I know that it's absurdly early but do you have any idea about what kind of job you will want when you graduate? I chose CWRU over two state schools, in part because I was thinking that I might want to enter academic medicine. One of the state schools isn't known as a research school at all and the other, although it has an o.k. reputation, doesn't really allow time for students to participate in research. CWRU has many labs to choose from and with the half days of classes, there is plenty of time at CWRU to pursue research or other outside interests. I am grateful for the class schedule too because I just don't think I could take 8 hour days. I have enjoyed the elective program- there are some subjects in class that I have no enthusiasm for and it's great to have the chance to study things that I am interested in. There is some funding available for research and other projects during the summer between first and secone years. Part of the decision was just gut instinct- I really liked CWRU when I visited, the students still seemed happy, and got o.k./bad impressions from the other two schools.
Things I don't like: the syllabi that we have to work from and the organization of the committees are of varying quality. I think that I've learned what I need to but what committee chairs emphasize and what will be important on boards/wards don't always coincide. We pay for our short classes with a longer school year too. Also, I'd rather not be in Cleveland/the midwest, but that's just personal preference.
Is it worth it? My debt will be higher than it would have been at one of the state schools, but there is some need-based aid, so it isn't as bad as the difference between tuitions. I had a terrible impression of the one state school and I think I would have been very stressed and unhappy there- I paid extra NOT to be there. If you are certain that you want to be exclusively clinical in a non-competitive field and you liked your state school, I am not sure that CWRU would be worth the extra money.
