BU vs. Rochester vs. OSU

[globalhealthpremed123]

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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• 2 yr preclinical seems outdated with Step 1 P/F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• Strong Memorial hospital and med building seem old and outdated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.

 

[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

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.

 

[TheDataKing]

OSU

 

[hailbate]

OSU is the move