Cincinnati Vs. Vanderbilt

[Tibial.Tuberosity]

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I’m really happy and blessed to have the choice between these great schools. I feel torn and can’t seem to make my mind up about these two schools.

For Vanderbilt, it’s obviously more prestigious and has a big name. Nashville is a great place and the campus looks so nice. They also do a 1 year pre clerkship curriculum and it’s complete P/F. The downsides is that it is around 4.5 hours away from my family and I have 0 connections in Nashville. Also Vanderbilt will cost more than Cincinnati.

Cincinnati is not as prestigious but still a great school. The main drive for me to go to Cincinnati is because i’m from there and I’ve been there my whole life. The campus is 20 minutes away from my family and it’s less expensive. I feel that having that support around would be really good to have during my studies. I also know some students who already go there and would have a good social network. I also believe that Cincinnati is not completely P/F and have some sort of quartile ranking.

Tuition price is factor but not an aboslute dealbreaker for me which I’m extremely grateful for. That being said, Cinci is significantly less expensive as it is almost hald the price. Should I go for the prestige and a new chapter or stay with my family and friends?

 

[m1redsox]

Prestige is a tool to be used as an aid to achieve your personal goals, and nothing more. If you are interested in derm, a surgical sub, or academia, then the Vanderbilt name may make your path to achieving those goals more attainable.

With that said, Cinci is an excellent school as well and is well known. Matching any specialty or T20 IM program is certainly achievable from Cinci. It also takes the cake on cost and support, which in my opinion, tips the scales towards Cinci.

 

[newkungfukenny]

I agree the scale is tipped currently toward Cinci, but do you know if Vandy matches or can even bring the cost down? I’d argue there’s some reasonable extra amount of money I would pay (certainly not double) to go to Vandy because I think p/f, a free 3rd year, and a better location are extremely valuable

 

[Mr. Macrophage]

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt is known to never match 🙁

I agree the scale is tipped currently toward Cinci, but do you know if Vandy matches or can even bring the cost down? I’d argue there’s some reasonable extra amount of money I would pay (certainly not double) to go to Vandy because I think p/f, a free 3rd year, and a better location are extremely valuable

 

[newkungfukenny]

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt is known to never match 🙁

F

 

[Tibial.Tuberosity]

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt is known to never match 🙁

Would it be worth it to reach out after some people withdraw their acceptances and see if they can give me at least any money?

 

[Mr. Macrophage]

Would it be worth it to reach out after some people withdraw their acceptances and see if they can give me at least any money?

You can try! But everyone I’ve talked to who tried to negotiate with Vanderbilt came back empty handed, and they specify that they don’t negotiate.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

I think you should go to Vanderbilt - P/F clerkship year is invaluable. You're also really not that far from family.

 

[Tibial.Tuberosity]

I think you should go to Vanderbilt - P/F clerkship year is invaluable. You're also really not that far from family.

You think the price difference is worth it?

 

[m1redsox]

You think the price difference is worth it?

No. P/F grading is not worth $200k + interest. With grading becoming less and less relevant for residency apps (primarily because there is so much variation between schools like in this case), it is merely a matter of convenience (less 3rd year stress) than an absolute necessity.

Now, if you are considering derm/nsg/ortho/ophtho/ent/plastics, then P/F grading may be icing on the cake of going to a great school that will maximize your chances of matching, but you haven't mentioned a specialty interest.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

I think it might be worth it - it's a significantly better name and a better curriculum structure that would set you up for future success. OP, I think you should visit both and decide from there. Just don't let the distance be the deciding factor here is my counsel.

 

[Tibial.Tuberosity]

I think it might be worth it - it's a significantly better name and a better curriculum structure that would set you up for future success. OP, I think you should visit both and decide from there. Just don't let the distance be the deciding factor here is my counsel.

Thank you for your advice. I already visited cinci and will be visiting Vandy next week. The only deciding factor for me is money. I emailed both schools for financial aid offers so we will see if they give me anything.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Thank you for your advice. I already visited cinci and will be visiting Vandy next week. The only deciding factor for me is money. I emailed both schools for financial aid offers so we will see if they give me anything.

Excellent, sending good vibes for both!

 

[Student2025!]

I would go to the one that is cheaper and a bonus if near friends and family.