How to rank these programs?

[ibarne242]

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Hey all,
It's a little early to be discussing this, I know, but I'm pretty sure I have my top 2 and just wanted to ask if anyone could shed some light on this/convince me one way or the other. I applied FM
I'm originally from Chicago but I've been living in NYC for the past year and a half. By far my top two programs, and I'm almost 100% sure of this, are going to be University of Chicago North Shore and Overlook Medical Center (in Summit NJ about 20 miles west of NYC).
Location: Honestly, I like NYC more than Chicago. I like the northeastern location better. I like how it's warmer and the musical arts community, which I'm actually a part of, is stronger here, though Chicago's is nothing to scoff at. But I mean, come on, U Chicago North Shore? Like, I still like Chicago a lot and it's a cool city and stuff, even though it's not NYC. Both programs are in the suburbs.
Life: I also care about resident work-life balance and happiness; both programs seemed like this was a strength. Overlook seemed maybe a bit better for this but barely. Also being in Chicago would mean familial support. In NJ/NYC area I have friends but no true family.
Prestige: We know which has more prestige.
Like, would it be crazy stupid for me to rank Overlook #1 and U Chicago North Shore #2? Or would it be totally valid and not weird?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

If you want to go to Overlook more than North Shore then rank overlook higher.

 

[sab3156]

To be honest, FM isn't a prestige heavy field so I would just go to where you think you will be happiest. It would be very different if you were asking about a field in which you wanted access to competitive fellowships and were deciding between UChicago and some random other place that may limit your fellowship opportunities. Chicago is a great city and you'd probably really like your time at UChicago in general, but it is really hard to beat NYC. Also much cheaper to live comfortably in a very nice apartment in the city of Chicago even as a resident.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

To be honest, FM isn't a prestige heavy field so I would just go to where you think you will be happiest. It would be very different if you were asking about a field in which you wanted access to competitive fellowships and were deciding between UChicago and some random other place that may limit your fellowship opportunities. Chicago is a great city and you'd probably really like your time at UChicago in general, but it is really hard to beat NYC. Also much cheaper to live comfortably in a very nice apartment in the city of Chicago even as a resident.

Not to mention having family in Chicago, thats maybe less important when you don't have kids, but if they are anywhere on the radar its much better to be closer to parents.

 

[ibarne242]

To be honest, FM isn't a prestige heavy field so I would just go to where you think you will be happiest. It would be very different if you were asking about a field in which you wanted access to competitive fellowships and were deciding between UChicago and some random other place that may limit your fellowship opportunities. Chicago is a great city and you'd probably really like your time at UChicago in general, but it is really hard to beat NYC. Also much cheaper to live comfortably in a very nice apartment in the city of Chicago even as a resident.

you're so right. It's like, I could maybe deal with those tough longer winters just for the sake of having a gorgeous apartment within grasp

 

[ciestar]

My ROL is going in as where I want to be most. If you like Overlook, rank them #1.

(Having some FOMO now, i cancelled my Overlook IV hahah)

 

[AMEHigh]

Rank whichever program you like better and location you’d prefer to be.