How to thoughtfuly compare schools

[delirious.demilunes]

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I have been fortunate to have been accepted to multiple schools that range in prestige, opportunities, and cost. What do you think is the best way to go about making this decision? How do you go about comparing money (i.e. state school/scholarships) vs. prestige/opportunities?

Thanks!

edit: **thoughtfully

 

[resiroth]

Other variables: location, weather, urban bs suburban, how it felt on interview day (arguably most important), quality of facilities etc.

Hard to make specific recommendations without names, but for me fit and cost are most important. If you don't think it's a good fit you won't do nearly as well as if you're in a place you like imo.

 

[karayaa]

What do you want to do with your degree?
Respect your priorities.
Consider your future plans. I would say that prestige doesn't matter unless you try for a top academic residency. And even there it's not the only factor.

 

[deleted577188]

Just give the school names; no one cares who you are.

 

[TaroBubbleTea]

It's hard to put a dollar value on your happiness, but that's basically what your doing when you compare schools. How much more are you willing to pay for a school you would be happier at? If your favorite school is the cheapest, then good on you.

 

[delirious.demilunes]

I guess my struggle is comparing a real price of indebtedness vs certain qualities that are harder to put a number on.

 

[justadream]

Just give the school names; no one cares who you are.

This.

Otherwise, you are going to get vague advice that you already know (e.g., cost should be a consideration).

 

[NeuResurgens]

Lots and lots of things to consider. Where is your family? Do you have a SO? Do you like the climate? Did you like the campus? The atmosphere? The city/town where it's located? What are your career/specialty goals? Did you get along with faculty/other students when you went there for interviews/second looks? You have to rank these things in order of importance, and then place each school on the spectrum for each variable.

 

[Willy38]

Something I'm considering is the possible research mentors you could have. Obviously don't pidgeon-hole yourself but if you are interested in certain fields and one school excels in those fields you could have a leg up by having a big name in the field write you a letter for residency. So don't discount that !

 

[Goro]

Add in curriculum, research opportunities, and how the current students feel about the place. Interpreting match lists will be like trying to read chicken guts. Good luck!

Other variables: location, weather, urban bs suburban, how it felt on interview day (arguably most important), quality of facilities etc.

Hard to make specific recommendations without names, but for me fit and cost are most important. If you don't think it's a good fit you won't do nearly as well as if you're in a place you like imo.