Duke vs. Northwestern

[5lippy]

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Got into both. currently an undergrad at Duke.

Pros/Cons for each? Split decision? Am I being stupid for caring?

 

[somethingdeep]

Unless you hate living in Durham, Duke all the way!

 

[940]

If I were not a Duke undergrad, I would go to Duke. But since you are, it's hard to decide because it might be a good idea to look for a different experience and live in a new location. 8 years at Duke and possibly residency as well is a lot of time in Durham, not one of the best places. Northwestern would give you the same opportunities if you do well, and Chicago is a great city.

 

[deleted127837]

Northwestern. Academic diversity > any differences between the schools.

Unless you want to stay at Duke forever. 30%+ of a school's class ends up in their med school. Durham for up to 15 years sound good to you? Go for Duke. Have a great research project you want to continue? Consider that.

Otherwise, NW all the way.

 

[sevenmints]

Duke = better research.

NU = better real estate. You can always take a year off to do research.

 

[spf15]

If I were not a Duke undergrad, I would go to Duke. But since you are, it's hard to decide because it might be a good idea to look for a different experience and live in a new location. 8 years at Duke and possibly residency as well is a lot of time in Durham, not one of the best places. Northwestern would give you the same opportunities if you do well, and Chicago is a great city.

I agree with this. I think 8 years is a long time to spend in any place. (Before really settling down, I mean..)... my university has a med school too, and I didn't apply to it simply because I knew I wouldn't want to spend 8 years in the same place.

That said, I think Duke is better for research, though NU is also quite strong.

 

[TheonGreyjoy]

New Experiences, go with NW. 8 years in Durham is a very, very long time haha. I see you got into CCLM too? Thats a great school, not too fond of Ohio though?

 

[5lippy]

These are really good points. Is there any appreciable difference in their academic reputation? I feel like they're both really good schools so there isn't much dropoff from one program to another. But yea Chicago is def better place to live.

 

[deleted127837]

These are really good points. Is there any appreciable difference in their academic reputation? I feel like they're both really good schools so there isn't much dropoff from one program to another. But yea Chicago is def better place to live.

Reputation-wise, Duke trumps NW.

 

[wnm1]

Reputation-wise, Duke trumps NW.

Lol true.

But living wise, Chicago trumps Durham.

 

[deleted127837]

Lol true.

But living wise, Chicago trumps Durham.

If you're into the city thing. Durham's a lot warmer. 😛

But for OP, NW's the "correct" answer.

 

[wnm1]

If you're into the city thing. Durham's a lot warmer. 😛

But for OP, NW's the "correct" answer.

Basically for these two schools, if you're from the South, or if you went to Duke for undergrad, go to Northwestern for med school.

If you're not, go to Duke.

Or go to whichever makes you excited. Go to second look and see if you like the people and location.

 

[dahassa]

If I were not a Duke undergrad, I would go to Duke. But since you are, it's hard to decide because it might be a good idea to look for a different experience and live in a new location. 8 years at Duke and possibly residency as well is a lot of time in Durham, not one of the best places. Northwestern would give you the same opportunities if you do well, and Chicago is a great city.

I totally agree with this sentiment. Although I think Duke has more research opportunities and a better reputation, NW also has a great reputation and lots of research opportunities. Both schools have great matchlists and great hospital systems. Also chi-town is amazing! Unless money is significantly different, I'd probably go with NW. Since you have already done the whole Duhram/Duke thing try something new. Diversity of location and experience can be as important to an individuals growth Into a physician as the actual academic institute itself.

 

[5lippy]

I've definitely started to et bored of Durham. It's a nice city, but I'm ready for something fresh. Chicago was amazing when I visited, and I'm originally from the Midwest, so the weather doesn't intimidate me. I was more concerned about the reputation of each school. I wouldn't want to be a sold short a reputable residency because NU is lower in the rankings. But I guess all things considered, the difference in research rank shouldn't be too significant?

 

[GrabSlamBoot]

I've definitely started to et bored of Durham. It's a nice city, but I'm ready for something fresh. Chicago was amazing when I visited, and I'm originally from the Midwest, so the weather doesn't intimidate me. I was more concerned about the reputation of each school. I wouldn't want to be a sold short a reputable residency because NU is lower in the rankings. But I guess all things considered, the difference in research rank shouldn't be too significant?

If your main concern is research rank, then no, I wouldn't think 9 Vs. 18 (2013 rankings) is a significant difference. I think North Western is usually in the top 20, and I don't think anyone would tell you that you'd be limited for residency by going there, because you won't. It is a reputable school.

I do think Duke is more "prestigous" than North Western when you take into account Duke's hospital system. But if you aren't crazy about a 3rd year of research, and you do want a new living experience, you won't be giving up anything by choosing North Western. You have two great choices, can't go wrong! Good luck!