Help Me Decide: Carle Illinois vs. Western Michigan vs. IU vs CMS

[BIPBAP]

Hi all, thanks for your input...I was a BME in undergrad with a focus in materials science but always knew I wanted to be in medicine. That being said, I loved my classes and for awhile did consider pursuing a higher degree in Eng/ MatSci. I don't know exactly what type of specialty in medicine I'd like to be, but rad onc. and interventional radiology both seem very interesting to me. Though pediatrics specialties also interest me. I could also see myself popping around to an academic hospital for awhile, and can also see myself doing something with medical innovation. Kinda all over the map on my interests. As far as hobbies, I like to drive around and be outdoors, play basketball in leagues, and see live music.

Western Michigan and Carle both gave me large scholarships making them 2x most affordable.

Western Michigan:
Pros:

• Really great facilities
• Good match again and are beginning to be more established
• Cost
• Largest class
• best outdoors option
• Students seemed the happiest
• Best outdoors nearby

Cons:

• Is there a lot to do in Kalamazoo?

Other:

• P/F (first two years) and H/P/F (I think) next 2

IU:
Pros:

• Well established
• Bloomington is nice

Cons:

• Small class size
• Cost

Other:

• Didn't get to meet students so no idea if they're happy
• P/F for Phase I

Carle:
Pros:

• Facilities seemed really nice on my showcase day
• Students are probably most similar to me, leads to great opportunities
• great rec center
• Cool mission statement -- matches my own

Cons:

• Would be only second class at the school -- is this a big risk?!
• Never loved Urbana-Champagne
• Small class size

Other:

• Students seemed stressed
• Everyone I've talked to about this school doesn't really "get it". Adds to the question of is it a big risk? Will residency directors think it is a gimmick?

CMS
Pros:

• Could live in Chicago for 2 years
• Lots of students
• Great match
• P/F

Cons:

• No teaching hospital seems like a big deal?
• Location for first 2 years
• The EMT thing in the curriculum

I'm also on the waitlist at MCW, which I liked because it had a track for medical innovation, great facilities, and an ever larger class size. I assume I would get no money there though.

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[deleted966008]

For your interests I would choose WMU or Carle. Between those, WMU is probably “safer” but Carle seems very exciting

 

[puahate]

Kinda think Carle would be dope to go to.

 

[smab]

I agree but the only thing for OP is he’d really have to be self-disciplined for STEP studies because I don’t think they focus on that much at all

Disagree. Assessments throughout Phase 1 are entirely STEP-focused!

 

[deleted966008]

Disagree. Assessments throughout Phase 1 are entirely STEP-focused!

I apologize! I’ll put my foot in my mouth 🤐. Still vote for WMU or Carle though

 

[Mavski]

I loved WMed when I interviewed there! However, considering your engineering background, I think going to Carle would be a really unique opportunity! Either way, congrats on your options!