between these schools? which one would you choose? Gahhh, it's stressing me out hardcore that it's all I think about.

OSU = ohio state, btw.
Click to expand...

Don't go to Yale, fight for Penn or your waitlist if you really love it. If you otherwise liked UNC go there and enjoy non-poverty.
 
Yea while I admit name matters, you just can't turn down a full scholarship. WOW.....
 
Full scholarship for sure. Yale system is lame IMO.
 
makeshift123 said:
The thing that really irks me about this, is that both my parents are doctors too, so i THOUGHT they would understand what graduating with no debt would mean and that name isn't everything. But i mean, if they're gonna pay for wherever i go.... what to do?

My parents have always supported me financially (paid my cell, car, insurance, food, going out money, etc.). That's just how my culture works. The whole "I'm an adult, I'm gonna do whatever I want" doesn't fly with my family/culture as a whole. If my parents have supported me my entire life, and will be supporting me in rent and part of my tuition next year, they are gonna have a big, maybe even bigger than myself, say in where i go.

It's depressing, I know, but its something I've gotten used to. I really feel like I can fit in at either of the schools. I guess I'm just nervous about the Yale System because i need the structure in my life and need someone to push me every step cuz I always find myself lacking motivation.
Click to expand...

The thing is though, now you have the means to do what you want to do. It's your decision. If you accept their input, great, but you get the final decision.
 
going to a school for a name is something that kinda wears off. once your're settled in somewhere you like, you'll be happy regardless of name. if you don't like a place and go there because of the name, you'll probably be unhappy pretty soon.
 
OP, from what you've said it sounds like you are not very used to making your own decisions. I think this is a great time to start. You have a good opportunity for not necessarily going with what someone else tells you to do. You make a sensible point for why Yale is not for you. I think you'd be doing yourself some harm if you end up caving for 2 reasons: 1st, you don't fit. 2nd, you allow a situation in which you hand important decisions about your life to others.

None of this would be a problem for you if you wanted to go to Yale, but you make a good point for not wanting to...
 
d1ony5u5 said:
OP, from what you've said it sounds like you are not very used to making your own decisions. I think this is a great time to start. You have a good opportunity for not necessarily going with what someone else tells you to do. You make a sensible point for why Yale is not for you. I think you'd be doing yourself some harm if you end up caving for 2 reasons: 1st, you don't fit. 2nd, you allow a situation in which you hand important decisions about your life to others.

None of this would be a problem for you if you wanted to go to Yale, but you make a good point for not wanting to...
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I wouldn't go that far. I bet he'd be fine at Yale. He got in, didn't he? Obviously he's internally driven enough to do well. To be honest, I don't think he'd regret it if he went to Yale unless he really passionately dislikes the program, which begs the question why he didn't withdraw post interview.
 
I don't know anything about yale, but what about their system do people hate? The required thesis? (that's why I didn't apply there, haha I hate research papers)

I'd pick UNC. Full tuition scholarship and it's ranked REALLY high. It's a top school. Imagine graduating with no debt.
 
Go to UNC. convince your parents to donate at least a portion of the money they have put away to PIH or a Haiti fund or to help Americans get health insurance, anything medicine-relevant.
 
I don't know. I'd say wait and see what FA does at the other schools before you decide. I don't think Baylor has given out any scholarships yet and I agree that Pitt may throw you some money. I felt comfortable with the Yale system so I can't help you there.
 
UNC.

And maybe your parents will use the "fund" to help you buy a house or condo...

Money that parents have to spend on tuition CAN be spent on other **** - life is really expensive - spend your money wisely.
 
the toughest decisions are made among so many good choices. This is a very big decision, financially and personally. I am a bit older (mid 30s) and facing a similar position, although my scholarship is the Post 9-11 GI Bill that will cover UNC but not some of the bigger name private schools I am considering.
Try to figure out how much debt you will have at each place. Having gone through the UNC numbers as an OOS for one year and then instate, you could take out loans for some living expenses and leave medical school with under $50,000 of debt. Less if your parents will help you there. Compare this to Yale.
Personally, only you can make the decision, but something I've learned over the years---if your gut tells you that you would be more comfortable at a place like UNC, listen to it. I know it's hard to turn down the prestige of a place like Yale. Just make sure you accept Yale for your reasons. Your parents don't have to live with the added stress. Being relaxed and happy in medical school will make you more successful.
Don't make a decision quickly--gather all the info you can.
Lastly, go to 2d look at UNC and any other top choices. It will give you a chance to let UNC show you what they can offer. And I am sure they will put their best foot forward for you. I can't make it unfortunately, but if you would like to talk more about it (I am from NC, brother went to UNC med), send me a private message and I'd be happy to discuss this more with you.
 
Another vote for UNC. That scholarship sounds ballin'.

But all things equal, I'd probably choose Pitt.
 
Geekchick921 said:
Even if they wouldn't help with expenses if he went elsewhere, I don't think he should choose Yale because that's what his parents are all about if he doesn't feel like he'd be a good fit there. Sounds like a great way to become miserable and resentful towards your parents.
Click to expand...

First time I've ever heard anyone use Yale (in reference to med school) and miserable in the same sentence.
 
Honestly, if you go to UNC you can write on your ERAS (residency application) that you got a full tuition scholarship!! One of my best friends in med school had a similar decision and chose the money. He is going for plastics, and you cannot imagine how many comments he got on the fact that he was smart/gifted enough for a full ride in med school.
 
Rzarecta said:
Honestly, if you go to UNC you can write on your ERAS (residency application) that you got a full tuition scholarship!! One of my best friends in med school had a similar decision and chose the money. He is going for plastics, and you cannot imagine how many comments he got on the fact that he was smart/gifted enough for a full ride in med school.
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Huh, interesting point. Hadn't thought of the advantages, other than the evidently practical ones, of getting a full-ride scholarship.
 
I think the OP said full-tuition at UNC, not full-ride. It's fantastic but that still leaves a substantial amount of COA to cover. It's not $64K at Yale vs $0 at UNC.
 
hanjg said:
I think the OP said full-tuition at UNC, not full-ride. It's fantastic but that still leaves a substantial amount of COA to cover. It's not $64K at Yale vs $0 at UNC.
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Agreed, it is only like $40K at yale vs. $0 at UNC. 😉

Full-ride is a misnomer in medical school. I think most really mean full-tuition.
 
UNC site says MS1 COA ($67.8K)- Tuition and fees ($38.3K)= $29.5K. Yale COA says $64K.

$34.5K difference MS1 (without getting too picky about what is included in COA).

Not trying to be picky, but I'm facing similar choices and I'm just trying to learn.
 
pelliper said:
all things equal you'd choose pitt over yale? 🙄
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uhh, yeah. Me and the Yale system wouldn't mix. plus, Pittsburgh is a way cooler city than New Haven. I like New England, but I wouldn't want to live there (which is why I personally didn't apply to any North-East schools).

name isn't everything dude
 
So, to make my post/question more clear -

If UNC was a full-ride, UNC. Since it's still about $30K a year, and Yale is about $35K higher/year , for the OP it's easy . He doesn't like Yale as much as UNC. Go to UNC. For someone who likes Yale more, but still likes UNC a lot, for y'all would it automatically be the same decision? For me, I'm not so sure. I know name isn't everything, but is $ everything? And is there a demarcation line somewhere, or do we all have to find the line based on future plans and past debts? I'm thinking the line will be in a different place for all of us. 😕
 
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hanjg said:
So, to make my post/question more clear -

If UNC was a full-ride, UNC. Since it's still about $30K a year, and Yale is about $35K higher/year , for the OP it's easy . He doesn't like Yale as much as UNC. Go to UNC. For someone who likes Yale more, but still likes UNC a lot, for y'all would it automatically be the same decision? For me, I'm not so sure. I know name isn't everything, but is $ everything? And is there a demarcation line somewhere, or do we all have to find the line based on future plans and past debts? I'm thinking the line will be in a different place for all of us. 😕
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At UNC you get in-state after one year, so tuition/fees becomes $14,000.
 
traderjoe said:
At UNC you get in-state after one year, so tuition/fees becomes $14,000.
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But the full-tuition scholarship makes instate/OOS designation a non-issue.

I'd say as of right now, UNC would be pretty hard for you to pass up. If you're not feeling the Yale system (it's not for me, personally), then you're not feeling it. I think you've got a very good shot at money from Pitt, which would change a lot of things for you. If that ended up happening, Pitt would be the most attractive of the options to me.
 
When you say culture, I take it to mean you are Indian right? I am Indian too and my parents too have financially supported me throughout college and are going to pay for my medical school as well. Honestly, we are lucky that are parents are willing to pay for our med school when so many others have to take out loans. As a result, you should go to the best medical school possible, even if UNC is giving you a scholarship as you are not paying for it anyway. Take advantage of the resources you have that others do not.
 
OasisFTW said:
When you say culture, I take it to mean you are Indian right? I am Indian too and my parents too have financially supported me throughout college and are going to pay for my medical school as well. Honestly, we are lucky that are parents are willing to pay for our med school when so many others have to take out loans. As a result, you should go to the best medical school possible, even if UNC is giving you a scholarship as you are not paying for it anyway. Take advantage of the resources you have that others do not.
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Go to the medical school that is the best fit. Honestly, why go to a place that you don't really like just because it is the "best"? Four years is a long time, and at the end of the day the difference between UNC and Yale isn't going to be make or break for residency.
 
Steeler7588 said:
But the full-tuition scholarship makes instate/OOS designation a non-issue.

I'd say as of right now, UNC would be pretty hard for you to pass up. If you're not feeling the Yale system (it's not for me, personally), then you're not feeling it. I think you've got a very good shot at money from Pitt, which would change a lot of things for you. If that ended up happening, Pitt would be the most attractive of the options to me.
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UNC usually caps their scholarships at an amount determined every year. This covers most of the IS tuition, but leaves a fair amount of OOS tuition (roughly $9K). Minor difference in the grand scheme.

Steeler guy--from the Dook thread, right?--I am originally from Chapel Hill and looking forward to heading back there...I'm living in the mid west now. Are you considering UNC? Or are you going to Pitt?
 
it seems to me that in your case money isn't really an issue...you have the scholarship from UNC but you are fortunate enough to have your parents pay for wherever..

so really, the only question you need to ask yourself is..."which school am I going to be the most comfortable at and will be able to succeed at"

since your parents are so invested in your medical school education, it seems to me that regardless of where you go, they are going to care more about how WELL you do and how HAPPY you are. if you think that yale is seriously going to hinder you...then don't go there, especially if you feel like you could do better somewhere else.

if you think that yale is a place where you will do well, be comfortable at, etc...go there.


in the end it is YOUR education (sure your parents are financing it..but YOU are the one that is going to have to go to class at whatever school and live in whatever town.) if you are not happy where you are, you are not going to enjoy your medical school experience.

but don't stress too much - regardless of where you go, you're going to be a DOC...so congrats!!
 
UNC if you don't like Yale. That's some serious money!
 
I'm kind of in the same situation with a full tuition scholarship to UNC except I don't have a school like Yale to choose from. I'd think it would be the smartest decision to follow the money.
 
I vote Baylor, I do not like Yale's curriculum (too unstructured for me).
 
(not saying you will at all but...) God forbid you become a terrible doctor, then at least you wouldn't have to worry about hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt when you get fired.

go to UNC
 
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