Head vs. Heart

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Carlin

Carlin

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I've been accepted to both Columbia and Tulane. Obviously Columbia is the more highly ranked school. It's an incredible place that I loved on my interview day, and it's in New York City, which is supposed to be a completely fabulous place to learn medicine. My interview at Columbia was my first trip to NYC, and I really liked it there, but I haven't spent enough time there to form an opinion on what it would be like to live there for four years.

But I love New Orleans, and I love Tulane. Both of my younger sisters are undergraduates at Tulane right now (freshman and sophomore, so they'll still be there for a couple of years) and both of my parents are Tulane alums (my mom for undergrad, and my dad for law school). We have many, many family friends down in New Orleans, so I already have a huge support system in the city. I don't know anyone in NYC. I love New Orleans architecture, I love New Orleans food (crawfish is my favorite thing in the world!), and I love New Orleans music. I really just love New Orleans.

Am I crazy?

Is passing up a Columbia education going to hurt me down the line?
 
Leaving the sentiments aside, what else do you like/hate about both schools?
 
I don't think you are crazy at all. You won't lose anything by choosing Tulane over Columbia, but maybe, if you can afford it, you should go to Columbia & Tulane's second look weekends so you never ask yourself "what if."
 
Are there any significant financial differences in attending either school? I can't imagine there is, as you probably would have mentioned it.

Like most people on here would say, it doesn't matter that you went to Columbia if you don't do as well as you would if you went to Tulane and did very well.. if that makes sense. I guess, pick the school that fits you the best in terms of learning style, curriculum, location, etc.. and of course, the support network. So I guess it is probably up to you to decide which school fits you better, and then maybe brain and heart will align together..

Tough decision, but it's a good place to be in. Personally I don't think you can really go wrong. Good luck.
 
Go with your heart. It'll serve you very well when things get tough in school.
 
Now, as a med student, I think the things that make the biggest impact on my life are 1) support and 2) opportunities.

Support, for me, comes from the faculty, the student body, my friends, and my parents. It can be concrete (like tutoring services or sharing notes) or less so (relaxing, getting home-cooked meals).

I'm really grateful for my school's opportunities to engage in all kinds of research, to get funding, to work in free clinics, to interact with faculty, to hang out with classmates at organized social events, to learn on my own as well as in the classroom, and to take advantage of what the undergrad campus has to offer.

I think that "support" goes hand in hand with being happy in the area that you end up in. You'll be stressed and need a way to relax and unwind - what do you think would be best for you?
 
OP, I would re-read your post. It doesn't seem to me like there's even a competition. You only sound truly excited about one of the two schools.

But yes, second look is a good idea to erase all doubts. Maybe visit a bit more of NYC while you're there and try some restaurants.
 
Yes, we all know that med school is going to be trying on every level. Being near your family around and in a place where you feel supported will be invaluable in getting through the hard times. Having said that, I agree that checking out Columbia for second look will give you more information for your decision. Good luck!
 
Carlin said:
I've been accepted to both Columbia and Tulane. Obviously Columbia is the more highly ranked school. It's an incredible place that I loved on my interview day, and it's in New York City, which is supposed to be a completely fabulous place to learn medicine. My interview at Columbia was my first trip to NYC, and I really liked it there, but I haven't spent enough time there to form an opinion on what it would be like to live there for four years.

But I love New Orleans, and I love Tulane. Both of my younger sisters are undergraduates at Tulane right now (freshman and sophomore, so they'll still be there for a couple of years) and both of my parents are Tulane alums (my mom for undergrad, and my dad for law school). We have many, many family friends down in New Orleans, so I already have a huge support system in the city. I don't know anyone in NYC. I love New Orleans architecture, I love New Orleans food (crawfish is my favorite thing in the world!), and I love New Orleans music. I really just love New Orleans.

Am I crazy?

Is passing up a Columbia education going to hurt me down the line?
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DEFINITELY not crazy... follow your heart...:luck:
 
Another thought: When it comes to residency, what you've accomplished in med school is more important than which school you attended. Social support is a key predictor of resilience, relaxation, and achievement.
 
Med school is going to be a difficult enough experience without having to adjust to being completely without friends and family on the fly. Go to the place where you'll be most happy, not where most OTHER people would be most happy.
 
You know what GO FOR IT! You are almost acting like tulane is a "Bad" school, its not! You need to do what makes you happiest, not whats best for your bank account ( which is essentially what going to columbia MIGHT be [ but most likely wont]) In a more dramatic sense, why do to med school at all? You are clearly a brilliant person, why not go to law school and make 3x what you would make in medicine by practicing corprate law...

Be happy
🙂
 
GoSpursGo said:
Med school is going to be a difficult enough experience without having to adjust to being completely without friends and family on the fly. Go to the place where you'll be most happy, not where most OTHER people would be most happy.
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👍👍

Hehe, go for it Carlin! 🙂

(yes, yes we have already established that I am on a waitlist)
 
Thanks for all the responses, guys! It's good to hear that you don't all think I'm completely out of my mind... To all you on the Columbia waitlist, I hope one of you gets my spot 🙂
 
That's foolish, IMO. Similarly, I think California is cool, warm, cozy, fun, near family. But that doesn't mean that's where I should be going to school.

It's 4 years. If you've been in LA your whole life, it'd do you some good to get out and meet different people -- even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone for a few years.

Turning down Columbia for Tulane because you don't want to take the risk of living somewhere new (like NYC) or because you like crawfish a lot is silly. I'm sure you can find crawfish in NYC. Plus, you have the rest of your life to live in LA.

But I'm sure someone from the waitlist will be thanking you.
 
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Carlin didn't say that she had spent her entire life in Louisiana, only that she had significant family connections. So I don't think going to Tulane would be a significantly smaller social leap than Columbia.

Judging from her original post, she seems to have a pretty strong gut reaction to Tulane, whereas her interest in Columbia seems to be more... academic (e.g. feels like she ought to like it because it is Columbia, after all). There is something to be said for following your heart. And frankly, if Carlin is talented enough to get into Columbia, she is likely to be very successful at Tulane as well, and will be well poised to pursue whatever residency goals she has.

Carlin, I would love to see you at Tulane in the fall. But if you were leaning the other way and really liked Columbia more than Tulane, I'd encourage you to go there. Both schools are likely to be expensive (but you should hold off until you can compare aid, IMO), so it comes down to what you think will make you happiest. I think you should go wherever you can envision yourself being happy and successful.
 
TupacalipseT96 said:
That's foolish, IMO. Similarly, I think California is cool, warm, cozy, fun, near family. But that doesn't mean that's where I should be going to school.

It's 4 years. If you've been in LA your whole life, it'd do you some good to get out and meet different people -- even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone for a few years.

Turning down Columbia for Tulane because you don't want to take the risk of living somewhere new (like NYC) or because you like crawfish a lot is silly. I'm sure you can find crawfish in NYC. Plus, you have the rest of your life to live in LA.

But I'm sure someone from the waitlist will be thanking you.
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i totally agree with you in theory. but the truth is, not everyone in the world is a tough enough cookie to take these risks, myself included. and i don't think there's anything wrong with that. 🙂 i admire people who can move about from place to place, be totally independent, and adapt quickly and easily to what's around them. but some people like being in a more familiar and comfortable place at any point in their lives-- ESPECIALLY during med school. it's going to be an intellectually and emotionally challenging four years!

to the OP, i say go to tulane if you think that's where you'll be happiest. nyc is a tough place to be in school if you don't already have some connection to the city.
 
dw2158 said:
i totally agree with you in theory. but the truth is, not everyone in the world is a tough enough cookie to take these risks, myself included. and i don't think there's anything wrong with that. 🙂 i admire people who can move about from place to place, be totally independent, and adapt quickly and easily to what's around them. but some people like being in a more familiar and comfortable place at any point in their lives-- ESPECIALLY during med school. it's going to be an intellectually and emotionally challenging four years!

to the OP, i say go to tulane if you think that's where you'll be happiest. nyc is a tough place to be in school if you don't already have some connection to the city.
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Yea, I agree with this. It all depends on the kind of person you are. If you consider yourself adaptable then you really should consider Columbia very strongly. If you KNOW you will not be happy away from your family, by all means go to Tulane. I know from experience that there are people who really just aren't happy (re: depressed) without nearby family support (my gf was miserable at a great college away from her family).

From the OP's post there is no way to know which category you fall into. If it's a question of being happy vs. depressed away from family, then by all means go to Tulane. If it's a question of crawdads vs. hoagies see my above post.
 
Carlin said:
I've been accepted to both Columbia and Tulane. Obviously Columbia is the more highly ranked school. It's an incredible place that I loved on my interview day, and it's in New York City, which is supposed to be a completely fabulous place to learn medicine. My interview at Columbia was my first trip to NYC, and I really liked it there, but I haven't spent enough time there to form an opinion on what it would be like to live there for four years.

But I love New Orleans, and I love Tulane. Both of my younger sisters are undergraduates at Tulane right now (freshman and sophomore, so they'll still be there for a couple of years) and both of my parents are Tulane alums (my mom for undergrad, and my dad for law school). We have many, many family friends down in New Orleans, so I already have a huge support system in the city. I don't know anyone in NYC. I love New Orleans architecture, I love New Orleans food (crawfish is my favorite thing in the world!), and I love New Orleans music. I really just love New Orleans.

Am I crazy?

Is passing up a Columbia education going to hurt me down the line?
Click to expand...

Think about this. One day you'll have to leave your family and friends, and start a new one and get new ones. Maybe that one day is now?
Family and friends are great, but sometimes in a way they are over-rated. Now dont kill me, just try to get what i'm saying. I love my family and my friends more than anything, but I moved (countries) so that I can follow my dream and passion 4 yrs ago. Of course its hard and all that stuff, and I kinda didnt want to, BUT meh I think it was time to get going. Is it time for you? I mean it sure wld be nice to get to see them on the weekends, and stop by for some home-cooked meal everytime...but...
IDK maybe you just love NO so much that you just want to stay. If so, good for ya! Tulane is an awesome school...but...Columbia?
Sure its great to have family and friends around for support in med school and all...but sometimes you just have to move on with your life.
One more thing before you withdraw, have you looked into financial considerations? I know Columbia is super expensive....but Tulane is ridic. I got accepted there, and even with the 10k scholarship (that I think they give everyone), its still soo crazy expensive!!!
Lets just hope your support system will actaully support you when it comes to footing the bill 😳

:luck:
 
Guys...we were doing just fine with the advice until those last 4 posts or so.

Let's try to keep up some enthusiasm for Tulane please? 😉

Think Carlin -- WARM weather. Good food. Family & support system. You want to go to Tulane. You want to go to Tulane.

01Spiral.jpg


Haha, I really should stop posting in this thread now. 😛
 
A personal anecdote. I grew up in the Northwest. I moved to a large city on the east coast to attend a med school similar to Columbia. I have no family on the east coast nor did I have any friends on the east coast, did not know a single soul. I just started over and it has worked out wonderfully. I am experiencing an environment entirely different from the Northwest, and I have made alot of great friends...granted, I am a pretty social and outgoing person. But I treasure this experience. I am very glad I left the West Coast for med school. I probably will return to my home state after I finish residency but sometimes change can be positive and spur personal growth. Just a thought to consider although it sounds like you have already made your decision.
 
pianola said:
Guys...we were doing just fine with the advice until those last 4 posts or so.

Let's try to keep up some enthusiasm for Tulane please? 😉

Think Carlin -- WARM weather. Good food. Family & support system. You want to go to Tulane. You want to go to Tulane.

Haha, I really should stop posting in this thread now. 😛
Click to expand...

hey, i totally advised her to go to tulane! i'm rootin' for ya, pianola!

(but seriously, OP, you sound like you've made your decision already. and i bet NOLA will be the right place for you. congrats on having such a great decision to make!)
 
OP:

What are your career goals? Where you go to school is only important if you want to do academics or perhaps an ultracompetitive specialty like rad-onc or derm or ent. On the other hand, performance in medical school is more important than where you went (except for the ultra-elite academic snob residencies like Harvard, which like Ivy-JHU inbreeding). In Columbia you'll be competing against a higher caliber of students, on a curve during your basic science years, and against very highly motivated and ambitious individuals in your clinical years. Tulane should probably be far more relaxed and offer a better chance to excel.

Also, look at financial aid. If Tulane offers substantially better financial aid than Columbia, and if you believe you would perform substantially better at Tulane than Columbia (and know that your performance depends as much on the curriculum and fellow students as it does on you), then I would go with Tulane. Otherwise, Columbia.
 
mercaptovizadeh said:
OP:

What are your career goals? Where you go to school is only important if you want to do academics or perhaps an ultracompetitive specialty like rad-onc or derm or ent. On the other hand, performance in medical school is more important than where you went (except for the ultra-elite academic snob residencies like Harvard, which like Ivy-JHU inbreeding). In Columbia you'll be competing against a higher caliber of students, on a curve during your basic science years, and against very highly motivated and ambitious individuals in your clinical years. Tulane should probably be far more relaxed and offer a better chance to excel.

Also, look at financial aid. If Tulane offers substantially better financial aid than Columbia, and if you believe you would perform substantially better at Tulane than Columbia (and know that your performance depends as much on the curriculum and fellow students as it does on you), then I would go with Tulane. Otherwise, Columbia.
Click to expand...

i acknowledge that tulane is a more relaxed school (as i learned from that recent fantastic thread 😛) but i do not think the students at tulane are of a lower caliber than they are at columbia! this process is such a crapshoot; a super talented and motivated student could end up at any number of schools.

the OP may be more relaxed at tulane for a lot of reasons that she's already mentioned, but student caliber is not one of them, IMO.
 
TupacalipseT96 said:
Turning down Columbia for Tulane because you don't want to take the risk of living somewhere new (like NYC) or because you like crawfish a lot is silly. I'm sure you can find crawfish in NYC. Plus, you have the rest of your life to live in LA.
Click to expand...


chiz2kul said:
Think about this. One day you'll have to leave your family and friends, and start a new one and get new ones. Maybe that one day is now?
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong- It's not that I can't do things on my own. I went to college in Virginia, and had never been to that state before, didn't know anyone there, and was perfectly successful. I've had a myriad of life experiences that took me away from home and my family. My draw to Tulane isn't 100% based on having friends and family in the area.

I was born and raised in Michigan, and that's where all of my family, except for my two sisters who are students are Tulane, still live. I've never lived in New Orleans (or Louisiana) before, but have visited the city several times.

This isn't an issue of crawfish vs. hoagies either. I love the opportunities to rebuild after Katrina, I love the new Dean who is 100% dedicated to the school, and I love that the student body and administration is supposed to be extremely chill. I just see New Orleans as a place I could be happier. It's a city that suits my personality, and Tulane is a school that I can see myself loving. You know that little spark of "OMG I WANT TO GO HERE" that a lot of you got at various interviews? I got it at Tulane.

Okay, so this post has turned into me completely defending Tulane, so I'm 100% sure that my mind is made up now, because I really have no reservations even though I have so many of you telling me I should. Problem solved, I think! 🙂

P.S. Pianola, you are totally cracking me up. I'm really rooting for you to get into Columbia! :luck:
 
Carlin said:
Don't get me wrong- It's not that I can't do things on my own. I went to college in Virginia, and had never been to that state before, didn't know anyone there, and was perfectly successful. I've had a myriad of life experiences that took me away from home and my family. My draw to Tulane isn't 100% based on having friends and family in the area.

I was born and raised in Michigan, and that's where all of my family, except for my two sisters who are students are Tulane, still live. I've never lived in New Orleans (or Louisiana) before, but have visited the city several times.

This isn't an issue of crawfish vs. hoagies either. I love the opportunities to rebuild after Katrina, I love the new Dean who is 100% dedicated to the school, and I love that the student body and administration is supposed to be extremely chill. I just see New Orleans as a place I could be happier. It's a city that suits my personality, and Tulane is a school that I can see myself loving. You know that little spark of "OMG I WANT TO GO HERE" that a lot of you got at various interviews? I got it at Tulane.

Okay, so this post has turned into me completely defending Tulane, so I'm 100% sure that my mind is made up now, because I really have no reservations even though I have so many of you telling me I should. Problem solved, I think! 🙂

P.S. Pianola, you are totally cracking me up. I'm really rooting for you to get into Columbia! :luck:
Click to expand...

I'm glad we could help you come to the conclusion you already knew in your heart 🙂 Sounds like you've got a myriad of great reasons for liking Tulane.

But I'm afraid Pianola can't go to Columbia; she legally bound herself to going to Baylor last night 😉
 
Carlin said:
I've been accepted to both Columbia and Tulane. Obviously Columbia is the more highly ranked school. It's an incredible place that I loved on my interview day, and it's in New York City, which is supposed to be a completely fabulous place to learn medicine. My interview at Columbia was my first trip to NYC, and I really liked it there, but I haven't spent enough time there to form an opinion on what it would be like to live there for four years.

But I love New Orleans, and I love Tulane. Both of my younger sisters are undergraduates at Tulane right now (freshman and sophomore, so they'll still be there for a couple of years) and both of my parents are Tulane alums (my mom for undergrad, and my dad for law school). We have many, many family friends down in New Orleans, so I already have a huge support system in the city. I don't know anyone in NYC. I love New Orleans architecture, I love New Orleans food (crawfish is my favorite thing in the world!), and I love New Orleans music. I really just love New Orleans.

Am I crazy?

Is passing up a Columbia education going to hurt me down the line?
Click to expand...

If you really like Tulane, than go there. But, you have to try new things and experience life.. I'm sure you've been to New Orleans dozens of times.. But how often does one get to live in New York City... I know people who've gone there for college, and tell me its a wonderful experience. But at the end of the day, go w/ whatever makes you happy.. Don't worry about the rankings.
 
I think you'd be happy at either places, but I'd say, go with your gut feelings. I've been going with my gut feelings throughout my life, and I don't have very many regrets yet 🙂

If you think about it too much, it's possible to justify it either way. Your gut will go only one way.
 
There was some psych study that I read about that basically said that people are much happier if they make decisions according to their gut rather than be rationalization. So yeah, stop trying to convince yourself about what you should do and just do what you want 🙂
 
If you follow your heart, you mind will find some way to rationalize it. If you choose to follow your head, your heart may not be nearly as accommodating.

Go with your heart. Even if you can't put your finger on all of the things you love about a certain school, you do have reasons for the way you feel. Trust yourself.
 
Listen to your head, you'll thank yourself later.
 
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like they said....visit NYC to see if it grows on you, but otherwise, sounds like Tulane is for you!
 
The heart is a lonely hunter.
 
go to tulane.. no question. It doesnt matter where you go to medical school.. Truly doesnt.

NYC is an over priced sh it hole anyway. thats the truth of the matter. You will pay too much for rent, you will be inconvenienced by the traffic, parking, city life. trust me on this one.
 
Carlin said:
I've been accepted to both Columbia and Tulane. Obviously Columbia is the more highly ranked school. It's an incredible place that I loved on my interview day, and it's in New York City, which is supposed to be a completely fabulous place to learn medicine. My interview at Columbia was my first trip to NYC, and I really liked it there, but I haven't spent enough time there to form an opinion on what it would be like to live there for four years.

But I love New Orleans, and I love Tulane. Both of my younger sisters are undergraduates at Tulane right now (freshman and sophomore, so they'll still be there for a couple of years) and both of my parents are Tulane alums (my mom for undergrad, and my dad for law school). We have many, many family friends down in New Orleans, so I already have a huge support system in the city. I don't know anyone in NYC. I love New Orleans architecture, I love New Orleans food (crawfish is my favorite thing in the world!), and I love New Orleans music. I really just love New Orleans.

Am I crazy?

Is passing up a Columbia education going to hurt me down the line?
Click to expand...

Go to Tulane. You would be crazy Not to! It is important to have a good support base, and for something as stressful as Med school, it will be nice to know that there are a lot of friends and family nearby who can help you out if you ever need it, even if it is just to invite you over for dinner when you haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping. On top of that, the opposite goes for NY. You will be alone and in a new place, and what happens if you decide that you don't like it there? Great Medical opportunities or not, if you decide that you hate it there you will be miserable. Add that to the stress of Med school, and not knowing anyone outside of who you meet in your class and you could end up one unhappy camper indeed. If you have the opportunity to go to a school in a place that you already know and love and have friends and family nearby, the I say do it!

That said, NY could be a great learning experience and an adventure! 🙂
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck! :luck: Hope all goes well and congrats on your 2 acceptances! 🙂👍
 
maceo said:
go to tulane.. no question. It doesnt matter where you go to medical school.. Truly doesnt.

NYC is an over priced sh it hole anyway. thats the truth of the matter. You will pay too much for rent, you will be inconvenienced by the traffic, parking, city life. trust me on this one.
Click to expand...


Tulane University - School of Medicine:

2008-09 First Year (for the 9.5 month period of enrollment)
Tuition/Fees:
- $47,234
Room/Board: - $13,030*
Books /Supplies - $ 1,500
Transportation - $ 3,016
Miscellaneous: - $ 3,862**
TOTAL - $68,642

2008-09 Second Year (for the 9.5 month period of enrollment)
Tuition/Fees:
- $47,234
Room/Board - $12,410*
Books/Supplies: - $ 1,500
Transportation: - $ 2,870
Miscellaneous: - $ 3,790**
TOTAL - $67,804

2008-09 Third Year (for the 11.5 month period of enrollment)
Tuition/Fees:
- $47,234
Room/Board: - $15,514*
Books/Supplies: -
$ 750
Clinical Skills Exam Fee - $ 1,000
Transportation: - $ 3,576
Miscellaneous: - $ 4,160**
TOTAL - $72,234

2008-09 Fourth Year (for the 10.5 month period of enrollment)
Tuition/Fees:
- $47,234
Room/Board: - $13,962*
Books/Supplies: - $ 150
Clinical Skills Exam Travel - $ 500
Transporation: - $ 3,232
Miscellaneous: - $ 3,972**
TOTAL - $69,050
 
maceo said:
go to tulane.. no question. It doesnt matter where you go to medical school.. Truly doesnt.

NYC is an over priced sh it hole anyway. thats the truth of the matter. You will pay too much for rent, you will be inconvenienced by the traffic, parking, city life. trust me on this one.
Click to expand...

Just finishing at Columbia, and Maceo you're right, except that MEd School is the perfect time to live in NYC. Student housing (expensive but subsidized), no car, no parking and NYC to hang out in. I agree, there comes a time to leave the craziness, but if it's a ****hole, why are so many people still clamoring to live here? It's fun. And a 4 year stint is the cheapest (relatively) way to do it. Residency and certainly life as an Attending...not so much, agreed. LOL.
 
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