Case Western vs. University of Wisconsin SMPH

[poliwhirl33]

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U Wisconsin SMPH
Pros

• 1.5 year pre-clinical curriculum seemed very progressive and, as they told me, helped a lot of students with Step 1
• Campus culture felt very friendly, collaborative
• Lots of innovative research taking place
• Madison is a great college town, and coming from Michigan I'm pretty used to harsh winters so that's not a big concern
• MEDIC student-organized free clinic is something I'm very interested in doing

Cons

• Haven't been able to locate a match list (please link me one if you can!)
• Far from home- 6.5 hours ish
• Didn't really love the medical campus- the school building is newer but kind of dull
• Curriculum seems to condense a lot of information in a shorter period, leaving less time to explore other activities.
• Away rotations at the other UW campus hospitals around Wisconsin

Case Western
Pros

• Curriculum features a lot of team/problem based learning and a lot of time to dedicate to studying, research, and other activities.
• Really loved the brand new medical school building and environment of the school (lots of natural lighting which might sound strange but has a really positive effect on my mental health)
• Rotations at cleveland clinic, UH, and metro health
• Closer to home and support system (~3 hour drive)
• Incredible research opportunities and mentorship
• Match list is very impressive

Cons

• Would likely be ~$10,000/year more expensive (not really that much more considering total costs of each school)
• Cleveland is up and coming, but still not as safe as living somewhere like Madison.
• Seemed to attract more competitive/gunner type students
• Not a great city for walking

Summary: I can see myself being happy with attending either institution, but would love to receive some input on other's impressions/experiences at the schools.

 

[pbandjamie]

Case Western also has a 1.5 year pre-clinical! For what it's worth

 

[deleted950316]

I’d say CWRU. Seems like you’ll be happier there based on proximity to family/support system and your love of the buildings/environment there (taking care of your mental health is super important!) The research opportunities and rotations are also unbeatable. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for cwru imo

 

[YerAWizardKhalifa]

I would say Case Western as well. That new building is literally gorgeous. Lowkey may be the best medical school building in the nation.

 

[m1redsox]

Your pros/cons seem to say Case. If it’s closer to home, ranked slightly higher, and you enjoyed it more, then I think you should take those awesome cleveland clinic rotations and run with them! Also Cleveland >> Madison IMO.