In-state or OOS. Ranking vs. cost

[throwaway432167]

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Hey guys. I have received acceptances at both University of Kentucky and Indiana University. I'm in state for UK and leaning heavily towards it. I believe cost at IU is 20k more per year, so it would ultimately cost around 80k more over 4 years. However, IU is ranked 45 while Kentucky is 63. Were I to attend IU, I would choose the Indianapolis location. I think the advantage of IU might be more research opportunities, but I am not positive, nor am I even certain I will get involved with research. It is nice that Indianapolis is a bigger city than Lexington, though. But then again, UK has block scheduling..

Is picking UK as clear cut as a decision as I think it is? 80K is 80K, and I was very impressed by the warm reception I was given by the UK faculty and staff. The students there seemed very happy and well adjusted as well. IU had a second look day, but didn't even invite all students. I guess the question is how much is a 20 rank difference worth.

 

[Reckoner]

I guess the question is how much is a 20 rank difference worth.

Not 80 grand, all other things being relatively equal

 

[toffee_bloom]

I'm actually also from Kentucky, and personally, if I were choosing between those two, I would go with UK. (And I'm in UofL undergrad!)

There are debates about how much rank really matters, but even if it did, the difference between those in the 40-60 range is not much....if you were going off rank with that and a top 20 school then MAYBE. Saving 80K a year would be really nice!

 

[einsteinm]

I'd go with UK. IU isn't much better (certainly not 80k).

 

[throwaway432167]

And how bout them Cats. Is there any argument that could be made to justify IU? I can't imagine there would be a specialty or residency that IU could help me get into that UK couldn't if I am truly working hard. Any IU students or people who interviewed there have any comments?

 

[NonTradJp]

Is that difference after fin aid packages. That might really change things up.

 

[throwaway432167]

Is that difference after fin aid packages. That might really change things up.

Yup. Unfortunately.

 

[NonTradJp]

Yup. Unfortunately.

It is ultimately your decision. If it was me and I felt more comfortable at UK, I would go there especially since it's 80k cheaper. I hear ranking is more of an issue near the top. Also, you should look at what the school offers that is important to you such as support, atmosphere and such. And definitely compare clinical experiences and training. If your goal is to become the best doctor that you can be, arbitrary rankings won't really matter much.

 

[xffan624]

Hey guys. I have received acceptances at both University of Kentucky and Indiana University. I'm in state for UK and leaning heavily towards it. I believe cost at IU is 20k more per year, so it would ultimately cost around 80k more over 4 years. However, IU is ranked 45 while Kentucky is 63. Were I to attend IU, I would choose the Indianapolis location. I think the advantage of IU might be more research opportunities, but I am not positive, nor am I even certain I will get involved with research. It is nice that Indianapolis is a bigger city than Lexington, though. But then again, UK has block scheduling..

Is picking UK as clear cut as a decision as I think it is? 80K is 80K, and I was very impressed by the warm reception I was given by the UK faculty and staff. The students there seemed very happy and well adjusted as well. IU had a second look day, but didn't even invite all students. I guess the question is how much is a 20 rank difference worth.

45... 63.... nobody cares. Go to the school you want. Which if you're a sane person should be the cheaper one and the one you felt more comfortable at.

 

[gyngyn]

45... 63.... nobody cares. Go to the school you want. Which if you're a sane person should be the cheaper one and the one you felt more comfortable at.

I agree there is no substantive difference from the outside.

 

[Kanyeezy23]

I agree there is no substantive difference from the outside.

45... 63.... nobody cares. Go to the school you want. Which if you're a sane person should be the cheaper one and the one you felt more comfortable at.

What would you say about the difference between a school that usually ranks around 22-26 versus a school that is unranked (or ranked like 75+)? Would you say that this difference (about 50 spots) is worth considering?

 

[gyngyn]

What would you say about the difference between a school that usually ranks around 22-26 versus a school that is unranked (or ranked like 75+)? Would you say that this difference (about 50 spots) is worth considering?

That might be worth consideration depending on your circumstances.
This not because of the "ranking" but the potential for expanded opportunities.

 

[username456789]

Does either one have mandatory class attendance? Avoid that one.

 

[claduva94]

Also keep in mind that you probably aren't guaranteed a spot in Indianapolis and very well could wind up somewhere else.