BU vs Hackensack Meridian (full-tuition scholarship)

[mdhopeful2024]

Hi all,

I was planning to attend BU for medical school - I live in Boston and have connections at the medical school and was excited to finally start medical school here - but I was recently offered a full-tuition scholarship at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and now I really don't know what to do. I would really appreciate any input!

Boston University:
Pros:
Training at BMC and in Boston in general, working with underserved populations
Previously mentioned connections to BUSM faculty
BU prestige and match list is impressive (I'm strongly considering a more competitive residency)

Cons:
$$$$, I would likely need to take out loans for full COA

Hackensack Meridian:
Pros:
Full-tuition scholarship
Close to family
Ability to graduate straight to residency in 3 years, though I wasn't necessarily psyched about going back to NJ for training

Cons:
Brand new medical school, they haven't graduated a class yet, unsure if the risk is worth the reward here
I'm not sold on the accelerated curriculum cutting out breaks - worried about an undue burden on mental health

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[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

Do you know what field you are interested in, where you would like to practice, and whether or not residency at Hackensack is guaranteed after 3 years?

 

[Yhwach]

Tough because I thought BU was great and has an awesome mission but is WAY TOO expensive.

 

[HopefulDoctor109]

Seems like a no-brainer. Hackensack Meridian for sure. Close to family, no loans, possibility to graduate in 3 years. I would take that in a heartbeat. I actually got rejected by Hackensack but got accepted to BUSM.
Plus BU is located in an unpleasant (and expensive) area and the medical school is old and claustrophobic.

 

[mdhopeful2024]

Do you know what field you are interested in, where you would like to practice, and whether or not residency at Hackensack is guaranteed after 3 years?

definitely a surgical subspecialty - leaning urology at this point

I'm not set on practicing in any particular area at this point! I honestly wasn't that psyched about going back to NJ to practice but it is close to family so it has some pros. Hackensack guarantees a residency spot in their hospital system but obviously can't guarantee that everyone gets the specialty they want.

 

[Zen Arcade]

Take the free tuition, you'll thank me later

 

[few_neurons123]

Hi, What did you end up deciding?? I am currently in the same situation