Geisel (Dartmouth) vs Wisconsin (waitlist)

[iris314]

I'm fairly high on the Wisconsin ranked waitlist so there's a good chance I'll be accepted, so I want to plan ahead. I am perfectly happy going to Geisel if I don't get off the waitlist. For reference I want to go into emergency medicine, with specific interests in rural medicine & trauma access. I do want to do research but am not gunning for a career in academic medicine.

Geisel
Pros

• School culture & vibe - I just feel like I would fit in
• Third year rotations across the country in places I'm keen on (California, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona)
• Very cool elective course options
• Much closer to boyfriend in NYC and best friend in Boston
• I'm very outdoorsy so I'm fine with the location
• More likely to be able to live in a house with a yard rather than an apartment

Cons

• More expensive (about ~10k a year)
• Not as well ranked/less research funding
• Facilities are not as nice
• Far away from my family

Wisconsin
Pros

• Would be able to save money living with a family member
• Close to my immediate & extended family & I miss living in Wisconsin in general (though this may be nostalgia lol)
• Better ranked/lots of research funding
• Nicer/newer facilities
• Urban setting but lots of rural exposure

Cons

• Would have to live with family if I want to save money lol
• I didn't click as well with the overall vibe on my interview day
• I don't particularly care for Madison/like living in a city as much
• Mixed feelings about third year rotations around the state
• Less diverse class in terms of most people being from WI

Summary: I didn't bring up much about the curriculums because I like both, and there are equal pros/cons to each for me. I want to go out west if possible for residency, but am really open to anywhere. Both schools match people at places I'd be happy to go

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[Yhwach]

Do you want to live with your family?

 

[iris314]

Feelings are mixed. I'd be living with my aunt, who's right near the school. That would be great, but there is some tension between my aunt and my mom that I'm worried would be problematic and stressful

 

[Yhwach]

Feelings are mixed. I'd be living with my aunt, who's right near the school. That would be great, but there is some tension between my aunt and my mom that I'm worried would be problematic and stressful

If this is the case. I would not even bother. Seriously if you can not live at home it will be a lifesaver. Your sanity > saving money. You need to be sane in medical school.

 

[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

Sounds like you'd be happier at Dartmouth. I wouldn't worry about ranking. Both of these schools are good, and if they both match people into places you'd like to go, then it's a moot point. 40K more in the grand scheme of things is manageable. Go with Dartmouth even if you get off the WL at Wisconsin.

 

[Wolvvs]

If this is the case. I would not even bother. Seriously if you can not live at home it will be a lifesaver. Your sanity > saving money. You need to be sane in medical school.

100% agree. If you're in medical school worried about whether your aunt's going to kick you out for one reason or another, you're not going to be able to perform well.

It seems like you want to go to Dartmouth anyway.