Deciding Between Med Schools - MCW, Creighton, Drexel

[corleone90]

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Hello,

I know this is the millionth thread like this one, but many are outdated and I'd like to make a decision sooner rather than later - thanks in advance. I currently have 1 MD acceptance (MCW) and am on 2 wait lists (Creighton and Drexel). I currently live in Northern California. I know that since I have only 1 acceptance this is all hypothetical, but I am cautiously optimistic about getting at least one more acceptance - also, I'd like to inform the other schools as soon as possible to be fair to those who are waitlisted. I've been weighing the pros and cons of each and here's what I have so far. Also, I don't know what I'll specialize in after med school, but right now I'm leaning towards psychiatry (I realize that may change during rotations).

MCW
-Pros: Students seem happy here, noncompetitive environment, good vibes, Milwaukee seems like a pretty cool town, but...
-Cons: It's ridiculously cold, and being a fan of warmer climates, that's not ideal for me; also, they have a fairly new curriculum which means it hasn't been tried and tested

Creighton
-Pros: Warmer climate than Milwaukee, but still colder than what I'm used to; you have the option of spending your 3rd and 4th year in Phoenix (much warmer!); happy students and good vibes here as well
-Cons: I didn't particularly care for Omaha - I didn't hate it, but I think I preferred Milwaukee (except for climate); seems a bit more expensive than MCW, even though the cost of living is a little cheaper in Omaha (see my note below)

Drexel
-Pros: You have the option of spending your entire 3rd year in Northern California, which is cool for me because I'd like to come back to this area for residency; I love It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; I think it's cool you can choose between PIL and IFM programs
-Cons: I got mixed feelings during my interview day (but this might be because I didn't care for my interviewer all that much); I have mixed feelings about Phili as well (I'm a small town guy, but I could adapt) and the cost of living would most likely be greatest here

One last note: I've been trying to compare the cost of these schools looking at their total cost of attendance pages on their respective websites, but they all seem to calculate it differently, making it hard to draw direct comparisons. I know that MCW used to be the cheapest of the three, but I'm not entirely sure if that's still the case. Cost is a big deal for me, so I'd like to get others opinions on which school you believe would be the most affordable and which would be the least. I hope I did not offend anyone with this thread - I think all three are great schools and I'd be lucky to attend any one of them.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Once you get a better idea of the cost then I think this decision will be easier, unless they all cost the same. I would just do your own calculations- factor in tuition, 12 months of rent, 12 months of food/expenses, books and supplies (including a computer if you need a new one) and travel and see what you come up with. Figure in the 3rd/4th years in other places too since that is something you're likely to gloss over now but it could make a difference.

Sounds like Drexel is your least favorite of the three, and if there are no glaring differences in cost or curriculum/grading between MCW and Creighton, then you should pick the school where you liked the environment better since that will make a huge difference in your happiness and well-being in medical school (ie, dont go to MCW if you dont think you can take the winter and don't go to Creighton if you think you really don't like Omaha-- not sure how you'd really be able to tell that from an interview though so I wouldn't write it off so quickly).

Edit: if this were me, I'd probably pick Creighton since I hate winter haha

 

[justletmeinplz2]

Hey OP! I am in the exact same situation as you! Did u decide which school will you be attending?

Does anyone have any idea about which school will offer the most opportunity to land a residency in Cali?

Thank you!!

 

[Entadus]

Creighton all day 🙂

(I don't know anything about Drexel)

 

[corleone90]

Hi justletmeinplz2, I'm leaning towards MCW at the moment - I actually followed lostintranscrip's advice and made a spreadsheet. It was a difficult decision, but I have ruled out Creighton and I think I'm getting close to ruling out Drexel.

 

[jturkel]

do any of them have a county hospital?

 

[corleone90]

It's official - I just withdrew my application at Creighton and Drexel and I will be attending MCW in the fall! Thank you to those who voted/commented.