Einstein vs Duke

[kenopsiac]

Hey everyone,
I’m really struggling with my decision and would love some outside perspectives. I’m deciding between Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Duke. Here’s what’s on my mind:

Einstein

• Free tuition (this is huge, but I am not taking out a loan)
• Close to home (I’m from a neighboring state and my whole support system is in the area)
• Thinking about matching into NYC—Manhattan specifically (NYU, Columbia, Sinai, Cornell). Being in the area could help with networking, rotations, etc.

But cons…

• It’s not as highly ranked (I do wonder how that’ll impact competitive match potential)
• Neighborhood safety is a concern
• Facilities are a bit dated
• Mentorship/research might not be as strong as Duke, and I worry that I’ll struggle to stand out for a competitive match

Duke

• Love the 3rd research year and flexibility in the curriculum
• T5 ranking, which might help for competitive specialties
• Seems very social and collaborative—not cutthroat
• Beautiful campus, great resources, strong mentorship
• Graduates match super well across the board

But…

• Far from home and family
• Expensive tuition (again, will graduate debt-free)
• Monday exams (not sure how much that impacts life)
• It’s a more rural area than I’m used to (I’ve only ever lived in big cities and I’m a little nervous about that adjustment)

I’m wondering how much the name, mentorship, and opportunities at Duke would open doors—versus staying close to home and being tuition-free at Einstein. Would love to hear from anyone who’s made a similar decision, goes to either school, or has thoughts in general! Thanks in advance.

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[dimplesage]

I do think the free tuition at Einstein merits consideration, even if ultimately you would be graduating debt free at either location. I can't comment too much on Einstein specifically, but I can comment on Duke (went there for undergrad and know some med students). I would say tons of people are unsure about the Durham area being too suburban but end up liking the area a lot when they come visit. I think that's something you could determine for yourself if you went to 2nd look.

Overall, it's super collaborative here and all the students are very happy in my impression, especially since it's P/F all 4 years. I have heard that some students at Duke still worry about whether the Duke "name" is sufficient to help them match well, but in my impression, worrying about match is universal no matter where you go. Overall, graduates match very well regardless.

If the finances and distance from your support system is something that concerns you/is important to you, I would do Einstein though.

(Disclaimer: On the Duke Waitlist)

 

[feeling_tireddddd]

COI: on the Einstein WL, but here is my opinion: I think if you will be graduating debt free regardless, this is a very straightforward decision for Duke. We can bring in @toastedbutter and @shy_hulud to further gas up the institution, but I trust you will be able to match more or less wherever you’d like while getting the full P/F experience and freedom of the third year. Students seem very happy and yes, the T5 name does carry far.
Edit: I had not seen that Einstein was close to home. If you are interested in matching in the NY/Northeast area and want to stay close to support systems during med school, then I would definitely consider Einstein

 

[Goddo Usoppu]

On another thread I said similar thing (might be a hot take for some):
Go to DUKE. Paying 300K (or whatever sum of money) for the option of having competitive residency open to you -- that doesn't come around often. You are gonna be stuck in the field you choose - will make millions net worth. The money will come - don't let the opportunity go.

 

[Brownies_15]

Follow the money! Einstein is phenomenal and will certainly allow you to match into the specialty you want. 300K+ vs no tuition is a HUGE difference, despite future/expected earning potential.

I also got into Duke (rejected by Einstein) and would follow the money if I were in your shoes.

Either way though, you will be set up for success--Congrats!

 

[kahantry roads]

Einstein’s match list is essentially 50% New York City and has no shortage of matches in competitive specialties. If that’s where you want to be for residency, you will be set at Einstein and the “prestige” difference will not be a roadblock. If you value more flexibility down the road, then Duke would be the clear cut choice.

Disclaimer: on Duke WL

 

[thefirerisen]

Same as my answer on the Einstein vs UVA post, pick Einstein. Free tuition and graduating debt-free is literally huge. You're going to be able to match from any specialty from Einstein.

 

[cookiemonster204]

Dude, congrats! Go where the money is for sure. Especially if you want to stay in the city, you can start laying the ground for your connections early. You could look into the clerkship sites that Einstein has & I'm sure experience at nyc based sites would help you for residency match. Away rotations ant other nyc institutions would be do anccessible! Education quality slight difference is not worth loans imo.