Howard vs Oakland Beaumont

[markelle]

Hello everyone,

During the cycle I have been fortunate to have a handful of interviews, some which I have already declined and some I have scheduled for sometime in December.

So far I have an acceptance at Howard, 4 interviews scheduled in December, 1 in Jan and 1 in March

My interview at Oakland is coming up and I am beginning to question if I would go even if I were accepted.
I have made a pro and cons list but would love to hear your opinion if you have any on the schools. Trying to save on flight costs!


Howard

Pro's

• close to home,
• the atmosphere of the school, the family-like bond between students
• they do have some new simulation facilities that were just recently built
• HBCU!! I attended a diverse PWI (in a predominantly African American county) but most medical schools do not have much representation of African Americans/ Africans. I live in one of the most diverse cities in the US. I don't want to be 1/8 blacks when there are 80+ ORMS (ex. UMD, Vermont, etc )
• They have a good match list for residency,
• urban>> suburan settings. the exposure is better I know for sure
• lower tuition than OU
• small class size

Cons

• Financial issues. Every year Howard is in the local DC news bc of some $$ issues that are affecting students. I have many friends who went to Howard and spent a GOOD deal of time in the FA office, but they never let this reason alone stop them from coming back!
• I presume ranking matters when applying for residency programs
• COST OF LIVING! DC is in a strong gentrification period, I would consider a room-mate, but I also prefer to just live alone

Oakland

PROs

• newer school/ new facilities
• strong reputation for having one of the best hospital systems in the country
• good match list as well
• small class size

CONS

• newer school, less reputation, unranked just like Howard
• Most matches were in the mid-west, I would want to match in the east coast
• Don't really feel like moving to MI, but would if the tuition came out lower after scholarships
• suburban setting

I haven't interviewed at Oakland yet, but if anyone has any kind words to speak on the school please let me know!

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[libertyyne]

This question really boils down to if you want to have a HBCU experience or not. Oakland is a great school and option if the answer to the first question is no.