BU vs. Rochester vs. OSU

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Hi everyone,

I've been fairly lucky this cycle and have narrowed my choices down to 3 great schools. All 3 seem more or less the same regarding rank and research opportunities.

I'm interested in global health, emergency medicine, infectious disease research, and stem cell research. I hope to match in EM or IM on the west coast, ideally in Seattle.

BU: ~340K in loans
Pros:
  • Really like the mission and commitment to underserved patient population
  • Like Boston and have a lot of friends there
  • One of the busiest EDs in the northeast
Cons:
  • Most expensive even with scholarship
  • 2 yr preclinical seems outdated with Step 1 P/F
  • med school building was a bit old
  • Rumors that BU as an institution may stay closed (online only) until Jan 2021 due to Covid
Rochester: ~320K in loans
Pros:
  • Great clinical training
  • Level 1 trauma center
  • Family is from Rochester so lots of social support
Cons:
  • the city of Rochester is small
  • Bad vibes on interview day
  • Strong Memorial hospital and med building seem old and outdated
  • 2 yr preclinicals
OSU: ~220K in loans
Pros:
  • ~100-120K cheaper
  • Brand new hospital and med school building
  • Grew up in Ohio
  • 1.5 yr preclinical
Cons:
  • Not a huge fan of Columbus
  • Seems easier to get lost in the system at such a huge school
  • Lower "prestige"

I appreciate any input or advice you may have. I'm on 5 T20 WLs that I would probably go to over these schools if admitted, so this may be a moot point.
 
As you indicated all three of these schools are fantastic and roughly equivalent in terms of rank/prestige, and the cost differences are significant. Go with your cheapest option, OSU.
 
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