Case Western vs. University of Wisconsin

[aab1111]

I have been accepted to both Case Western and University of Wisconsin but been struggling to decide. I would greatly appreciate any inputs and opinions from fellow SDNers.

My opinion on Case Western:

Pros:
- Pass/Fail
- less lecture + lots of free time to pursue other activities
- Rotations at Cleveland Clinic

Cons:
-High cost

My opinion on University of Wisconsin:

Pros:
- cheaper (but still OOS)
- rotations throughout the state

Cons:
- No Pass/Fail for 2nd, 3rd and 4th years

I am pretty neutral on other areas as both places will be pretty new for me (moving from CA).

I would love to hear you guys' opinions or comments on which school I should choose and any other important info that would help me decide.

Thanks.

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[aab1111]

Just based on Pros and Cons you've listed, I would personally choose University of Wisconsin. Case has a ridiculously high COA and I believe 3rd and 4th year at Case is also honors/commendable/ etc. So it's not completely Pass/Fail (that's only for first two years). Those two are almost similarly ranked in research, and there is really no difference in their reputation. I don't think pass/fail grading system or rotation at CC could justify that large COA difference. If you are coming from California though, Cleveland might be slightly warmer than Madison (if that matters to you). I would pick the cheaper school and run with the money!

And btw, congratz on your acceptances to two fine institutions! 🙂

Thanks. I was fortunate enough to be accepted at both of them.
You are right about the 3rd and 4th years at Case; so its not completely P/F.

I have finally received financial aid packages from both schools. With scholarship/grant from Case and no scholarship/grant from University of Wisconsin , the cost has come down to be same. What is your opinion in this scenario? Thanks for the reply.

 

[aab1111]

If cost comes down to be the same for both schools, then it really depends on which curriculum & location fit your needs and learning style better. Case 's curriculum is heavily based on PBL and a lot of small group discussions. As you've mentioned, they don't have a lot of structured lectures, but you are still expected to spend your free time to learn the material on your own. I believe it involves a lot more self-directed and independent study. In comparison, U of W has a more traditional curriculum and has structured lectures/more frequent exams & etc. It comes down to what fits your learning style more. Some people learn well in self-directed curriculum, while some people struggle in this kind of curriculum (since it's a new kind of learning style they need to adapt to). So, it comes down to what suits you best.

U of W has a slightly smaller class and more opportunities/programs on rural medicine in comparison to Case, if that's what matters to you. Again, it is probably going to be warmer in Cleveland than Madison though if weather matters to you (although they both have brutal winters...). When you interviewed at both schools, which program did you like better? In which environment do you think you'll thrive in? I would just think back to your interview days and compare your "gut" feelings for both schools. You really can't go wrong either way! Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for the insight. Good luck to you as well.

 

[pennies124]

Getting the opportunity to learn at Cleveland Clinic would be awesome! My pick would be Case since you seem pretty even in terms of preference.

 

[einsteinm]

Cleveland Clinic. Lebron James. End thread.

 

[JPA178]

Devil's advocate... Even though the grading isn't ideal, I think UW will have a higher quality of life from its location alone. Even though you'd get to do some work at CC if you went to Case, UW is still an awesome hospital. And Madison >>>>> Cleveland, by a long shot. I say go to med school at UW and think about doing your residency at Cleveland Clinic.